2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Lesson 3
Introduction: The Bible teaches that water baptism has nothing to do with a sinner being saved during this age of grace. Water baptism for the believer is a "like figure" of the Spirit baptism, an act of obedience on the part of the believer, and a testimony to the world that the believer is already a true Christian.
A. Who should be baptized in water?
Those who have already been saved and born again: Acts 10:47
Those who have first believed in Jesus Christ: Acts 8:36 & 37
B. When should a believer be baptized?
After a true salvation experience: Acts 9:6, 18; 19:4; 16:31-33; 18:8.
Shortly after salvation. ( same verses as 1.)
Since infants are "safe" and must understand the Law of God and what sin is before they need to be saved,"infant baptism" is wrong: Romans 4:15; 5:13; 7:7-10.
C. What is true water baptism according to the Bible?
Immersion or complete burial in water: Romans 6:4; Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19.
"Sprinkling" is connected with blood, not water, in the New Testament: Hebrews 9:13; 10:22; 11:28; 12:24; I Peter1:2.
Water baptism is NOT part of or connected with "the gospel" which saves a sinner: Romans 1:16; I Corintians 1:17; 15:1-6.
It is one of seven different "baptisms" taught in the New Testament.
D. Why is baptism submitted to by the believer?
It is a "like figure" (physically) of the believer's past salvation experience which included a spiritual death, burial, resurrection, baptism, and new birth in side the believer: I Peter 3:21; Romans 6:3-11; I Corinthians 12:13; Galations 3:26-28.
It is an act of obedience and submission to the pastor or shepherd of a local church whom God has ordained to lead the believer out of the world and into a spiritual walk with Christ: I Corinthians 9:27 - 10:2.
It is a testimony of the believer's belief in a future physical resurrection: I Corinthians 15:29; 51-53.
