Baptism | Bury The Past And Start All Over Again

Baptism represents two outstanding events: first, Yahushua'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 Yahushua.

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

Baptized Into Yahushua

1. When was the ordinance of baptism instituted?

 Although it appears to have begun with John the Baptist and Yahushua, it has far more ancient roots dating back to Israel leaving Egypt for according to Paul:

“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;” 1 Corinthians 10:1-2

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

“Then comes Yahushua 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 Yahushua that brings him into such a close relationship with Yahuwah. The baptized believer is actually adopted into the royal family of Yahuwah and takes the royal name of "Christian," a follower of Yahushua, the Christ ("the Anointed").

3. Of what is baptism a symbol?

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

NOTE: Just as Yahushua 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 the Anointed, Yahushua.

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 Yahushua, the Anointed, 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 Yahuwah, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of Yahuwah 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 Yahushua 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 an ekklesia member. So every candidate for baptism should understand fully what it means to become a follower of Yahushua.

In the apostolic days, Yahushua Himself was the issue. No one regarded any Sabbath, but the Bible Sabbath. So that was not an issue. Today, however, the teachings of Yahushua (as well as Yahushua Himself) are the issue. What will the candidate do? Accept Yahushua and reject His teachings? This is impossible. To receive Yahushua as Master and Saviour means to accept all things whatsoever He commanded.

One may join a "church" that preaches Yahushua and yet deny almost every fundamental doctrine of Bible religion. We have, in the churches today, everything from fanaticism and playing with rattlesnakes to ethereal ideas that there is no evil, sin, or death. Millions seek some mystical higher plane while evading the eternal teaching of the Word of Yahuwah and avoiding the everlasting truths that sin is the transgression of the Law of Yahuwah. They deny that the wages of sin is death, and that Yahushua is the only Saviour from the transgression of the law. It is, therefore, essential that candidates for baptism be thoroughly taught all things that Yahushua commanded; if not, the profession of Yahushua may, in reality, be a 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 Yahushua as Master, as a personal Saviour, and in His teaching. It is not enough to say, I believe in Yahushua. 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 Yahushua, the Anointed, for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38. “For sorrow in accordance with the will of Yahuwah worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10.

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

A vital element of true repentance is sorrow, which worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). This repentance Yahuwah will give us if we are willing to turn away from every sin (Acts 5:31; Romans 2:4). Yahuwah's love melts the heart, and the Spirit of Yahuwah 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 Yahushua 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 9:43-47). 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 Yahuwah (Romans 6:11,13).

And Yahushua 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 Yahushua lives here, and then Satan goes away. When Yahuwah calls, we yield our members as instruments of righteousness unto Yahuwah. 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 Yahuwah; therefore, infant baptism is not Biblical. We may dedicate our children to Yahuwah, 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 Yahushua's burial and resurrection, sprinkling or immersion?

Answer: Baptism by water is Yahuwah's plan. This is made clear by Yahushua's 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 Yahuwah. 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 Yahushua, the Anointed, were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as the Anointed 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 Yahushua'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 the Anointed, Yahushua.

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

Since baptism commemorates the death, burial, and resurrection of the Anointed One, and Yahushua died and rose but once, those who immerse the individual three times instead of once miss the important point of Yahushua's 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 Yahuwah's grace in the sinner's heart.

11. Does baptism take place in the water?

And Yahushua, 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 Yahuwah 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 Yahushua's 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 Yahuwah, and the name of Yahushua, the Anointed, 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 Anointed. 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 Anointed. 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 Yahushua, the Anointed.

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 Yahushua the Anointed for the remission of sins” Acts 2:38.

Answer: According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament ekklesia invoked the name of Yahushua at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was in the name of Yahushua, the Anointed, or Master Yahushua, 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 Yahushua’s home ekklesia?

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

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

B. We become members of Yahushua's body, the ekklesia, 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 the Anointed, Yahushua. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Master Yahushua.” 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 Yahushua as the Sin Bearer. They were holding serious errors. But with clearer light, they gladly accepted Yahushua 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 Yahushua, they were rebaptized in His Name.

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 Yahuwah. 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 Master.” Acts 10:44-48

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

A Marriage Ceremony

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

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

Answer: Our Master and Saviour, Yahushua, the Anointed.

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

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 the Anointed. 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 Yahushua in the likeness of His death and resurrection, what should the believer do?

If ye then be risen with the Anointed, seek these things which are above, where the Anointed sitteth on the right hand of Yahuwah. 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 ask Father Yahuwah to help lead another soul to His truth, and then you can baptize each other. May Yahuwah richly bless you as you consider this important step.

Appendix: The Baptismal Formula in Scripture and History

The Scriptural Record

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

The Jews, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yahushua, the Anointed, 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 Master Yahushua (Acts 8:16). The Gentiles. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Master (Acts 10:48). (The earliest Greek manuscripts that we have say, In the name of Yahushua, the Anointed, as do most versions today.) The disciples of John (re-baptized). They were baptized in the name of the Master Yahushua (Acts 19:5). The Apostle Paul. Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Anointed (Acts 22:16). Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in Yahushua's 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 Yahushua 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.