Baptism in Jesus Name all you need to know..
Acts 2:38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Before we get into this subject I have had alot of people tell me
"Who are you going to litsen too "Peter" Acts 2:38or "Jesus" Matt 28:19 my answer to you is "both" if you study Matt 28:19 there is a name we must use "in the Name of" my question to you is do you know the Name of the father, the son and the Holy ghost? you can not give me 3 separate names because the bible only mentions one name not names Acts 4:12 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. .. Remember the keys to the kingdom of heaven was given to Peter by Jesus .. Matt 16: 18 And I say also unto thee,That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and what so ever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peter baptized in the name of Jesus scripture ref:Acts 8:12-16 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 1 Corinthians 6:11 there are many more scriptures this study should help and guide you, So please take your time read and study Gods word and it will set you free.. Amen
The truth about baptism
The Truth About Water Baptism An interactive Study based only on scripture. The purpose of this study is to provide some biblical answers to common questions that arise regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to baptism.
There is a common belief today that baptism is just a ritual or custom that has no part in the plan of salvation.
Many have the perception that a person gets saved, and then at some later, convenient time they are baptized as a "testimony" to the church. However, this is not what the Bible teaches about baptism.
Why is this topic important?
It is the method by which we receive remission of sins.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Jesus gave his disciples only two tasks. He told them to teach others about the gospel and to baptize others.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Of course, if God commands his disciples to baptize, and baptism is for the remission of sins, then what is the devil going to fight against? It is the same today as it was in the garden. The devil is still trying to negate the commandments of God.
Genesis 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
What Water Baptism Does for Us
Baptism washes away our sins and is our entrance into the family of Jesus Christ.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
1 Corinthians 12:13 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.
Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Baptism is a Commandment, Not a Suggestion
Many organizations teach that baptism is something one does after one is saved to show the world that he or she has accepted Christ: "An outward sign of an inward change" is a common term. However, this is in contradiction to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. If baptism is "for the remission of sins," then you can't be saved without it because no one is going to heaven while they're still in their sins.
Acts 8:38 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.
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
A few words about keeping the commandments of Jesus are in order here...
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
But Doesn't The Bible Say that We're Not Saved By Works?
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Many people are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9. Here is another verse...
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
However, what are these works? What is the grace of God Paul is talking about? Did Paul mean that we don't have to obey Jesus' commandments? Many people misquote Apostle Paul today. They misquoted him in his own time as well, and this is the response:
Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Paul never said that we don't have to obey God. In fact, Paul said that we must obey God in order to be saved.
It is always important to understand who is the speaker, and to whom the speaker is speaking.
Remember that the first Christians came from a Jewish culture, heritage, and religion. Many of the most difficult conflicts of the early Church had their roots in questions pertaining to the Jewish law and tradition. The most heated debates arose about whether the new Christian converts, some of whom were Gentiles, needed to obey the law of Moses, whether they needed to submit to circumcision, and if they needed to adhere to "kashrut" (dietary laws).
When Paul talks about "works," Paul is speaking about the works of the Jewish Rabbinic law. If you study Jewish custom and tradition, you will understand that the Jewish people believe that they will bring about the Messiah (or the era of the Messiah) by doing good works. (See "Living Judaism," by Rabbi Wayne Dossick.)
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Apostle Paul is simply telling the Jews that no amount of good works according to the law is going to save them and bring back their Messiah, but that the Messiah has, in fact, already arrived because of the grace of God. And it is by the mercy of God that we have access to the Holy Ghost.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
The mercy of God is the very fact that Jesus Christ came and died on the cross for us!
Romans 5:6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Now what we do with that mercy is up to us. If we choose we can either accept or reject it. The choice is ours. The way to access that mercy is by obedience to baptism. However, baptism isn't a "work." In fact, if there is anyone doing any work, it's the minister who is performing the baptism. The baptizee is merely submitting to baptism (just as a baby who is born is not doing any "work" to be born).
While Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, it is apparent from Jesus' comments in Matthew 7:14 that the whole world is not going to be saved. In fact, he says there that few people will find the way which leads to life.
