Baptism | Bury The Past And Start All Over Again

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Baptism represents two outstanding events: first, Christ's death, burial, and resurrection; secondly, a death to sin, a burial of the old nature, and a spiritual resurrection on the part of those accepting Christ.

In this lesson we will learn the meaning and importance of baptism, as well as the way Jesus [Yahushua] showed it should be administered.

Baptized Into Christ

1. When was the ordinance of baptism instituted?

It began with John the Baptist and Christ.

2. What personal example did Jesus set in respect of baptism?

“Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” Matthew 3:13.

Answer: He was baptized by John the Baptist (in river Jordan) not because He had sinned, but as an example to us, and to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). Heaven was pleased, for we read, Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3: 17). He commanded His disciples to baptize converts among all nations.

NOTE: The true Christian will obey the command of Christ that brings him into such a close relationship with God. The baptized believer is actually adopted into the royal family of God and takes the royal name of Christian.

3. Of what is baptism a symbol?

It is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our redemption. See Romans 6:3-8.

NOTE: Just as Christ died for the sins of the world, was buried in the tomb, and was resurrected again, so the sinner must die a spiritual death to sin; his old life must be symbolically buried in the waters of baptism, and then he must be raised from the watery grave to live a new life in Christ Jesus.

4. What does Paul say should be done to the old life of sin?

Our old man is crucified with him. Romans 6:6. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Ephesians 4:22. Put off the old man with his deeds. Colossians 3:9.

5. After the old man of sin is crucified and put off, what else should be done with him?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death .... That the body of sin might be destroyed. Romans 6:4, 6. See Colossians 2:12.

6. What is represented by the candidate's being raised from the watery grave at baptism?

A resurrection; a rebirth; the beginning of a new life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Romans 6:5. After baptism Christians are to walk in newness of life. (Ro­mans 6:4).

Prerequisites

7. Is baptism necessary?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38.

8. In refusing the baptism of John, what did the Pharisees and lawyers reject?

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Luke 7:29, 30.

What should precede baptism?

A. The candidate should be carefully taught.

Teach all nations, baptizing them. . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20.

The candidate should be taught all things that Jesus commanded. This is really much more necessary today than in the apostles' time, for the following reasons:

There was a definite risk and sacrifice even in professing Christianity in the days of the apostles. Baptism tended to eliminate a mere nominal profession of His name. People do not relish scorn, reproach, division in the family or martyrdom just to take up a new religion. But, today, it is a matter of honor to be counted a church member. So every candidate for baptism should understand fully what it means to become a follower of Christ.

In those days, Jesus Christ Himself was the issue. No one thought of any Sabbath but the Bible Sabbath. So that was not an issue. But today it is. Today, the teachings of Christ, as well as Christ Himself, is the issue. What will the candidate do? Accept Christ and reject His teachings? This is impossible. To receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour means to accept all things whatsoever He commanded.

One may join a church that preaches Christ and yet deny almost every fundamental doctrine of Bible religion. We have, in the churches today, everything from fanaticism and playing with rattlesnakes, on the one hand, to ethereal ideas that there is no sin or death, but only God and life and good. Millions seek some mystic higher plane while evading the eternal teaching of the Word of God and avoiding the everlasting truths that sin is the transgression of the law of God. That the wages of sin is death, and that Jesus is the only Saviour from the transgression of the law. It is therefore clearly essential that candidates for baptism be thoroughly taught all things that Jesus commanded; else the profession of Christ may mean fatal delusion and dangerous heresy.

B. He must believe.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16.

After being taught, the candidate should, in his heart, believe in Christ as Lord, as a personal Saviour, and in His teaching. It is not enough to say, I believe in Christ. Today that may mean almost anything. He should believe His Word and teachings as recorded in the Bible; and, by faith, follow his Saviour.

C. He must repent of his sins.

Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2Corinthians 7:10.

