Baptism: the New Birth Experience

[phipps]

Baptism is a crucial part of the Christian life. Not only was Jesus baptized as an example to us, but He also strongly admonished His people to be baptized and to baptize others.

In one of Jesus' last conversations before He ascended into heaven, He told his friends to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

And later, the apostle Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached a gripping message to thousands of bystanders. The crux of his sermon was this:

“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).


So what is baptism?

Baptism is an Act of Obedience

Christ said this:

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized, will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:15-16).

It is not enough to just believe the Gospel. We must live it, as we can see in Matthew 7:21-23:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and in Your name done many wonders?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"

Those referred to in the above passage profess faith in Jesus. They preached in His name, and even claim to have done great works in His name, but they don't keep the law. Lawlessness is the only definition of sin in Scripture:

"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4).

Obedience is the fruit of a relationship with God. Understanding the character of God, His love, and His care for all creation is vital if we wish to understand the demands of the law. If we love God, we will wish to keep the law because God's love for us is embodied in the law:

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7-11).

It is not enough to have a theoretical knowledge of the law. Keeping the law just because we know it is right is legalism. The law must be kept from the heart. It must become part of our character. Only then will we be able to reflect the love of Christ to a world in need.

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified" (Romans 2:13).

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Returning to Mark 16:16—"He who believes and is baptized, will be saved"—we can now understand the full significance of the word "baptized.” Baptism is the symbol of the changed life. It is the symbol of rebirth, a demonstration of the death of the old sinful person and the resurrection of the transformed person, who lives in harmony with the law of God. Baptism is the symbol of restoration.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Until we are touched by God’s grace and the workings of His Spirit, it is impossible to obey Him. It is the Spirit of God that enables us to live in harmony with the will of God.

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:7-8).

In John 3, Jesus discusses the nature of the spiritual rebirth with Nicodemus. In verse 5 He says this:

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).

The Holy Spirit works inside us to transform us into people who reflect the character of Jesus. The water—baptism—is the outward symbol of our willingness to accept the transformation process. Obedience to God comes as a gift from God.


Baptism is the Ceremony Proving our Committed Relationship with God

Both justification and sanctification are gifts we receive through faith in the Son of God. Justification is the legal side of our relationship with God. We are declared innocent, even though we are guilty, because Christ paid the penalty for our sins. Sanctification is the active side of our relationship with God. It is the little-by-little, daily process of the Holy Spirit making us more like Him.

We did nothing to deserve either of these gifts. Our job is to accept them.

"...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5).

Justification and sanctification are a package deal. Refusal to accept sanctification is a demonstration of false justification:

"Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20).

Baptism is the outward sign that we accept God’s offer of justification and sanctification. We accept the invitation into a covenant relationship with God, the new covenant that God promised to spiritual Israel:

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, which My covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the Lord. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (Jeremiah 31:31-33).

 

[phipps]

...continued.

Baptism is the Acknowledgment of our Entry into the Body of Christ

Baptism is the outward symbol of rebirth, but is also the outward sign of entrance into the body of Christ—His Church.

"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...ye are the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).

Those who accept Jesus are not just choosing to follow Him by themselves. Following Christ means becoming part of the Church.

If by being baptized we demonstrate our acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, then we also become a part of the covenant people of God.

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of one another" (Romans 12:5, see also 1 Corinthians 10:17; Colossians 3:15).

"For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…For the body is not one member by many. But now are they many members, yea but one body" (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 20).

"There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling" (Ephesians 4:4).

The true body of Christ teaches obedience to God's commands and has faith in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. One cannot be baptized and live apart from the Church. That would be like an organ trying to exist outside the body.

God has always worked through His organized Body, the Church. Even Christ worked within the organized Body of that era: the people of Israel.

Baptism is the Mark of Receiving the Holy Spirit

When we are baptized, we enter into a covenant relationship with God. The promises He made to His people become applicable to us. One of those promises is the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus—who Himself had the Holy Spirit descend on Him upon baptism (see Matthew 3:16-17 and Mark 1:4-12)—promised that we would receive the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide us:

"If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him, for He dwells with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:15-17).

