STUDY No. 33 - BAPTISM

Baptism is one of those controversial subjects among churches. There are differences of opinion regarding who should be baptised, when they should be baptised and even how! However, we must not omit the subject, because it is one of the two clear requests of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, namely: In this study we shall consider the first, and later (STUDY 36) the second of these.
As we study, we are not concerned with any particular church's teaching. We only want to consider what the Bible has to say on this important subject.

THE STORY OF BAPTISM

Matthew 21: 25 -  Was John's baptism of God or was it of men?

Matthew 3 -  Read the whole chapter.

Notice how John was called to this particular ministry. Notice the main thrust of his preaching. He called people to turn to God. He called them to prepare for the coming of the Lord (v. 3). It was in fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah (40:3). Take note of how he was dressed and what he ate (v. 4). Then see what happened (v. 5,6).

It really is a fascinating account of John's special ministry, and his baptism was called a baptism of REPENTANCE (v.11). Then (surprise!) Jesus is baptised by John. Notice why (v. 15) and with what result (v. 16, 17).

Acts 13:24
Notice the primary call of John's ministry was baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Now when we come to the baptism instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, it is for those who profess to be His followers and disciples:

Matthew 28:19, 20 -  It is appointed as a Christian practice by the Lord Himself.

We see this being practised in the following passages:  Acts 2:38-41 and  Acts 8:12, 38
We see Paul being baptised: Acts 9:18

It obviously became a "sign" of discipleship. Some churches teach it is "an outward and visible sign, signifying an inward and spiritual grace".

First we BELIEVE then we CONSENT to be BAPT1SED

Acts 10:44-48 - Peter argues they should be baptised. On what grounds?
Acts 16:14, 15 - Here we see Lydia being baptised because she believed.
Acts 16:31-34 - The jailor is baptised following his believing.

Acts 19:1-5 - Notice the difference between John's baptism and that of the believers:

• the one unto repentance;
• the other following spiritual rebirth.
The classic example of Christian Baptism in the early Church is found in Acts 8:26-40. Read the passage carefully. Here we have the story of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch to whom Philip was sent to point him to Christ.

Here we have the type of person who should be baptised - one who believes with all his heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We have the confession by the mouth of such belief in the heart (v. 27). This is one of those verses that are omitted from most modem versions, or questioned. We even have same indication as to the amount of water there was "as they went down both into the water".

"WHAT DOTH HINDER ME?" Acts 8:36

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM

1. Baptism is an act of OBEDIENCE

John 14:15 teaches us that true love is evidenced by our obedience to Christ. (See verses 21, 23, 24).  It is not merely expressed by what we say.

Mark 16:16 declares: "the mind of Christ". This is what He wants. Believing should be followed by baptism "as a mark of Christian discipleship" (W.H. Griffith Thomas).

2. Baptism is an act of IDENTIFICATION

Read carefully Romans 6:3-5. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward significance. Paul takes care to instruct us that as Christ died for us, so we should consider ourselves to have died with Him. The waters of baptism are likened to a grave into which we go, and rise again! We are to RECKON this by faith.

3. Baptism is an act of INTEGRITY

(1 Peter 3:20, 21). When we consent to be baptised, the actual baptism before others is a sign that attests our honest belief in its substance. We are declaring to all who are present that we have personally received the truth concerning Christ and consent to His Lordship over our lives.

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