Listen to this articleIn this Bible Study, we are going to define Water Baptism, learn how a person should be baptized, the hang-up people get into about the instruction of baptism, and why baptism is so important.
Throughout this lesson, we will answer the following questions:
1.) What is Water Baptism?
2.) How should a person be Baptized?
3.) Should a person be Baptized in the titles or in the NAME?
4.) Why is baptism important?
Subject Verse:
Matthew 28:19-20
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all thangs whosoever I have commanded you: and, lo, you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
So, what is Water Baptism?
Water Baptism is the complete submersion of a person in water. Water Baptism is carried out signifying burial of the our flesh and resurrection as we are given a new life, a new walk, a new direction in Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 defines the reason for Water Baptism.
1 Peter 3:21
[21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Colossians 2:11-12
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
[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.
We are buried with Jesus through baptism.
How should a person be Baptized?
Baptize, comes from the Greek baptizo. Meaning “to immerse,” “plunge into” or “put into.”
We can see in three references where complete immersion was used in the practice of baptism.
Let’s first look at John 3:23
John 3:23
[23] And John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
We see in this verse that John was baptizing in (the stream, brook, or river) Aenon in Jedea where there was a lot of water.
Matthew 3:13,16
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
[16] 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:
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river by John. It is written that Jesus come up completely out of the water.
Acts 8:38
[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.
We can see here in Acts 8:38, Philip baptized a eunuch (a slave or servant) who believe Jesus to be the Son of God. Philip and the eunuch went into the water.
We can see three instances here where in each instance, the person being baptized was immersed and water was not poured or sprinkled upon them.
What did Jesus tell Nicodemus?
John 3:5
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Should a person be Baptized in the titles or in the NAME?
This is not a difficult question. We see in the subject verse, the command given by Jesus to his disciples to teach everyone about God and to baptize. This is where many people get hung up, on the instructions. That’s like me telling an employees they need to greet the customers and when a customer walks up, they say, “My manager told me I had to greet customers” Instead of just greeting the customer in front of them, they’re informing the customer what I told them and not following my instructions.
Since this is a hang up, let’s look at the verses to better understand.
Matthew 1:21
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
God appeared to Joseph, informing him that Mary will deliver him a son, and told Joseph to name him JESUS. The name of the SON is JESUS
John 5:43
[43] I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Jesus was speaking to the Jews. He told them that he came in his the name of his Father. If we take this verse at it’s meaning, then the name of the FATHER is JESUS since it is written that Jesus came in his Father’s name.
John 14:26
[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Jesus is addressing Philip here. This verse tells you what the name of the Holy Ghost is. It is written that God will send the Holy Ghost in Jesus’ name.
So, let me get this straight.
The name of the FATHER is JESUS.
The name of the SON is JESUS.
The name of the HOLY SPIRIT is JESUS.
People isn’t baptized in the names, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS. God isn’t three persons. That’s like a child repeating himself to get his mothers attention. Mommy, mum, mother… That is the same person.
You must be baptized in the NAME of JESUS for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:37-39
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Here is another command given and the three steps to being saved. Repent of sins, baptism in the NAME of JESUS, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. It doesn’t say some people will, it says every one of you, not some, all.
Luke 24:46-47
[46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus is behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day:
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
This passage of scripture says that the way to preach salvation of in HIS name, which is the name of JESUS.
There were many baptisms recorded in different books of the Bible. The Jews, Gentiles, and even the Baptists were baptized and is recorded throughout the book of Acts.
Acts 4:10-12
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the NAME of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
We MUST be saved in No Other Name that that brings salvation but the NAME of JESUS! The Jews were given instruction and were baptized in the NAME of JESUS.
Acts 8:15-17
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
It’s written in this passage of scripture about the Samaritans. They were baptized in the NAME of JESUS.
Acts 10:44-48
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Here we see that the Gentiles were baptized in the NAME of JESUS. Peter didn’t repeat the command, baptize in the name of “the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” he carried out the instructions given to him.
Acts 19:1-6
[1] And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
[2] He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
[3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
[4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
[5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
[6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The Baptists hadn’t even heard of the Holy Ghost. Paul was instructing believers to be baptized in the NAME of JESUS.
Let us not look at how Paul was baptized. Part of the story can be found in Acts 9:18 and the second in Acts 22:16.
Acts 9:18
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 22:16
[16]And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
We can clearly see here that even Paul was baptized in the NAME of JESUS.
Romans 6:3-4
[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Here it’s written as a question, Do you not know, that we were baptized in the Name of Jesus? That our baptism signified our spiritual death, and spiritual rebirth?
Even now, it’s written, baptism in who’s name? His, not theirs.
Colossians 3:17
[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
In the name of Jesus do we pray for our food, healing, deliverance, comforted when we’re scared, casting out unclean spirits. Everything is accomplished, asked for, and prayed in the sweet name of Jesus. Which is the Name above all Names.
Supporting Notes
John 8:23-24
[23] And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
[24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
In this verse Jesus was speaking to the Jews and Pharisees, Jesus said that he was from above and not of this world. Wait a minute, but, but, Jesus was born of a earthly woman. He continued speaking, if you don’t believe that I am the Lord your God, you shall die because of your sins.
John 8:56-59
[56] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
[57] Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
[58] Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
[59] Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
The Jewish people were going to stone Jesus because he said that he existed before Abraham.
John 10:25-31
[25] Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
[26] But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
[27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
[28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
[29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
[30] I and my Father are one.
[31] The the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
What had God been trying to do all the time in the Old Testament? Get the children of Israel to follow HIM. Remember, God is jealous of idolatry. Remember what happened to the Israelites when they made themselves a golden calf and worshipped to it? Remember what happened when the Israelites finally got to the promised land and the kings didn’t worship God? He scattered them throughout the countries which they knew not. Just imagine what would have happened if Jesus was not really God and people was worshipping Him. I think God has the power to reach down with just a thought, yeah, you’re smited. Leading my children into darkness, worshipping you alone, how dare you. Not to mention the Pharisees was so caught up on law, they couldn’t see the truth right before their eyes.
When we look at this scripture, we interpret that the Jewish people knew exactly what Jesus was saying to them. Jesus admitted so clearly that He is God. They were about to stone him, again.
First He said, no man will steal his followers, which he gives eternal life, out of his hand. Say, if he was mortal, how could a mortal man give someone eternal life? John 5:26 says, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;” Then he said, no man is able to take them out of his Father’s hand. Furthermore, John 10:30 affirms that Jesus is God.
John 10:30
[30] I and my Father are one.
Galatians 3:27-28
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
No matter what ethnicity, occupation, or gender, when we are baptized we become closer to Jesus.
Mark 16:16
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
You can be baptized and not believe in God. You can believe and not be baptized. But whoever is baptized and believes will enter into Heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10]Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but yea are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye was justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
This is why it’s so important we ask for forgiveness, our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, enter into the grave with him through baptism in the name of Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God being filled with the Holy Ghost we will have eternal life.
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