And Peter, after receiving the Holy Spirit himself, reminded the people of God’s promise:

"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. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:38-39).

The promise of the Holy Spirit is given to those who believe and are baptized. It is conditional to repentance and obedience.

"...the Holy Spirit whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts 5:32).

"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" (Romans 6:3-4).

Even the ability to repent and obey is a gift from God. It is the Holy Spirit Himself who is sent to “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). So baptism is not just accepting the forgiveness of Jesus, it is accepting the transforming power of Jesus to help us repent and obey in the first place. In baptism, "our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6).

 

[phipps]

... continued.

Baptism is the Symbolic Death to Self and Birth into a New Life and Purpose

Baptism is the sign of the death of our selfish, sinful nature. That old, worldly person is buried in the waters of baptism.

"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:24-25).

"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...Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:3-6).

Baptism is the beginning of a new life with God. The Holy Spirit makes us clean and gives us a new identity and purpose:

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).

"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:17, 22-23).

The Holy Spirit prepares us for our new occupation as His servant and new identity as His child (see John 14:17, 26 and 1 John 3:1-3). He imparts His gifts of service that we are to use to spread the Gospel. These gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11,28,31; and Ephesians 4:11-12.


Baptism is the Celebration of Christ's Resurrection

Some say that we should take Sunday as our day of worship in order to celebrate Christ's resurrection. However, we already have such a celebration: baptism.

The Sabbath was instituted to commemorate Creation (Exodus 20:8-11; 31:17). It also served as a reminder of God's restoring and saving work in our lives—a reminder that these things cannot be accomplished through our own works (Exodus 31:13; Hebrews 4:10). We rest on the seventh day to honour our Creator and our Saviour. However, many Christians defend Sunday as the day for worship on the grounds that they are celebrating Christ's resurrection from the grave after His death on the cross.

When we consider Christ's resurrection from the dead, we must realize that it was possible only because of His sinless life. Because He had not sinned once during his entire life on this earth, Christ was not defeated by Satan, and was able to rise again from the death on the cross. Death could not hold Him because He was unconquered by the Enemy. The way we celebrate Christ's resurrection is by participating in the rite of baptism.

Baptism is, among other things, our own participation in Christ's death, and our own resurrection to a new life in Christ. When we are submersed under the water, it is a sign that we are choosing to let our old life die. And when we rise from the water that symbolizes a watery grave, we are choosing and receiving on a daily basis a new life in Christ—trusting in the merits of Christ to save us, and choosing to daily slay the old selfish desires that fight against Christ's principles. The new birth experience celebrates Christ's resurrection by applying the power of His resurrection to our lives through our own choice.

When Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, He was not declaring Himself a sinner that needed to be saved. He was baptized as an example for us to follow, and as a substitute for those who have, for one reason or another, been unable to demonstrate their choice to follow Jesus through the rite of baptism. Perhaps they were invalid, on their deathbed, or simply far away from any other Christian that could assist them in this rite. In those cases, Jesus Christ was baptized on their behalf. But for us who are able to freely make the decision to live for Christ it is a privilege and a duty.

 

[phipps]

One mode of Baptism


Scripture Teaches Immersion

When Jesus was baptized, He was baptized by immersion in the river:

Matthew 3:16-17, "And 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; and lo, a voice from Heaven saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

John baptized in the river because he needed water that was deep enough:

John 3:23, "Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized."

A further example of the mode of baptism given in the Scriptures is that of the baptism of the eunuch by Philip.

Acts 8:38-39. "And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Phillip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing."

Note that they went into the water and then came up out of the water. This baptism was total immersion.

Ephesians 4:5, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

NOTE: The Greek word "baptizo" means "submerge," "plunge under," or "immerse." A person has not been baptized unless he has been completely submerged, or buried, in water. This word "baptizo" is always used in the Bible in reference to the sacred ordinance of baptism. The Greek words for "sprinkling" or "pouring" are never used.