Matthew 7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
It is not God's desire that few find it. He died for the sins of the entire world, but in order to be a part of that covenant, we must do it God's way, and that way is through Jesus, and Jesus commanded baptism.
Simply believing intellectually in the existence of Jesus Christ is not what Jesus intended. He wants us to do what he commands.
John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Notice that it says that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. It doesn't say that there is no yoke, and no burden. Jesus has something for us to do upon this earth.
Since people like to use Apostle Paul as their main argument as to why one doesn't need to be baptized, let's look at the Apostle Paul's testimony, in his own words.
Acts 22:6And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
10And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
11And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
Let's ask ourselves a couple of questions here. Do you think Paul believed on Jesus at this point in the story? He'd called Jesus Lord after Jesus identified himself to him. So, I would say that Paul believed at this point and had confessed with his mouth that Jesus was his Lord. If you read the same account in Acts 9:9, we find that Paul was praying and fasting in blindness for three days. Do you think he believed in Jesus then?
However, we find that Paul was still in his sins up until Ananias preached to him.
Acts 22:16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Read the whole story. It's a good one. And an example that one must be baptized in order to receive remission of sins.
Not Many People Believe This. What About All the Good People Who Don't Believe Baptism in Jesus' Name is Necessary?
Jesus told us that the way that leads to life is narrow, and there will only be a few who will find it. First and foremost, we should be thankful that we did find the way of life.
Matthew 7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
So, how few is few?
1 Peter 3:20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Numbers 14:29Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
30Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Romans 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: (Isaiah 10:22-23)
Eight souls were saved in the days of Noah. Only two of the millions who escaped Egypt actually entered into the land of Israel promised by God.
As for being good people:
Romans 3:12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
That is the deception of the devil, and that is why we must strive to be examples and to share this gospel with all the world.
Matthew 7:22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Do you want to be a wise man? Then do what God commands you to do concerning baptism in his name for the remission of sins!
All Examples of Baptism Are in the Name of Jesus Christ
Very simply, all the examples we have in the New Testament plainly show that baptisms were performed in the name of Jesus.
Acts 8:16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Those who baptize in the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost tell me one thing: that they don't know the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! If they did understand, then they would use that one name whereby we MUST be saved.
Acts 4:10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If Jesus is the only name whereby we must be saved, then why wouldn't people use it? In the Old Testament, God tells us that his people shall know his name, and again in Zechariah we are told that there will be one name known throughout the world.
Isaiah 52:6Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.
Zechariah 14:9And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
We are told in Acts 15:26 of men who hazarded their lives for the name of Jesus. Why would we not use the name of Jesus in baptism, our entrance into the body of Christ?
Acts 15:26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus didn't say repeat after me. He said to baptize in the name.... His disciples obviously understood him, and on the day of Pentecost baptized in JESUS' name!
So, what is the name of the Father? What is the name of the Son? What is the name of the Holy Ghost?
Let's answer according to the scriptures.
We find Jesus referring to the name of the Father in John chapter 17.
John 17:6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
John 17:26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
What name did Jesus manifest (make known) to the people? The name of "Jesus."
Of course, no one is confused about the name...
Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
But what about the name of the Holy Ghost?
John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Holy Ghost is sent in whose name? The name of Jesus!
Let's face it, the name of Jesus brings division. The Apostles, when brought into question in the temple about the healing of the lame man (Acts 4:1-24), could have avoided a lot of controversy if they had used the generic term "God" or "Lord." They could have told the council, "God gave us the power," or "It was through the Father that this man stands here before you whole," or even, "By the Spirit of the Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, does this man stand before you whole."
If they had said that, they might have saved themselves a lot of grief. They wouldn't have stirred up the bees nest they did. Of course, they were bold and used the name of Jesus!
Why wouldn't a Christian want to be bold and use the name of Jesus in their baptism? (The only name whereby we must be saved, according to Acts 4:12.)
In Ephesians we are told that the entire family name is Jesus.
Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
We can also contrast this report of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 with the account in Luke.
Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Is there any confusion here? In verse 47, Luke simply says that repentence and remission of sins should be preached in "his" name....