To repent means to turn away from sin. It means to turn to God and righteousness. Man, of his own free will and choice, must make the decision to turn to God and away from sin and error.

A vital element of true repentance is godly sorrow, which worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). This repentance God will give us if we are willing to turn away from every sin (Acts 5:31; Romans 2:4). God's love melts the heart, and the Spirit of God makes us truly sorry for sin when we behold the precious Saviour dying for the sins we have committed.

D. He must be willing to die to sin (Romans 6:3, 11-13).

As Jesus died for sin, man must die to sin. He will choose to lose a hand, a foot, an eye, before he wills to use them to do evil (Mark 9:4347). His hands will not hold ill-gotten gain or lift to his lips the red and stirring wine that bringeth forth babbling and woe. Nor will he stain his fingers or foul his breath with the poisons of tobacco. His feet will not cross the forbidden places of the world's alluring and sinful pleasures. He will not yield his members as instruments of unrighteousness.

E. He must be ready to live for God (Romans 6:11,13).

And Christ will dwell in him by His Holy Spirit. When Satan knocks at his heart door, he will find the old man gone - dead. A little girl put it this way: When Satan comes to my heart's door and calls for me, I tell him that Jesus lives here, and then Satan goes away. When God calls, we yield our members as instruments of righteousness unto God. With Isaiah we say. Here am I; send me (Isaiah 6:8). Such are born again men and women. Candidates for baptism should learn, believe, repent, die to sin, and surrender to God; therefore, infant baptism is not Biblical. We may dedicate our children to God, but infant baptism is without meaning in the light of these facts. There is no example for it in the New Testament!

The Bible Way

9. What is the only mode of baptism recognized in the Bible?

Answer: Immersion. The Greek root word baptizo means to dip, to plunge, to immerse .. to cover with fluid, etc., as material is dipped into a vat of dye, as the blacksmith plunges hot metal into a tank of water. The meaning is definitely not sprinkle or pour.

What is the only form of baptism that properly represents Christ's burial and resurrection, sprinkling or immersion?

Answer: Baptism by water is God's plan. This is made clear by Jesus' words to Nicodemus:

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5. John baptized at Aenon, because there was much water there (John 3:23).

“Buried with him in baptism” Colossians 2:12.

Burial beneath the water, entirely hidden from the world, the eyes closed and breath held, just as in a real burial, then raised again from the water, opening the eyes, catching the breath, and again associating with loved ones, just as in an actual resurrection.

10. Is the method of baptism important?

Answer: Yes, because the method is designed to illustrate the meaning and purpose of baptism. Said Paul:

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:3-6

Notice these four points:

A. Baptism commemorates Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

B. It symbolizes the death and burial of the old man of sin.

C. It represents resurrection to newness of life in Christ Jesus.

D. It indicates the washing away of sin (Acts 22:16).

Since baptism commemorates the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and Jesus died and rose but once, those who immerse the individual three times instead of once miss the important point of Jesus' sacrifice once for all (1 Peter 3:18).

Those who baptize the candidate face down, depart from the regular mode of burial. The old man of sin must die and be buried, and the new man (Ephesians 4:22, 24) be brought forth to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

This is symbolized by the candidate's closing his eyes, holding his breath, being buried under the water, being raised up, opening his eyes and breathing again, then walking out of the watery grave. Sprinkling or pouring simply cannot symbolize this spiritual work of grace in the Christian. Baptism is first and foremost an outward symbol of the change made by God's grace in the sinner's heart.

11. Does baptism take place in the water?

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. Matthew 3:16.

12. Do the candidate and the administrator both go into the water?

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no ,more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38, 39.

Answer: Philip and the eunuch went into the water, and came out (Acts 8:36-39). Philip baptized in the same manner as John the Baptist. He and his candidate went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. They then came up out of the water.

Here we have but one candidate. He could have been sprinkled with a few drops of water or a cup of water might have been poured over his head, but this would not have been baptism according to Jesus' example and commandment; hence Philip immersed the eunuch in a pool of water by the side of the road.