The Meaning of Baptism by Immersion

Besides being a symbol of our willingness to accept the Gospel of justification and sanctification, and entrance into the body of Christ, baptism by immersion conveys deep spiritual truths. Paul discusses these truths:

Colossians 2:12, "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."

Romans 6:3-6, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 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. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 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."

These verses point out that the old life of sin is buried by baptism. The candidate for baptism should be immersed beneath the surface of the water in order to bury the old life of sin in the watery grave.

Galatians 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Only baptism by immersion can rightly symbolize the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The apostle Peter ties in baptism with salvation by using these words.

1 Peter 3:21, "There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

 

[phipps]

Infant Baptism Not Biblical.

Baptism is a symbol of our willingness to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a conscious decision and proclamation.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16).

Infants cannot make a conscious decision. Therefore, to baptise them defeats the whole purpose of the ceremony. Also, infant baptism is never taught in the Scriptures.

Beyond this, infant baptism is detrimental to Christian's salvation. Some Christians will assume (as it would be easy to do if brought up under this teaching) that because they were baptised as infants, they possess salvation and are members of Christ’s church. They will sadly be deceived on one of the the most important issues of all, eternal salvation! Jesus made it clear that those who believe should be baptised. Its one of the conditions to salvation. And according to Acts 2:38 we have to be baptised first to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Plus baptism is a public confession of faith in Christ, done in obedience to His command in Matthew 28:19. To baptise an infant is to rob someone of a very meaningful spiritual experience, namely, the public confession of Christ in obedience to His command after one has come to saving faith.

The doctrine of infant baptism is of pagan origin and was brought into the Church by Roman Catholicism. Infant baptism has its origins in the Babylonian mysteries.

 

[Thunderian]

strongly admonished

I thought you said baptism was a requirement for salvation. Are we commanded to be baptized? Or are we “strongly admonished”?

 

[phipps]

I thought you said baptism was a requirement for salvation. Are we commanded to be baptized? Or are we “strongly admonished”?

I see no difference with "strongly admonished" and "commanded". That only just means some people in very special situations cannot get baptised as you know, but Jesus feels very strongly that the rest of us should as He was. That means it is a requirement to salvation. John 3:5.

 

[phipps]

Is Rebaptism Biblical?


There are circumstances where rebaptism seems called for. The Scriptures tell of believers that had been baptised by John the Baptist being rebaptised on receiving greater light regarding salvation in Christ:

"And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:1-5).

Observe carefully that John had already baptized these Christians at Ephesus. Not only was it a legitimate baptism, but also they had accepted Christ as the Messiah from John’s careful instruction. But under Paul’s questioning, they confessed to a lack of knowledge regarding the Holy Spirit. The message that Paul shared with them on this subject was of such a nature that they felt it necessary to be baptized again. With this Bible example before us, let’s consider possible reasons for modern disciples choosing to be baptized again.

What about the Christian who slips away from the faith and reverts to his former life of sin? It is without question that public apostasy, marked by open disobedience to God’s law, should be just as openly renounced by a renewal of the baptism experience. The personal witness of a turning around in the lifestyle is one of the important aspects of being baptized.

Another reason that some might feel the need for rebaptism is related to the experience of the Ephesian believers. Apparently they believed that the greater light of truth shared with them by Paul was of such a life-changing nature that they felt it necessary to be baptized again. Many may feel the same today as they learn new biblical teachings that revolutionize their way of believing and worshipping God. Some indeed discover that their previous Christian walk, though sincere, was actually violating some very important principles of Scripture. None should feel that they are denying their earlier experience by choosing to wash the past clean through a renewing of the baptismal experience.

 

[phipps]

What must a person do to prepare for baptism?

Learn God's requirements. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them ... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Believe the truth of God's Word. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

Repent and turn away from your sins and experience conversion. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).


How does a person know they are spiritually ready to be baptised?

Once someone professes faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, the Bible says they should proclaim the life change that has occurred — the watching world needs to know. Baptism has always stood as a public testimony for people who have become believers in Christ. Believers are those who have realized that their sins have separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through their own good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation. If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. Let the miracle that has happened in you show through the sacrament He ordained for you.

