BAPTISM REPARATION REFERENCE MANUAL

BAPTISM REPARATION
REFERENCE MANUAL
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1
1.
WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM? ................................................................................................................. 2
2.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER BAPTISM ............................................................................................. 2
3.
WHY DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED? ........................................................................................................ 3
4.
BAPTISM, A PUBLIC PROFESSION OF FAITH .......................................................................................... 5
5.
WHO MUST BE BAPTIZED...................................................................................................................... 5
6.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE BAPTIZED? ...................................................................................................... 6
7.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM?.................................................................................. 6
8.
HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED? ......................................................................................................... 7
9.
IN WHOSE NAME ARE WE BAPTIZED? .................................................................................................. 8
10. WHERE SHOULD BAPTISM TAKE PLACE? .............................................................................................. 8
11. SUGGESTED FURTHER READING ........................................................................................................... 9
WATER BAPTISM - ITS IMPORTANCE
AND MEANING
INTRODUCTION
In JOHN 3:3, Jesus said: ‖I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of
God”. So when we are brought into a relationship with God our Father through the blood of
Jesus Christ, we are “born again”, so spiritually we are new born babies. God wants us to grow
up and learn to walk with him. If we grow up to be strong, healthy Christians we need to take the
steps that God has for us.
The first step for us after salvation is WATER BAPTISM(Acts 2:38). The most powerful way that
we as believers can identify ourselves with Christ is through Water Baptism. Water baptism is
an act of obedience through which believers publicly express their faith and commitment to
Christ.
In this teaching, we are interested solely in what the Bible teaches about baptism. Nothing else
matters. God's people should be baptized because God commanded it, not because some
church requires it. They should be baptized a certain way, because that is the way the Bible
teaches, and it should have a certain meaning, the meaning which God gave to baptism. People
need to remember what the Lord says about baptism, and then do what He says, because He
said so.
Christian baptism was instituted by John the Baptist, and that under his ministry and that of
Jesus and His disciples, thousands of people had been baptized in the three or four years
before the disciples were baptized with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.
Christian baptism in water has no other name in the Bible. The primary and literal meaning of
the word baptism in the Bible is water baptism. When the word baptism is used in the Bible,
always take it to refer to water baptism unless that passage of the Scripture plainly shows that
the Lord speaks of something else.
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1. WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?

Baptism comes from the Greek language. The word “Baptizo” translated into English
means “to dip or immerse, to whelm” that is to “fully cover with fluid”.

A general definition for the word baptism is ―a rite of washing with water as a sign of
religious purification and consecration.‖ This rite was practiced frequently in the Old
Testament. It signified purity or cleansing from sin and devotion to God. Since baptism
was first instituted in the Old Testament many have practiced it as a tradition yet have
not fully understood its significance and meaning.

In the New Testament, the significance of baptism is seen more clearly. John the
Baptist was sent by God to spread the news of the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ.
John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptize those who accepted his message.
John’s baptizing is called ―a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.‖ Mark
1:4 (NIV). Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith
that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism then is significant in
that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER BAPTISM

Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
The water signifies a grave and is symbolic of the death of old sin-nature and the
resurrection into a new life and walk with Christ. So baptism is a burial service where
we bury our old past and when we come out of the water, it speaks of the beginning of
a new life in Christ. Baptism can also be understood as the cutting away of the old
sinful fleshly self desire (circumcision). Baptism is a declaration or a confession that
Jesus is the Lord of our lives.

Why do we have to be completely covered by water when we are baptized? God chose
immersion in water because it is a very powerful way of showing us that our sins must
be forgiven. Believers realise that they need saving from sin and require God's grace.
They go under the water in baptism, and die to an old way of life. They come up out of
the water to a new life. In baptism, believers identify with the death of Jesus Christ,
who died for us.

Just as Jesus rose from the dead, they also rise from the waters of baptism to "set out on a
new life".-“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:4).

