The subjects of baptism. Before one is baptized, one must believe, repent and confess Christ's deity (Mk. 16: 16, Acts 2: 38, Rom. 10: 9-10, Acts 8: 36-37). One must also have sin to be forgiven (Acts 2: 38). There is also the necessity for some understanding of sin, God, and his word (cf. Acts 8: 26-40). It is not surprising, therefore, to read: "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women" (Acts 5: 14, no babies).
The act of baptism. Is baptism sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? Baptism (the Greek noun baptisma) means, "consisting of the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence" (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Baptism is a burial (Rom. 6: 4, Col. 2:12). Only immersion (burial) symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord (Rom. 6)
The purpose of water baptism. Baptism, when preceded by faith, repentance, and confession, is for or unto the remission of sin (Acts 2: 38, 22: 16). It is in the act of baptism that Jesus' blood is spiritually contacted (Matt. 26: 28, see "for the remission of sin," compare with Acts 2: 38). Baptism places one in Christ where salvation and all spiritual blessings are found (Gal. 3: 26-27, same as "added to the Lord," Acts 5: 14, Eph. 1: 3-6). Baptism is the official putting off the old man and putting on the new man (Rom. 6).
Beloved, have you been scripturally baptized? Are you a member of a church which teaches the truth about water baptism?
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How Important Is Baptism?
Don Martin
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