The Scriptural Reasoning for Baptism

Basic Truths God wants His People to Know, Part 2

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

©February 4, 2018

www.pastorkennedy.com

Introduction

Baptism has been around a long time!  

1. •What is the first recorded baptismal service in the Bible? (not a “normal” baptism!)
   
   

2. •There were a record number of people who attended (they didn’t even know it was a baptismal service)!  
   
   

3. •How many baptisms were recorded that day?
   
   

oAbout 600,000 plus women and children!  (Ex. 13:37)

oAt the parting of the Red Sea, when Israel went through walls of water (Ex. 14:22), with the pillar of cloud guiding and protecting them. (1 Cor. 10:1-7; Ex 13:21)

1 Corinthians 10:1–2 (Chapter 10 is a warning against falling into temptation as Israel did – even after experiencing a miraculous deliverance from Egypt, it begins like this….)

1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.      2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

“Baptized into Moses”… is an interesting phrase.

Today, we are “Baptized into” ________ what?

Christian baptism represents two specific events or dynamics which Christ experienced.  We may not realize it fully, but what are those two elements into which believers in Christ are being baptized?  

1. •Christ’s Death
   
   

2. •Christ’s Resurrection
   
   

Romans 6:3–4

3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 … that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

The Scripture also gives Biblical Churches two practices, or “ordinances” to be consistently found in their teaching and activities.  What are they?

1. •Baptism
   
   

Matthew 28:19–20

19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1. •Communion
   
   

oRemembering and symbolic partaking, in fellowship with others, of the broken Body and sacrificial Blood of the sinless Christ.  A celebration of solemn remembrance of the breaking of the bondage of sin and sealing the New Covenantal relationship of Grace between God and mankind, because of Christ’s redemptive death on the cross.  

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  

1 Corinthians 11:26

26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Today, we are focusing our attention solely on the ordinance of Baptism.

Baptism is an “ordinance” in Biblical Churches.

First we are going to look at the Scripture to see the emphasis that the Bible has on baptism.  Remember, our goal, is not to set the “ground rules” ourselves about baptism, but to see what the Bible says about the “ordinance” of baptism!

The following are a few of the Questions that may arise in a discussion regarding Baptism:

1. •Why do we as Biblical Churches in the 21st Century, teach baptism?  
   
   

oJesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, instructed us to baptize those who wished to follow Him.

oBaptism is an event that follows the account of every known conversion to Christ in the New Testament (with one exception – discussed later).

1. •There are several “forms” or “modes” of Baptism.  What are the most common forms?
   
   

oImmersion, Sprinkling, or Pouring.

1. •If “Believer’s Baptism” is a baptism for believing adults, what is the baptism liturgical churches institute at birth?
   
   

o“Infant Baptism”

1. •What could be the reason that most infants are baptized?
   
   

oTradition.  Some denominations feel strongly that a child should be firmly associated with the church from birth.  

oSalvation.  Traditional churches may also feel that eternal salvation comes as well, through a person’s association and good standing within that denomination, preferably beginning with infant baptism.

oCovenantal.  A desire of some denominational Covenantal theology promotes infant baptism, so the child will be brought into a covenantal relationship with God…similar to the rite of Jewish circumcision, 8 days after birth, in the Old Testament. (Gen. 17:12)

oDedication.  Some churches promote infant baptism as a primary form of dedication of the baby to God, by the parents and church.

(Evangelical churches most often do dedicate an infant or child through a “dedicatory prayer,” as a special part of the church service, or in a private home setting, but do not baptize the baby or child during this dedication.)

Parents involved in liturgical churches, who have chosen to present their child for dedication to God, should be commended for their desire to see their child know and follow God as they mature…but the individual baptized at birth should also be encouraged to choose Believer’s baptism for themselves when they can understand and choose for themselves, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. •What then is “Believer’s Baptism”
   
   

oBeliever’s Baptism is Preceded by an Understanding of the Gospel and Personal Faith and Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

oBeliever’s Baptism is an Outward Sign of Obedience regarding an Inward Work of Grace.  

oThere is abundant Scriptural Support for “Believer’s Baptism.”  

- The Bible only records Baptism for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior, which means they were old enough to understand and accept the Gospel.  

- There is no record of infant baptism anywhere in Scripture.  

- We do not know if either of these families had small children or infants, but the closest Scriptural parallel could be when “all the family” of the Philippian jailer, and of Lydia, the seller of purple, were recorded as being baptized. (Acts 16:33; Acts 16:15)

1. •What “mode” of baptism do we use which we believe to be most Biblical?
   
   

oThe clearest translation for the Greek word (βαπτίζω [“baptizo”] means, to immerse.

“Baptizo” is not to be confused with, “bapto.” The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (bapto) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!