Now, believers are God's children, and they desire to please Him. If they do so, He will
give them His great gift of everlasting Life. This will happen when Jesus comes to rule
the world (Luke 1:32,33). No wonder Jesus regarded baptism as being so important.
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3. WHY DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED?

The Lord Jesus commanded baptism, and nothing is unimportant when Jesus
commanded it. Jesus Himself chose to be baptized, and that publicly (Matthew 3:1317). God the Father was pleased with it and spoke aloud from Heaven saying, "This is
my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The Holy Spirit came in visible form like a
dove to rest on Jesus, so that all could see that the filling of the Holy Spirit comes from
obeying the Father, as Jesus obeyed Him then.

Baptism is one of the commands in the Great Commission. Jesus reminded the
disciples of His authority and then said in Matthew 28:19, 20:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Water Baptism identifies the believer with the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“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.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by
repentance, which simply means ―change.‖ It is turning from our sin and selfishness to
serve the Lord. It means placing our pride, our past and all of our possessions before
the Lord. It is giving the control of our lives over to Him.
"Peter replied, 'Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit.' Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church-about three thousand in all.” Acts 2:38, 41 (NLT)

We need to be baptized because, like all mankind, you are dying. We have all earned
the wage of sin. Paul tells us "the wage is death" (Romans 6:23). Without God, death is
the end.The good news is that God offers us everlasting life; but on His terms.Peter
tells us, in Acts2 and 3 - Repent (have a change of mind, realising that we need God
and His forgiveness).
Jesus himself, though sinless, was baptized. He said: "It is right for us to do all that God
requires" (Matthew 3:15). Can we, who are sinners, ignore baptism when Jesus didn't?
We must follow his steps in this, as in all things.

Baptism is the start of a new life which will bring you great joy. It will give your life a
renewed purpose. In an uncertain world, the God of Peace will give you peace.
Are you wise enough to follow the command of Jesus Christ to believe and be
baptized?
What a blessing awaits you if you are! God will bless you with life for evermore, when
Jesus returns to establish his kingdom.
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
Water Baptism is a picture representing profound spiritual truth:
 Death - “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The
life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for
me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Resurrection - “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order
that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may live
a new life. If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be
united with Him in His resurrection.” Romans 6:4-5 (NIV)
“He died once to defeat sin, and now he lives for the glory of God. So you should consider
yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Do not let
sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your
body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves
completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to
do what is right for the glory of God." Romans 6:10-13 (NLT)

Cleansing - “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal
of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 3:21 (NIV)
“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” I Corinthians 6:11 (NIV
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4. BAPTISM, A PUBLIC PROFESSION OF FAITH

New Testament Christians understood that when they were baptized, they were publicly
putting on Christ before the world. Paul said to the Galatians, "For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27). Concerning the meaning of baptism,
Paul said:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
death? Therefore 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. For
if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of
his resurrection." Romans 6:3-5
At baptism, then, one professes that he believes in that Christ died for our sins, was buried,
and rose again! He professes that he has had a change in his heart, that he now belongs to
Christ, that he may henceforth to live for Christ.

Water Baptism is a public testimony - the outward confession of an inward experience. In
baptism, we stand before witnesses confessing our identification with the Lord.
5. WHO MUST BE BAPTIZED

Jesus said:”Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved”. Salvation comes before baptism.
There are many Christians who have not been baptized since they became believers. Water
Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer.The Bible tells us, from Genesis to Revelation,
that obedience to God's commands brings life, and disobedience results in death.

The Great Commission, commanding baptism, applies to "all nations" (Matt. 28:19); to "all the
world" and more than that, "to every creature", who hears the gospel and believes in Christ
(Mark 16:15). Wherever men hear the gospel and believe, there they ought to be baptized,
whether Jew or Gentile, black or white, old or young, in Bible times or now.
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6. WHEN SHOULD YOU BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism should follow after salvation. In the Bible, there was not one person who was
baptized who did not already claim salvation.