 

[floss]

They have given up all efforts to reach God through their own good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.

 

[phipps]

But a person shouldn’t be baptized until he is certain he will never slip and sin again, should he?

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

This is like saying a baby should never try to walk until certain she will never slip and fall. A Christian is a newborn “baby” in Christ. This is why the experience of conversion is called “being born again.” A person’s sinful past is forgiven and forgotten by God at conversion. And baptism symbolizes the burial of the desires of that old life. We begin the Christian life as babies, rather than adults, and God judges us on our attitude and the trend of our lives, rather than on a few slips and falls that we may experience as immature Christians.


Why is baptism an urgent matter for a converted sinner?

“Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

Baptism is a public testimony that a repentant sinner has been forgiven and cleansed by Jesus (1 John 1:9) and that their sinful past is behind them. No incriminating evidence against a person exists after conversion. Men and women today struggle under heavy loads of sin and guilt, and this contamination and burden is so devastating to the human personality that people will go to almost any length to achieve a sense of forgiveness and cleansing. But real help is found only in coming to Christ, who says to all who approach Him, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Matthew 8:3). Not only does He cleanse, but He also begins crucifying the old nature of sin within you. Baptism is of utmost importance because it is our public acceptance of Jesus’ astonishing provision for us!

At conversion, God:
1. Forgives and forgets our past.
2. Miraculously begins to transform us into new spiritual beings.
3. Adopts us as His own sons and daughters.

Certainly no converted person would want to delay baptism, which publicly honors Jesus for working all these miracles.

 

[phipps]

How long does it take to prepare for baptism?

That depends on the person. Some grasp things more quickly than others. But in most cases, preparation can be made in short order. Here are some Bible examples:

Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:26-39) baptized on the same day he heard truth.

Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:23-34) baptized the same night they heard truth.

Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-18) baptized three days after Jesus spoke to him on the road
to Damascus.

Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48) baptized on the same day he heard truth.


How does God feel about the baptism of a converted person?

He said at His Son’s baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Those who love the Lord will always strive to please Him (1 John 3:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). There is joy in heaven over a truly converted soul!


Can a person experience true baptism without becoming a member of God’s church?

No. God clearly outlines this:

All are called into one body. "You were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15).

The church is the body. "He is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).

We enter that body by baptism. “By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

God’s converted people are added to the church. “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

 

[phipps]

Notice four things that baptism does not do:

First
Baptism itself does not change the heart; it is a symbol of a change that has taken place. A person might be baptized without faith, without repentance, and without a new heart. He might even be immersed after the example of Jesus, but he would simply come up a wet sinner instead of a dry one—still without faith, without repentance, without a new heart. Baptism cannot make a new person. Neither can it change or regenerate anyone. It is the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that changes the heart. One must be born of the Spirit, as well as of water (John 3:5).

Second
Baptism does not necessarily make a person feel better. It doesn’t necessarily change our feelings. Some people are disappointed because they do not feel different after baptism. Salvation is a matter not of emotion, but of faith and obedience.

Third
Baptism does not remove temptations. The devil is not through with a person when he is baptized. Then again, neither is Jesus, who promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). No temptation will come without a way of escape. This is the promise of Scripture (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Fourth
Baptism is not some magical rite that guarantees salvation. Salvation comes only as a free gift from Jesus Christ when one experiences the new birth. Baptism is a symbol of true conversion, and unless conversion precedes baptism, the ceremony is meaningless.


Isn’t baptism a matter of personal opinion?

Yes—but not your opinion or mine. It’s Christ’s opinion that matters. Christ says baptism is important to Him. “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). To refuse baptism is to refuse the direct counsel of God (Luke 7:29-30).


How old should one be to qualify for baptism?

Old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong and to make an intelligent decision to surrender to Christ and follow Him. Many children are ready for baptism at 10 or 11 years of age, some at 8 or 9. And some are not ready at 12 or 13. No age level is specified in the Bible. Children have different levels of experience and understanding. Some are ready for baptism earlier than others.