Whose name? The name of Christ. Jesus.
In Acts 2:38 there is no mistake of what name the apostles used: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Peter knew what name to use. He was not confused by Jesus' statement. He was not confused in Acts 4:12 when he told the council that there was no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved.
In baptism we are taking on a name. It is important use and acknowledge that name. Jesus said in John chapter 10 that he was the door and that there was no other way to enter into heaven.
John 10:7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Baptism (by Definition) is By Total Immersion in Water
Baptism is defined in Strong's Lexicon as "to be wholly overwhelmed by a liquid." Look it up. However, rather than rely on someone's scholarship, let's just look at the scriptures to see how it was done...
Matthew 3:16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mark 1:9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Two things are interesting here. First, Jesus came up "straightway out of the water." You aren't being sprinkled with a little water to come up out of the water. Note that he was baptized in the Jordan River. Also note that it was after Jesus came up out of the water that the words were heard, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Acts 8:38 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.
39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Note again, they both went into the water, "both Philip and the eunuch." Now you don't both have to go down into the water to sprinkle someone with water.
Romans 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
The Bible talks of us being "buried" with Christ in baptism. I don't know of anyone who was buried by sprinkling a handful of dirt on them.
Matthew 3:1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
If it is adequate to just have a little liquid sprinkled over one's forehead to be baptized, then why did John the Baptist have to go out into the wilderness? Why couldn't he have just stayed in the city with all the people and baptized them by sprinkling? Seems illogical, but God didn't ask our opinions, he commands our obedience.
What do You Think Now?
I challenge you to pray diligently and sincerely about this important topic. God is not afraid of your questions. In fact, God wants us to ask about issues pertaining to our salvation and he will answer you in a powerful way.
As you pray about this Bible study, I would ask you to honestly answer the following questions:
Acts 2:37-41
What does this scripture tell you is the purpose of baptism in regard to your sins?
What does it tell you that you receive from baptism?
According to your answers to the two questions above, which of the following terms best describes the importance of baptism to salvation?
a. Baptism is unimportant to salvation
b. Baptism is symbolic of salvation but not essential
c. Baptism is essential to salvation
Jesus' Ministry
According to Matthew 3:13-17, why was Jesus baptized of John?
At the conclusion of Christ's ministry on earth, what did he command his disciples to do? (Reference Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16.)
According to the Book of Acts
In every example of a person accepting Christ, what was the next thing they did?
Acts 2:37-41 The Jerusalem Pentecost
Acts 8:12 The people of Samaria
Acts 8:36 The Ethiopian Treasurer
Acts 10:48 The First Gentiles
Acts 16:15 Lydia
Acts 16:30-33 The Philippian Jailer
Acts 18:8 The People of Corinth
Acts 22:16 Saul, Who Became the Apostle Paul
According to the previous references, what name would you say the disciples used when administering baptism?
When you realize in what name the disciples baptized, does that help you to understand to what name Jesus was referring when he told his disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"? (Reference Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:46-47, John 10:30.)
When you read Acts 4:10-12, do you think that the name is important to receiving salvation?
Romans 6:3-5
What illustration is used in Romans 6:3-5 in reference to baptism?
Is this consistent with what Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-5?
Is this illustration of burial consistent with other Biblical descriptions of baptism?
Matthew 3:16 Jesus' Baptism
John 3:23 John the Baptist's Ministry
Acts 8:38 The Ethiopian Treasurer's Baptism
Act of Faith or Work?
According to Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith, and not of works. Keeping this in mind, what does 1 Peter 3:20-21 tell us saves us?
From your conclusion, would you say that baptism is a work or an act of faith?
After all that you have read, what does the Bible say to the following questions:
Is baptism essential to salvation?
Who should be baptized?
How should a believer be baptized? by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?
In what name should a believer be baptized?
When should a believer be baptized?
Your Salvation
Through this study, what has God revealed to you about baptism?
After reading 1 Corinthians 3:11 and Ephesians 2:19-22, what does God reveal to you about your salvation?
According to Acts 19:1-5, what was done when believers learned that they did not have a proper understanding of baptism?
