I. A PROPER UNDERSTANDING.

A. The Proper Authority.

B. The Proper Candidate.

C. The Proper Purpose.

D. The Proper Mode.

A. Those with Impure Hearts.

B. Those with Incomplete Message.

C. Those with Insincere Belief.

A. A Multitude.

B. A Eunuch.

C. A Jailer.

Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41; 8:5-24, 26-39; 16:33; Rom. 6:4; Eph. 2:8.

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 (Rom. 6:4)

There is much confusion and misinformation on the doctrine of Baptism. It will be necessary to combat many preconceived ideas. Because of the false teaching that has been done for centuries on this subject, it will be necessary to lay a new foundation in the minds of the students. It will not be possible, or desirable, to refute every false position. Instead, we should concentrate on the correct one.

We want to teach a simple, understandable lesson on Baptism. We must understand that it can only be administered by a proper authority, to proper subjects, for the proper purpose, by the proper mode.

The word Baptize is used very loosely. Just as words like family, jury, and church can find meaning in special ways, the word Baptize is only meaningful when viewed in the proper context. Twelve people seated in a group do not constitute a jury. They must be impaneled by proper authority. A man, woman, and several children do not necessarily constitute a family. They may be total strangers who, by coincidence, are together in one location. Likewise, merely performing an act that looks like Baptism -- even calling it Baptism - does not necessarily make that act Baptism. Proper authority for Baptism rests with the church-the local assembly of believers. Just as a jury must 'be properly impaneled, Baptism must be properly authorized. It should not be administered by the Parent-Teacher Association, or the Lions Club, or even by a well-intentioned individual. The commission to Baptize was given to the church, and can only be carried out by the authority of that assembly (Matt. 28:18-20).

The proper candidate for Baptism is a believer. In Acts 8:2639, Philip is preaching to a man of Ethiopia. The man asked to be Baptized. "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" (Acts 8:37). Upon this confession of faith, they commanded the chariot to stand still. They went down into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch, and Philip Baptized this new believer. Notice that Baptism should only be administered to a person who believes with all his heart. Not just a head consent, but a heart belief is necessary. Otherwise, it is not Bible Baptism, but is merely an imitation. A person who is not a believer should not be Baptized. This fact, by itself, should show us that infants are not candidates for Baptism.

The proper purpose for Baptism is very important. Many people are Baptized for the remission of sins. They cling to a limited number of Scriptures which, when taken out of context, seem to teach that Baptism saves- They frustrate the dear teaching that we are saved by grace through faith, and not by works of righteousness (Eph. 2:8). Baptism is a work of righteousness. It does not get us saved or help us to get saved. Instead, it is an identification with our Savior. "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" (Rom. 6:4). Baptism becomes our identifying mark with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The word Baptize can find meaning in only one act-the act of immersion. There are several reasons why this is true. First, the word itself means to dip or plunge. Authorities on the Greek language are agreed. In the original language the word translated Baptize means immersion. Second, the words used to describe Baptism indicate immersion. In the case of Philip and the eunuch, both men went down into the water. The Baptism took place, then both men came up out of the water. Finally, Baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. This symbol is most fully presented by a candidate who is literally buried, or immersed, in water.

In Acts 8:5-24, there is the record of a man who was Baptized, but his heart was not right. He tried to buy the blessing of God with money. Peter rebuked him and said, "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:21).

There were twelve men in Acts 19:1-7 who showed no evidence of salvation. They were disciples of John. They were not aware of the ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ. They had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Until they heard the complete message of Christ and received Him, they were not proper candidates for Baptism.

Constantine the Great, emperor of the Roman Empire, saw that Christians were of fine, noble character and decided that all the Roman Empire should be Christians. He had his armies Baptized. These people, though they professed Christianity, were insincere. They were not believers, and therefore should not have been baptized.

Baptism is not essential for salvation, but it is essential for obedience to God (Matt. 28:19). Every believer should be baptized.

On the day of Pentecost there were 3,000 converts. They were Baptized the same day (Acts 2:41).

B. A Eunuch.

The eunuch, led to the Lord by Philip, requested and received Baptism the same hour he was saved (Acts 8:36-38).

The Philippian jailer, led to the Lord by Paul and Silas, was Baptized the same night (Acts 16:33).

A proper understanding of the importance of Baptism is very important for every Christian. Baptism for the wrong reason can create false security. Failure to be baptized is disobedience to God. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We should never trust in Baptism for salvation, but to trust in God's grace alone.

1. Proper authority for ______________________________________ rests with the church.

2. The proper ________________________________ for Baptism is a ________________________________ .

3. Baptism is a work of ___________________________ ; it is an _____________________ with the Savior.

4. Baptism means to _____________________ or _________________________ .

5. Baptism is a symbol of ______________________, _____________________, and ________________________ .

6. Baptism is not essential for _____________________, but it is essential for ___________________________ .

Memory Verse: 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).

Short Version: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism.

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