Water Baptism

Water Baptism By Debra Miner (2008) The Journey’s Work

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16 Jesus Christ came to earth as a human being to show us the way to eternal life. Reading His story in the Bible (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) explains His teachings and how He lived, so that we can also know how to live. What were the initial instructions for new Believers in Jesus? 1. Believe that Jesus is really the Son of God (Acts 8:37). 2. Repent—Turn away from sin (Acts 2:38). 3. Be baptized with water (Acts 2:38). 4. Receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 There are many different thoughts and practices of water baptism throughout the Christian churches. But what does the Bible say? What should your response be? As you read through these Scriptures, allow the Lord to instruct your heart and be willing to obey what He has to say as you pursue “newness of life” in Him (Romans 6:4).

“ ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ ” Acts 8:36b-37 In Scripture, Water Baptism is …. Commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:44-48) Done immediately after hearing and believing the Word. (Acts 2:41, 8:12-13, 8:3638, 18:8) More urgent than food. (Acts 9:18-19, 16:33-34) With much water. (Baptize is from the Greek word “baptizo” meaning “fully wet.”) (John 3:23; Acts 8:38) Done with groups or individuals. (Acts 8:12, 8:38, 16:15, 16:33, 19:18) An act of repentance, washing away sins. (Acts 2:38, 22:16; Hebrews 10:22) A type of burial symbolizing Christ’s death and our death to sin. (Romans 6:3-14; Colossians 2:11-14) Expected and unifies believers. (Galatians 3:26-29) Exemplified by Jesus. (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:7-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:25-34)

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:5 Scripture References: Quoted from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.