Bible Doctrine – Page 2 – Survive The Wrath

Now That I Am Saved, Where Do I Start? Virtually every religious denomination in existence teaches some form of baptism as part of their doctrine, and the diversities in their teachings are wide. The purpose of this article is intended to give the Bible's clear and definite teaching on the subject so the individual understands perfectly what God's intention is regarding baptism. You will not truly grow in your spiritual life until you are baptized. God commands us to be baptized. Baptism is often viewed as the first act of obedience to the Lord. The reason for this, is because there are several instances in the Bible showing baptism taking place almost immediately after salvation before any other obedience is seen. Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus set the example Himself by submitting to baptism before He began His public ministry. He was first baptized then ministered. There are no recorded miracles performed by Jesus until after he was baptized. The Hollywood movies get it wrong. In Matthew 3:13-15, it is clear that Jesus was baptized in obedience to God's plan. In verse 15, He said, "Suffer (allow) it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." -Submission and obedience as shown by Jesus is the single most important issues regarding baptism. The following bible verses show characters that submitted to baptism. Acts 8:36-39 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 9:17-18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Acts 16:25-33 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. What is the purpose of baptism? The important point to consider is the picture that is portrayed by baptism.Romans 6:1-7, specifically verses 3-4, show the two purposes of baptism. 1. It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Standing in the water pictures the death of Christ. Going under the water pictures the burial of Christ. Coming out of the water pictures the of Christ. 2. It is a public testimony of the new convert's identification with Jesus Christ through the death, burial and resurrection, which is how he was saved. Baptism is the wedding band of salvation. Just as a wedding ring shows people one is married by getting baptized you are showing people that you are saved and not ashamed to be identified as such. Every believer should be baptized. A. The clearest case of an individual's baptism in the Bible is the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. In verse 36, the Eunuch asked, "…what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip then answered with the requirement for baptism in verse 37, "…If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." Then the Eunuch's response sealed the matter, "…I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." B. There are NO cases of baptism in the Bible of anyone but believers.C. Some other instances of baptism immediately after salvation include: 1. Acts 8:12-13 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.13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.2. Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. There is only one Biblical method of baptism A. The word baptize literally means to dip, plunge or immerse, thus the Biblical method of Baptism is by immersion.B. Acts 8:26-39 gives the clearest example. In verses 38-39, Both Philip and the Eunuch went down into the water and came up out of the water.C. Matthew 3:16 we find that Jesus was baptized in the same manner.D. As seen previously; baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The only way to bury someone is to put them completely underground. The Biblical method of baptism is complete immersion. No one in the Bible was ever sprinkled. Baptism is essential for your spiritual growth It is NOT essential for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear a man is saved by grace through faith without works, including baptism.It IS essential for service and spiritual growth. Matthew 28:18-20 (the great commission) proves it is essential. Baptism is an integral part of the great commission as it is part of the process of making disciples. Thus one cannot fulfill the process of being a disciple without being scripturally baptized. Key Thoughts If one wants to become a follower of Jesus Christ, they must be willing to submit to Baptism. A study of the Scriptures reveals that one should get baptized as soon as possible after accepting Christ as their Savior. Basic questions When should a person be baptized? Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 16:31-33 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. One should get baptized as soon as possible after they are savedOnce again it is for this reason that it is often viewed as the first step of obedience. Where should I be baptized? Every local church will tell you that you must get baptized at their local church since that is how you become a member of that church. I don't see in the bible where it must be at a local church. The eunuch is Acts 2:38 was not at a local church filled with people. I believe you can be baptized wherever there is water, but it must at least be done by someone that is saved. Some churches have to baptize in rivers or creeks (Jesus Himself was baptized in the Jordan River). This is who Jesus gave the great commission to. These verses don't mention the local church, the great commission is given to all that are saved.Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 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.