13. Why did John sometimes baptize in a place called Aenon?

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they carne, and were baptized. John 3:23.

Answer: The water in the Jordan at certain seasons of the year was low, and baptism by immersion would have been difficult. So at such times John went to Aenon.

14. How did the people of Samaria publicly testify to their faith in the preaching of Philip?

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8: 12.

15. What should every newly converted individual do?

Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16.

Answer: They should make the decision at once to be baptized and then start fellowship with others every Sabbath.

16. In connection with Christian baptism, what is washed away?

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16. (See Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21.)

Answer: Sins are washed away.

17. By what means are sins washed away?

Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood. Revelation 1:5.

Answer: By the blood of Jesus Christ.

18. Into whose name are believers to be baptized?*

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” Acts 2:38.

Answer: According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament church invoked the name of Jesus at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was in the name of Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus, not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

* PLEASE SEE APPENDIX AT THE END OF THIS LESSON BELOW.

19. Since all denominational churches have fallen in doctrines such as in “Trinitarian Baptismal formula”, what is the door to Christ’s home church?

Answer: We are baptized into Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3). The church members are called the members of Christ's body, and we are baptized into this body of Christ on earth. Christ calls Himself the door, but we are baptized into Him. Thus baptism is an entrance. Notice three points:

A. Christ is the head of the Christian body (Ephesians 4:15-16).

B. We become members of Christ's body, the church, at baptism (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).

C. We are baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13).

20. Some ask about being baptized more than once?

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:1-5.

Answer: In the above scriptures is the record of believers who were baptized twice. Important new truth had come to them, and they acted upon it and were re-baptized.

NOTE: There is still another lesson for us in the experience of those Jewish converts. When they received baptism at the hand of John they did not fully comprehend the mission of Jesus as the Sin Bearer. They were holding serious errors. But with clearer light, they gladly accepted Christ as their Redeemer, and with this step of advance came a change in their obligations. As they received a purer faith, there was a corresponding change in their life. In token of this change, and as an acknowledgment of their faith in Christ, they were rebaptized in the name of Jesus.

21. Some ask whether baptism of the Spirit is not sufficient?

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Acts 10:44-48

Answer: Here Peter commanded these sincere believers to be baptized in the name of the Lord. They had already been baptized with the Holy Ghost.

A Marriage Ceremony

22. When believers are baptized into Christ, whom do they put on?

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27.

Answer: Our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

23. How perfect is the unity into which believers are brought by being baptized into Christ?

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13.

24. After being united with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection, what should the believer do?

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek these things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1.

NOTE: The decision to be baptized is a serious one. If you have not yet taken this step publicly and in the biblical way, we urge you to give it prayerful consideration. Since you have gone through this series of lessons, you have enough knowledge to decide in favor of this most beautiful ceremony. If you have a desire to unite with a people who believe what you have been learning, please let us know and we will assist you in every way possible. May God richly bless you as you consider this important step.

Appendix: The Baptismal Formula in Scripture and History

Every time the Bible records the name or formula associated with an actual baptism in the New Testament church, it describes the name Jesus. All five such accounts occur in the Book of Acts, the history book of the early church. It records that the following people were baptized in Jesus' name.

The Jews, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

The Samaritans. They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus' (Acts 8:16). The Gentiles. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48). (The earliest Greek manuscripts that we have say, In the name of Jesus Christ, as do most versions today.) The disciples of John (re-baptized). They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5). The Apostle Paul. Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in Jesus' name. See Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27 ; Colossians 2:12; James 2:7.

The only verse of Scripture that anyone could appeal to in support of a threefold baptismal formula is Matthew 28: 19, in which Jesus commanded baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. However, there is a very strong case which suggests that these words of Matthew 28:19 were not penned down by Matthew, but that there were added by Rome, many centuries later. For further study on the origin of this verse, we recommend that you view the following short video.