Water Baptism, as instituted in the New Testament, is the means by which a believer is united and identified with Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:27-28) It is more than a mere ritual or ceremony. In the New Testament, it is never mentioned as an act alone. Rather, its meaning always includes the entire redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 8:12, 2:38-41)

1. What Does Baptize Mean?

        Baptize means to "dip or immerse". In order to be water baptized, you must be completely submerged or immersed in water.

   
   

2. Water Baptism Is Not Optional

   1. Jesus commanded it for all believers - (Mark 16:16)

   2. Jesus Himself was baptized - (Matthew 3:13-17)

   3. Peter commanded it - (Acts 10:47-48)

   4. Paul baptized believers - (Acts 19:1-5)

   
   

3. What Are The Requirements For Baptism?

   1. Hearing and obeying God's Word. (Acts 2:41, John 14:15, Acts 16:14)

   2. Conviction of sin. (Acts 2:37-39)

   3. Repentance. (Acts 2:38)

   4. Faith. (Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12,36,37)

   
   

4. What Happens To The Believer In Water Baptism?

        In water baptism there is a definite inward work which takes place within the heart of the believer. The Holy Spirit performs a spiritual operation known as circumcision.

   1. Circumcision in the Old Testament was a command (Genesis 17:10). It was a foreshadowing of the circumsion of the heart.

      1. Sign and seal of covenant relationship with God and Abraham (Genesis 17:11)

      2. Marked the Israelites as God's chosen people and set them apart as His personal property (Genesis 17:13)

      3. Their relationship was maintained with God through their obedience to His command of circumcision.

      4. Circumcision, not only of their foreskin, but also of their hearts (Deuteronomy 30:5-6, 10:16-17)

   2. Circumcision of the heart - as circumcision of the foreskin was a token or sign of the Old Covenant (Genesis 17:11), so water baptism is the circumcision of the New Covenant. The true sign of the New Covenant believer is a circumcised heart. Our "old nature" or "body of sin" is cut away, with all its desires and lusts.

      1. We must have a circumsised heart (Romans 2:28-29)

      2. Circumcision without hands is performed in baptism (Colossians 2:11-12)

      3. The New Covenant declares in Hebrews 8:6-10:

         1. The Lord is our God
         2. We are His people

   
   

5. What Is The Meaning Of Water Baptism?

   1. We are baptized into the Lord's:

      1. Death (Romans 6:3-11)

      2. Burial (Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:4)

      3. Resurrection (Colossians 3:1, Romans 6:4-5)

   2. We are baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ.

     For the believer, the New Covenant relationship, which God promises, becomes tangible through water baptism. As the "old man" is cut away and buried, we experience "newness of life" in Christ. (II Corinthians 5:17, Hebrews 8:6-13)

1. What is water baptism?
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________

2. What preparation is necessary for baptism?
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________

3. What is accomplished in water baptism?
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________

4. What is "circumcision of the heart"?
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________

5. What is the "old nature"?
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________

6. What is meant by the term "newness of life"?
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________________________

     If you have not already done so, please consider trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. For more information on Salvation Click Here to view "How can I get to Heaven?"

     

---

Basic Training Systematic Theology Statement of Faith Our Mission Link To Us Heaven?

---

Send mail to:
webslave for Christ
with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 10/22/2002