As you pray about what you have learned, what is God asking you to do?
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Before we get into this subject I have had alot of people tell me
"Who are you going to litsen too "Peter" Acts 2:38or "Jesus" Matt 28:19 my answer to you is "both" if you study Matt 28:19 there is a name we must use "in the Name of" my question to you is do you know the Name of the father, the son and the Holy ghost? you can not give me 3 separate names because the bible only mentions one name not names Acts 4:12 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. .. Remember the keys to the kingdom of heaven was given to Peter by Jesus .. Matt 16: 18 And I say also unto thee,That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and what so ever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peter baptized in the name of Jesus scripture ref:Acts 8:12-16 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 1 Corinthians 6:11 there are many more scriptures this study should help and guide you, So please take your time read and study Gods word and it will set you free.. Amen
The truth about baptism
The Truth About Water Baptism An interactive Study based only on scripture. The purpose of this study is to provide some biblical answers to common questions that arise regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to baptism.
There is a common belief today that baptism is just a ritual or custom that has no part in the plan of salvation.
Many have the perception that a person gets saved, and then at some later, convenient time they are baptized as a "testimony" to the church. However, this is not what the Bible teaches about baptism.
Why is this topic important?
It is the method by which we receive remission of sins.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Jesus gave his disciples only two tasks. He told them to teach others about the gospel and to baptize others.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Of course, if God commands his disciples to baptize, and baptism is for the remission of sins, then what is the devil going to fight against? It is the same today as it was in the garden. The devil is still trying to negate the commandments of God.
Genesis 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
What Water Baptism Does for Us
Baptism washes away our sins and is our entrance into the family of Jesus Christ.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
1 Corinthians 12:13 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.
Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Baptism is a Commandment, Not a Suggestion
Many organizations teach that baptism is something one does after one is saved to show the world that he or she has accepted Christ: "An outward sign of an inward change" is a common term. However, this is in contradiction to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. If baptism is "for the remission of sins," then you can't be saved without it because no one is going to heaven while they're still in their sins.
Acts 8:38 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.
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
A few words about keeping the commandments of Jesus are in order here...
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
But Doesn't The Bible Say that We're Not Saved By Works?
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Many people are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9. Here is another verse...
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
However, what are these works? What is the grace of God Paul is talking about? Did Paul mean that we don't have to obey Jesus' commandments? Many people misquote Apostle Paul today. They misquoted him in his own time as well, and this is the response:
Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Paul never said that we don't have to obey God. In fact, Paul said that we must obey God in order to be saved.
It is always important to understand who is the speaker, and to whom the speaker is speaking.
Remember that the first Christians came from a Jewish culture, heritage, and religion. Many of the most difficult conflicts of the early Church had their roots in questions pertaining to the Jewish law and tradition. The most heated debates arose about whether the new Christian converts, some of whom were Gentiles, needed to obey the law of Moses, whether they needed to submit to circumcision, and if they needed to adhere to "kashrut" (dietary laws).
When Paul talks about "works," Paul is speaking about the works of the Jewish Rabbinic law. If you study Jewish custom and tradition, you will understand that the Jewish people believe that they will bring about the Messiah (or the era of the Messiah) by doing good works. (See "Living Judaism," by Rabbi Wayne Dossick.)
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Apostle Paul is simply telling the Jews that no amount of good works according to the law is going to save them and bring back their Messiah, but that the Messiah has, in fact, already arrived because of the grace of God. And it is by the mercy of God that we have access to the Holy Ghost.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
The mercy of God is the very fact that Jesus Christ came and died on the cross for us!
Romans 5:6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Now what we do with that mercy is up to us. If we choose we can either accept or reject it. The choice is ours. The way to access that mercy is by obedience to baptism. However, baptism isn't a "work." In fact, if there is anyone doing any work, it's the minister who is performing the baptism. The baptizee is merely submitting to baptism (just as a baby who is born is not doing any "work" to be born).
While Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, it is apparent from Jesus' comments in Matthew 7:14 that the whole world is not going to be saved. In fact, he says there that few people will find the way which leads to life.