Isn’t baptism of the Holy Spirit all that is necessary?

No. The Bible shows in Acts 10:44–48 that water baptism is necessary, even when the baptism of the Holy Spirit has preceded it.


There is one sin that I struggle to surrender. Should I be baptized?

Sometimes we struggle with a particular sin and feel that we cannot overcome it. Don’t despair! God wants you to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). God can give you victory over any sin! But you are not ready to be buried in baptismal waters unless you can make that surrender, because the old life of sin is not dead. Only as we die to ourselves can we live for Christ.


Can you explain Galatians 3:27?

Here God essentially compares baptism to marriage. The person who is baptized publicly acknowledges that he or she has taken—put on—Christ’s name (Christian), just as many brides publicly announce the taking of their husband’s name at the time of the wedding. In baptism, as with marriage, several principles apply:

It should never be entered into unless true love rules supreme.

It should never be entered into unless the candidate desires to be faithful through thick and thin.

It should be approached with full understanding.

It should not be premature or unduly delayed.

Purity and Power! | Bible Study Guides | Amazing Facts

Baptism by immersion is a symbol and a choice to live a life with God.

www.amazingfacts.org

 

[phipps]

Baptism is the beginning

Baptism is a outward symbol of what has already happened in our life (death to self, burial, and resurrection in newness of life into the Character of God). It is also a symbol of what is to happen throughout the rest of our life moment by moment.

 

[phipps]

Why Was Jesus Baptized?

We are told in the Bible that baptism is the washing away of sin from a person's life, as well as the new birth. Jesus did not need to wash away any sins or have a new birth. He was sinless. So why did He get baptized?

There are three main reasons:

First, He was baptized in behalf of those who cannot be baptized themselves. Sometimes when people accept the Lord in prison or in a hospital, circumstances do not allow them to be baptized. Jesus gives them credit for His baptism. The thief on the cross was one example (Luke 23:43).

Second, Jesus was baptized as an example, that we should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).

And third, Jesus was baptized so we can, by studying His experience, know what to expect by faith.

 

[phipps]

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, the receiving of the Holy Spirit and baptism belong together. They signal our new birth. In baptism we are identified with Christ, and Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can live in His power and proclaim the good news. The baptism of the Spirit is no second work of grace at a later stage in life that some associate with miraculous gifts.

In 1 Corinthians 12:13, Paul does not have in mind the unique experience at Pentecost, but rather the experience of all believers. He states that by one Spirit we all are baptized into one body, and all were made to drink of one Spirit. Paul emphasizes unity. The word “all” is crucial. Paul connects the initiation of all believers into the body of Christ with the baptism of the Spirit.

 

[Lisa]

Do you really think a lot of people read your cut and pastes? I think it would be more compelling if you spoke from the heart, honestly.

 

[phipps]

Do you really think a lot of people read your cut and pastes? I think it would be more compelling if you spoke from the heart, honestly.

Why do you care? That should be my worry not yours. Its got nothing to do with you does it? I used my own words to correct your false doctrine about God abandoning people as soon as they fall away. So I will choose when I use my own words and when I don't and if you don't like it, I don't care! Exercise your free will to ignore it! Its no skin off my back. The important thing is the message not how I post it and if you don't get that, then that's sad.

This nonsense tactic of telling me about my copying and pasting (of subjects that I have known of for years) is used to attack me, you're not the first or the last one to do it. You're wasting your time because it doesn't work on me. It actually leads me to believe you know you're wrong about falling away and are retaliating here. Grow up!

 

[Lisa]

Why do you care? Its got nothing to do with so mind your business okay?

Because it bugs the crap out of me to see swaths of cut and paste from you. If it bugs me and I ignore most stuff you post...it could be the same for others too.

 

[phipps]

Because it bugs the crap out of me to see swaths of cut and paste from you. If it bugs me and I ignore most stuff you post...it could be the same for others too.

I don't care about yours or others feelings here. As I said you are free to ignore it. But I will continue to post as I see fit and that's that. Its not about you, its about God.