[From: Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989, Recorded in Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship edition.]

oWe use the mode of immersion – being totally immersed in water and being raised out of it…identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection.

oThe Biblical record of baptisms makes this more evident, as we go through this lesson, clearly seen in John 3:23.  There is little need of “plentiful water” for sprinkling or pouring.

John 3:23

23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty [πολύς – polus - many, much, large] of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.

1. •Baptism is an integral part of obedience, but not essential for salvation.
   
   

2. •Why do we teach that baptism is not essential for salvation?
   
   

oSalvation is by God’s Grace, through faith – not something I have meritoriously done or accomplished to have a right standing before God.

Ephesians 2:8–9

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

oAlthough most believers in the New Testament were baptized as a confirmation of their faith, it is evident that the thief on the cross was not baptized. (Luke 23:39-43)

oIf someone is seriously injured in a tragic accident and dying on scene, must he or she be baptized before being saved?  No.

What Does the Scripture Say about Baptism?

Let’s look at the Scripture to see the emphasis that the Bible has on baptism.  Remember, our goal, as a Church is not to set the “ground rules of faith in God,” but to confirm and work out those “ground rules of faith” that we find in God’s Word!  So, here we go on a mission of discovery – to learn what the Bible says about the “ordinance” of baptism!

1. Who Taught Us About Baptism through His Example?

Who was baptized even though He was the only One who would not have needed to be baptized at all, except for His Example?  

Jesus Himself was Baptized as our Personal Example

Matthew 3:13-17  

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus chose to be baptized because it was fitting for Him “to fulfill all righteousness”.  Jesus was baptized to fulfill God’s will in what He had been given to do.  

We are baptized, following that same example of Christ.  We may not understand all there is to know about baptism, but we follow our Lord, out of obedience.

What was the Normal Practice in Jesus’ Ministry for those who would follow Christ and be His Disciple?  To be baptized.

John 3:22,23

22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized…

John 4:1-3

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples) 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria.

If we had lived in Judea in Jesus’ time, when Jesus and His disciples came teaching in the countryside, and we expressed interest in following Christ as His disciple, according to the above Scriptures, what would Jesus have encouraged us to do, as part of our decision to follow Him?  

Jesus would encourage us to be baptized.

What did Jesus, in "The Great Commission," direct us to do after someone wanted to become a Disciple of Christ?  

“The Great Commission” directs us to baptize those who become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2. Early Church Leaders and Apostles Taught that Believers in Christ should be Baptized

What Two key Points were the Emphasis of Peter's Message at Pentecost?

Acts 2:37-38  

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1.Repentance      

2.Baptism

What was the Response to Peter's Pentecost Message?  Those who wanted to follow Christ, were baptized.

Acts 2:37–41

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Philip “the Deacon”, was also called Philip “the Evangelist” in Acts 21:8.  What was the next step that Philip “the Evangelist” followed when folks came to believe on Christ through the Power of the Gospel he preached?

Acts 8:4-5, 12

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. …

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Philip and the Ethiopian Treasurer example Baptism

Acts 8:26–38

God prompted Philip to walk on a desert road (v. 26)

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”

Philip Met a Man (the Treasurer of Ethiopia) on that Road who had been worshipping in Jerusalem (v. 27)

27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,

The Man was Reading the Book of Isaiah (v. 28)

28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.

God’s Spirit told Philip to go to the chariot and stay near it (v. 29)

29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Philip asked the man if he understood what he was reading. (v. 30)

30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

The man invited Philip into the chariot to explain Isaiah 53 to him (v.31-33)

31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.

Who can speak of his descendants?

For his life was taken from the earth.”

The Man was interested to know who the passage was speaking of (v. 34)

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?”

Philip used Isaiah 53 to share the Good News of the Gospel with him (v. 35

35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

The man wanted to accept the Gospel and follow Christ – they came on a place which had water, and the man asked to be baptized! (vs.36-38)

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

The primary discussion that Philip had with the Ethiopian Treasurer was not about baptism, but about God’s Redemption of sinful mankind through Jesus Christ’s suffering and death, as prophesied in Isaiah 53; but, when it came time for the Treasurer to confirm his faith in Jesus Christ, he wanted to be baptized.

Lydia's Believing Household were Baptized  

Acts 16:13-15  

13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

The Philippian Jailer and Family were Baptized upon their Conversion

Acts 16:29-34

29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

A Synagogue Ruler and Family   

Acts 18:8  

8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

Ananias to Saul after His Conversion on Road to Damascus

Acts 22:  

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Do you know anyone in the New Testament who was not baptized after belief in Christ?

I know of only one – the repentant thief on the cross next to Christ. (Luke 23:39-43)

I can think of no one else in the whole of the New Testament who did not seek baptism following his or her conversion to Christ.

3. Baptism is a Symbolic Picture of what Jesus Christ accomplishes at Salvation in New Birth, through the work of the Holy Spirit

Baptism is a Symbolic Picture of New Birth

Going into the “womb” of the water and being raised out of it, could be a dynamic picture of “New Birth” into the Family of God.

