It is the identification with the Death and Resurrection of Christ . Baptism was ordained to have a unifying effect on members of the body of Christ. Baptism should not be an empty ritual – an outward act carried over from past traditions. Baptism should carry meaning and have a positive effect upon the believer. “Being Born Again” is only the beginning of the life in Christ.
The words themselves imply a beginning – and growth! Salvation is a process the believer now launched upon. This is the salvation process – being rooted out of this evil world and moved on toward completeness in Christ.
Peter touched on the answer at Pentecost, as he preached to the rebellious that he tells them to do something implies that there is something they could do. In verse 37 of Acts 2 the same crowd asked Peter, “What can we do to be saved?” His answer contained three parts.
First, repent (this is part of the New Birth, the initial inward experience).
Secondly, be baptized (this means in water).
Thirdly, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
These three experiences from the foundation of the Christian walk. Those who heard and received Peter’s word that day were baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. We start with our initial inward experience – because of this experience with Christ, being born again, and as a result of the believer is instructed by the word of God to take the other two steps; be baptized in water and receive the Holy Spirit – these steps are designed to move us out of this evil age towards completeness in Christ.
The word Baptise comes from the Greek word ‘baptizo’ which means to submerge, to immerse completely into water or another fluid.
Why should believers in Christ be baptized? Jesus commanded that believers be baptized “he who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16)
Jesus Himself was baptized to fulfil all righteousness (Matt 3:13-17)
It is the practice of the New Testament Church. (Acts 10:44-48, Acts 16:29-33, Acts 19:4-5)
What are the prerequisites for Baptism? You must be born again and old enough to understand the significance of water baptism.
What is the significance of water baptism? Water baptism is the first step of obedience for the new believer and it openly identifies you as a follower of Christ. It symbolizes death to your old
life and announces your new life in Christ. It is a physical picture of a spiritual truth. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inner commitment of the heart.
What takes place at water baptism? As you are obedient to Jesus’ command to be baptized, and you respond to the Word in faith: You are united with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection and walk in the newness of life. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”.
Romans 6:4-5. You receive a spiritual cleansing and renewal. “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord”.
Acts 22:16. You have new victory over life-dominating sins and bondages from the past.
“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness,” Rom 6:22
Water baptism is more than just an external experience in the Christian life. God wants to do something lasting and permanent at this special time. If you respond in faith to all that God makes available to you in baptism, it will be one of the greatest experiences of your Christian walk.
"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptised?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." Acts 8:36,37
And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:16
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
"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." Romans 6:4
Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Romans 6:6
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