Matthew 7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
It is not God's desire that few find it. He died for the sins of the entire world, but in order to be a part of that covenant, we must do it God's way, and that way is through Jesus, and Jesus commanded baptism.
Simply believing intellectually in the existence of Jesus Christ is not what Jesus intended. He wants us to do what he commands.
John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Notice that it says that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. It doesn't say that there is no yoke, and no burden. Jesus has something for us to do upon this earth.
Since people like to use Apostle Paul as their main argument as to why one doesn't need to be baptized, let's look at the Apostle Paul's testimony, in his own words.
Acts 22:6And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
10And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
11And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
Let's ask ourselves a couple of questions here. Do you think Paul believed on Jesus at this point in the story? He'd called Jesus Lord after Jesus identified himself to him. So, I would say that Paul believed at this point and had confessed with his mouth that Jesus was his Lord. If you read the same account in Acts 9:9, we find that Paul was praying and fasting in blindness for three days. Do you think he believed in Jesus then?
However, we find that Paul was still in his sins up until Ananias preached to him.
Acts 22:16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Read the whole story. It's a good one. And an example that one must be baptized in order to receive remission of sins.
Not Many People Believe This. What About All the Good People Who Don't Believe Baptism in Jesus' Name is Necessary?
Jesus told us that the way that leads to life is narrow, and there will only be a few who will find it. First and foremost, we should be thankful that we did find the way of life.
Matthew 7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
So, how few is few?
1 Peter 3:20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Numbers 14:29Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
30Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Romans 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: (Isaiah 10:22-23)
Eight souls were saved in the days of Noah. Only two of the millions who escaped Egypt actually entered into the land of Israel promised by God.
As for being good people:
Romans 3:12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
That is the deception of the devil, and that is why we must strive to be examples and to share this gospel with all the world.
Matthew 7:22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Do you want to be a wise man? Then do what God commands you to do concerning baptism in his name for the remission of sins!
All Examples of Baptism Are in the Name of Jesus Christ
Very simply, all the examples we have in the New Testament plainly show that baptisms were performed in the name of Jesus.
Acts 8:16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Those who baptize in the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost tell me one thing: that they don't know the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! If they did understand, then they would use that one name whereby we MUST be saved.
Acts 4:10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If Jesus is the only name whereby we must be saved, then why wouldn't people use it? In the Old Testament, God tells us that his people shall know his name, and again in Zechariah we are told that there will be one name known throughout the world.
Isaiah 52:6Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.
Zechariah 14:9And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
We are told in Acts 15:26 of men who hazarded their lives for the name of Jesus. Why would we not use the name of Jesus in baptism, our entrance into the body of Christ?
Acts 15:26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus didn't say repeat after me. He said to baptize in the name.... His disciples obviously understood him, and on the day of Pentecost baptized in JESUS' name!
So, what is the name of the Father? What is the name of the Son? What is the name of the Holy Ghost?
Let's answer according to the scriptures.
We find Jesus referring to the name of the Father in John chapter 17.
John 17:6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
John 17:26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
What name did Jesus manifest (make known) to the people? The name of "Jesus."
Of course, no one is confused about the name...
Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
But what about the name of the Holy Ghost?
John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Holy Ghost is sent in whose name? The name of Jesus!
Let's face it, the name of Jesus brings division. The Apostles, when brought into question in the temple about the healing of the lame man (Acts 4:1-24), could have avoided a lot of controversy if they had used the generic term "God" or "Lord." They could have told the council, "God gave us the power," or "It was through the Father that this man stands here before you whole," or even, "By the Spirit of the Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, does this man stand before you whole."
If they had said that, they might have saved themselves a lot of grief. They wouldn't have stirred up the bees nest they did. Of course, they were bold and used the name of Jesus!
Why wouldn't a Christian want to be bold and use the name of Jesus in their baptism? (The only name whereby we must be saved, according to Acts 4:12.)
In Ephesians we are told that the entire family name is Jesus.
Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
We can also contrast this report of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 with the account in Luke.
Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Is there any confusion here? In verse 47, Luke simply says that repentence and remission of sins should be preached in "his" name....
Whose name? The name of Christ. Jesus.
