What
Does the Bible Say About Water Baptism?
Let us examine three questions.
1. Who is the proper candidate for
water baptism?
Those who are lost are in need of baptism (Mark 16:16). Scriptural
teaching should precede water baptism (Matthew 28:18-20).
To be properly baptized, one must believe the Gospel (Acts
8:12-13; 18:8). In addition, repentance which is a change
of mind and life is a prerequisite to baptism (Acts 2:38).
Infants are safe, not knowing good from evil (Deuteronomy
1:39). Sin is not inherited (Ezekiel 18:20). Sin is an
act of transgressing god’s law (I John 3:40, after yielding
to temptation (James 1:13-15). Man is not born astray; he "goes
astray" (Isaiah 53:60. You can no more inherit sin
than you can inherit righteousness. Infant baptism is not
taught
or practiced in the Bible.
2. What is the action of water baptism?
In the original language the Greek word for baptism means "immerse", "dip", "plunge", "submerge".
Furthermore, Paul describes it as a "burial" (Romans
6:1-4; Colossians 2:12) and a resurrection to a new life.
Sprinkling and pouring are the commandments of men, not God,
and thus
vain religion (Matthew 15:9). There are two other Greek words
translated pour and sprinkle and they are never used with
reference to baptism.
3. What is the design or purpose of water baptism?
It is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16). It is to remit sins
(Acts 2:38). It is to wash away sins (Acts 22:16). It places
one into Christ where salvation and all spiritual blessings
are located (II Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 1:3). The Bible
teaches that the blood of Christ is how we are saved. The
Bible does
not teach "water salvation". It teaches salvation
by the blood of Christ (Matthew 26:28; Revelation 1:5)
when we are baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
One man will say, "he that
is baptized as an infant is saved and then believes later."
Another will say, "he
that believes is saved and can be baptized later as he pleases.’
Jesus says, "he that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved" (Mark 16:16).
Who do you think is right?