John the Baptist demanded evidence of repentance before he would baptize the
Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him (Matt. 3: 7-8). Philip would not baptize the
eunuch until he was convinced that he believed in Christ, even "with all thine heart,"
according to Acts 8:37. In the Great Commission, in Acts 2:38, and everywhere else,
repentance and faith in Christ are put ahead of baptism.

People ought to be baptized as soon as possible after they are converted. New
Testament preachers took the command of Jesus about baptizing converts so literally
that they almost invariably baptized the converts the same day they professed faith in
Christ, often the same hour. Paul and Silas baptized the Philippian jailer and his family
"the same hour of the night," even though it was past midnight when they were converted!

Once you have made your decision to be baptized, speak to your Pastor or Church
leaders and they will make the necessary arrangements to have you baptized as soon
as possible.

Prior to being baptized, it is also VERY IMPORTANT to have understanding and clarity
about Baptism and therefore it necessary for all baptism candidates to attend the
Baptism preparation classes. It is of vital importance that Water baptism is explained to
all candidates before being baptized.
7. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM?
The requirements for Baptism are as follows:
A. Repentance (Acts 2:38)
B. Faith (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12,37; Acts 16:31,33)
C. Confession of Faith (Romans 10:9-10)
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8. HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

Today, many churches sprinkle infants on the head and call it baptism. This is not
the baptism of the Bible. When the Bible speaks of baptism it tells us that during
baptism, they were completely covered in water. This is the baptism of Bible times.
A good example to prove this is found in Acts 8. Philip talked with an Ethiopian
eunuch. He "told him the good news of Jesus" (verse 35). No doubt, while they
talked, they were both carrying water for their journeys. It would have been easy for
Philip to sprinkle water on the eunuch's head. But the eunuch, who believed the
words Philip preached about Jesus, was not baptized until "they came to some
water" (verse 36). The eunuch then said, "Look, here is water: what is to prevent my
being baptized?" So "they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and
he baptized him. “When they came up from the water . . . the eunuch . . . went on his way
rejoicing".
Notice, they both "went down into" and "came up from" the water. The eunuch was a
mature person who believed the things preached by Philip concerning Jesus Christ.
He was completely covered by water.

Why do we have to be completely covered by water when we are baptized? God
chose immersion in water because it is a very powerful way of showing us that our
sins must be forgiven. Believers realise that they need saving from sin and require
God's grace. They go under the water in baptism, and die to an old way of life. They
come up out of the water to a new life. In baptism, believers identify with the death of
Jesus Christ, who died for us.
Just as Jesus rose from the dead, they also rise from the waters of baptism to "set
out on a new life" (Romans 6:4
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9. IN WHOSE NAME ARE WE BAPTIZED?

In His Great Commission to the church, Jesus told his disciples to baptize people in
the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Mat 28:19.20).
“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.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

10.

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Therefore, when we accept Jesus into our hearts and are baptized in the name of the
Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we have the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit dwelling in us. We are now in Him as He is in us and now we belong to Him
WHERE SHOULD BAPTISM TAKE PLACE?
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River (Mat 3:13-16). The Ethiopian eunuch was
probably baptized in a pond (Acts 8:36-38). Baptism can place in a river, dam, pool,
ocean or bath tub. The only biblical requirement is that there is enough water for
complete immersion.
11. SUGGESTED FURTHER READING

Acts 2:38-41 – “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the
church--about three thousand in all.”

Acts 8:12 – When the people believed in Jesus, baptism was their next step.
Concerning Philip's great revival in Samaria. "But 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 8:38–The Ethiopian was baptized immediately. Philip taught the eunuch to be
baptized, and as soon as he was convinced that the eunuch believed with all his
heart.

Acts 19:35 – Paul taught the importance of the water baptism in Christ.

Acts 10:47-48 – Although baptized by the Holy Spirit, Peter made sure that the
people did not miss this very important step of water baptism.

Rom 6:1-14 – Identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
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