In Acts 2:38 there is no mistake of what name the apostles used: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Peter knew what name to use. He was not confused by Jesus' statement. He was not confused in Acts 4:12 when he told the council that there was no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved.
In baptism we are taking on a name. It is important use and acknowledge that name. Jesus said in John chapter 10 that he was the door and that there was no other way to enter into heaven.
John 10:7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Baptism (by Definition) is By Total Immersion in Water
Baptism is defined in Strong's Lexicon as "to be wholly overwhelmed by a liquid." Look it up. However, rather than rely on someone's scholarship, let's just look at the scriptures to see how it was done...
Matthew 3:16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mark 1:9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Two things are interesting here. First, Jesus came up "straightway out of the water." You aren't being sprinkled with a little water to come up out of the water. Note that he was baptized in the Jordan River. Also note that it was after Jesus came up out of the water that the words were heard, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Acts 8:38 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.
39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Note again, they both went into the water, "both Philip and the eunuch." Now you don't both have to go down into the water to sprinkle someone with water.
Romans 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
The Bible talks of us being "buried" with Christ in baptism. I don't know of anyone who was buried by sprinkling a handful of dirt on them.
Matthew 3:1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
If it is adequate to just have a little liquid sprinkled over one's forehead to be baptized, then why did John the Baptist have to go out into the wilderness? Why couldn't he have just stayed in the city with all the people and baptized them by sprinkling? Seems illogical, but God didn't ask our opinions, he commands our obedience.
What do You Think Now?
I challenge you to pray diligently and sincerely about this important topic. God is not afraid of your questions. In fact, God wants us to ask about issues pertaining to our salvation and he will answer you in a powerful way.
As you pray about this Bible study, I would ask you to honestly answer the following questions:
Acts 2:37-41
What does this scripture tell you is the purpose of baptism in regard to your sins?
What does it tell you that you receive from baptism?
According to your answers to the two questions above, which of the following terms best describes the importance of baptism to salvation?
a. Baptism is unimportant to salvation
b. Baptism is symbolic of salvation but not essential
c. Baptism is essential to salvation
Jesus' Ministry
According to Matthew 3:13-17, why was Jesus baptized of John?
At the conclusion of Christ's ministry on earth, what did he command his disciples to do? (Reference Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16.)
According to the Book of Acts
In every example of a person accepting Christ, what was the next thing they did?
Acts 2:37-41 The Jerusalem Pentecost
Acts 8:12 The people of Samaria
Acts 8:36 The Ethiopian Treasurer
Acts 10:48 The First Gentiles
Acts 16:15 Lydia
Acts 16:30-33 The Philippian Jailer
Acts 18:8 The People of Corinth
Acts 22:16 Saul, Who Became the Apostle Paul
According to the previous references, what name would you say the disciples used when administering baptism?
When you realize in what name the disciples baptized, does that help you to understand to what name Jesus was referring when he told his disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"? (Reference Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:46-47, John 10:30.)
When you read Acts 4:10-12, do you think that the name is important to receiving salvation?
Romans 6:3-5
What illustration is used in Romans 6:3-5 in reference to baptism?
Is this consistent with what Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-5?
Is this illustration of burial consistent with other Biblical descriptions of baptism?
Matthew 3:16 Jesus' Baptism
John 3:23 John the Baptist's Ministry
Acts 8:38 The Ethiopian Treasurer's Baptism
Act of Faith or Work?
According to Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith, and not of works. Keeping this in mind, what does 1 Peter 3:20-21 tell us saves us?
From your conclusion, would you say that baptism is a work or an act of faith?
After all that you have read, what does the Bible say to the following questions:
Is baptism essential to salvation?
Who should be baptized?
How should a believer be baptized? by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?
In what name should a believer be baptized?
When should a believer be baptized?
Your Salvation
Through this study, what has God revealed to you about baptism?
After reading 1 Corinthians 3:11 and Ephesians 2:19-22, what does God reveal to you about your salvation?
According to Acts 19:1-5, what was done when believers learned that they did not have a proper understanding of baptism?
As you pray about what you have learned, what is God asking you to do?