BAPTISM/RE-BAPTISM

Baptism is not merely about being immersed, making a commitment, or joining a particular denomination or church. None of these things convey the real meaning of baptism. Baptism is about publicly identifying with Christ. It is an act of obedience. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to align oneself with Christ and what He lived and died for.

If you were sprinkled as a baby or christened, you have not be scripturally baptized. If you were immersed as an adult but had no intention of following Christ, you were not scripturally baptized. If you were sprinkled and have followed Christ since that time, you have not been scripturally baptized. If you were immersed and became a Christian later, you have not been scripturally baptized. Does that mean that Christ does not accept you or that He loves you less? Absolutely not! Does it mean that you are not saved if you are not baptized? No. It simply means that as a believer, you need to be obedient and be scripturally baptized.

I.                 Why Should I Be Baptized?

A.  To follow the example set by Jesus Christ

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” – Mark 1:9

B.  Because Christ Commands it.

“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20

C.   It demonstrates that you really are a believer.

“…many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” – Acts 18:8

“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” – 1 John 2:3

II.             What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

A.  It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” – Colossians 2:12

B.  It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

“When someone become a Christian He becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!” – Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

III.         Why Baptism By Way Of Immersion?

A.  Because Jesus was baptized this way.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” – Matthew 3:16

B.  Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” – Acts 8:38-39

C.   The word “baptize” means “to dip under water”.

The Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water”.

IV.          Who Should Be Baptized?

A.  Every person who has believed in Christ.

“Those who believed and accepted his message were baptized…” – Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” – Acts 8:12

V.              When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

“Those who believed…were baptized…that day.” – Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with the scripture an told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, “Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now? Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The man answered ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” – Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are ‘perfect”, you will never feel “good enough”!