BAPTISM
If you’ve not been baptized since placing your faith in Jesus for forgiveness of sins, the Word of God says that this is the initial act in a life of worship.
What we believe about baptism:
The Lord’s Command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus’ word is sufficient warrant for the baptism of believers.
The Practice of the Early Church: This reveals the application of the Lord’s words by those who heard Him speak. We read concerning the converts on the Day of Pentecost: “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41). Additional examples of apostolic practice include Acts 8:33-38; 10:44-48; 16:31-33; and 18:8.
Disciples –Christians are commanded to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.” (Matthew 28:19 ).
Believers –“those who received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41 ). The eunuch confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Philip baptized him (Acts 8:30-28). The jailer at Philippi “was baptized at once, he and all his family… he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” (Acts 16:33-34 ).
Receivers of the Holy Spirit –While Peter was preaching to Cornelius, “the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:44-48 ).
Note: We conclude that baptism is limited to disciples, believers, or those who have received the Holy Spirit. These different designations refer to the same people –namely, Christians. Therefore, all who were baptized before conversion must be baptized again, since baptism is a post-conversion act of obedience.
Identification with Christ –This identification is with His death, burial and resurrection. Paul asked, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4).
Identification with the Church –“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41).
The Meaning –The meaning of baptize is “to completely immerse something.” It is evident that submerging one in the water and lifting him from it should be the method of baptism, as it gives the most vivid picture of salvation (Romans 6:3-4).
The Example –The examples of baptism recorded in Scripture imply immersion (Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38-39).