John 3:3-8

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again3 he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.4 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

Jesus told the woman at the well (John 4:10-14) that He would give her “living water”.  He subsequently told the crowd on the last day of the feast (John 7:37-39), that if they came to Him, He would give them “living water”.  John 7:39 clarified when this would be accomplished…when He sent the Holy Spirit.

I believe New Birth into the Family of God is accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit – the “washing of regeneration” (see Titus 3:5 below).  Baptism could easily be symbolic of such “washing” and New Birth.

Titus 3:3-6

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by gthe washing of regeneration and hrenewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

4. Baptism is a Picture of Death to our Carnal Nature; and instead, Spiritual Life unto God

Baptism is Symbolic of Dying to ourselves and Rising with Christ  

Whenever a seed is planted in the ground, it must die to itself and be transformed, or it will never give birth to new life and the abundance of that potential harvest (John 12:24).  This is a principle of “new birth” in the Christian life.

Romans 6:3-11

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were qburied therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in tnewness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free1 from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:12-15

12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling dthe record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities3 and eput them to open shame, by ftriumphing over them in him.4

Notice the profoundness of this principle found in baptism: death to the old fleshly, carnal life, resurrection to the New Life in Christ.

The Resurrection that Baptism also represents gives us the hope of one day appearing with Jesus Christ in Glory!

Colossians 3:1-4

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, dseated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life happears, then you also will appear with him iin glory.

Galatians 2:19b,20   

I have been crucified with Christ. 20 It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

5. Baptism is a Picture of our New Covenant Relationship with God: “Putting On Christ”

Baptism, in one way, is a “sign” of our “New Testament Covenant” with Christ, just as Circumcision was a “sign” of the “Old Testament Covenants” with Abraham and Israel.  In Baptism we “clothe ourselves with Christ”, without a difference…male/female; Jew/Greek…those clothed in Christ are One:  the true “Seed” of Abraham!  

Galatians 3:23-29  

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as vwere baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave4 nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, bheirs according to promise.

We are Baptized into One Body, through One Spirit

1 Corinthians 12

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

Conclusion

1. •Again, what is “Believer’s Baptism?”  
   
   

oBaptism, which follows one accepting Jesus Christ’s free gift of salvation by God’s grace, through faith in His Redeeming Blood.

oBaptism is not joining a church, it is an act of obedience to Christ.

oWe believe baptism to be an outward sign of obedience for an inward work of Grace.

1. •Whose example are you following, and whose instruction are you obeying when you are baptized?  
   

oI am following Christ’s example and His command in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

1. •Why is baptism voluntary?  
   

oIt is an individual choice to follow Christ in the waters of baptism.

1. •Is baptism a requirement for membership in Church?  
   

oIt is not required in some churches, but it is required in others. (Be advised through the church’s constitution regarding membership.)

1. •When I am baptized, does it mean I am automatically a member of a local church or denomination?
   

oTo be baptized does not automatically make one a member of a local congregation.  

oBaptism does not have the expectation of membership.  Those baptized may speak to the pastor about local church membership.

1. •What are the practical steps to prepare for baptism?  
   

oSpeak to the pastor in what to expect and how to prepare yourself for baptism in this church.

What did we learn from Scripture about baptism?  

1. •Why do we as Believers in Christ teach baptism?
   

oJesus Himself Exampled, Taught and Commissioned Baptism

1. •Jesus is our example and He chose to be baptized.
   

2. •Jesus made baptism part of His ministry, for those who were repentant of their sin and believed on Him.
   

3. •Jesus’ great commission to His disciples (Matt. 28:19,20) instructed them to go into the entire world, making disciples and baptizing them.
   

4. •Jesus’ disciples followed Christ’s instructions by baptizing those who believe in Christ.
   
   

5. •If we had been living when Christ was teaching and we wanted to follow Him, He would encourage us to be baptized!
   
   

oBaptism is a picture of spiritual dimensions and profound Biblical truths in the Christian life.

1. •Baptism is an outward sign of Obedience to God, representing an inward work of Grace.
   

2. •Personal identification with the Death and Resurrection of Christ.
   

3. •Being cleansed and washed from our sin, with its guilt.
   

4. •New Birth and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
   

5. •Dying to self and living to God.
   
   

Baptism is a time when we openly Confess that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior before others who witness our baptism

For many years North American churches have often use the invitation at the close of the service to make a call for a person to respond to Christ and be saved.  Many, many individuals have confessed their faith in Christ through this means; but, I believe in the Early Church, personal confession of Christ as Savior and Lord, was most often at the time of a person’s baptism.

Romans 10:9–10

9 That if myou confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and nbelieve in your heart othat God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Baptism then, becomes an outward obedience and confession of Christ, regarding the inward work of the Grace of Christ’s Salvation.