TEACH THEM TO OBEY - LESSON ELEVEN

WATER BAPTISM

Water baptism has been with the church since it began. Over the years, however, some church denominations have modified it; and instead of immersing converts in water, they rather sprinkle or pour water on their heads to baptize them. But that is not right. Jesus Christ was baptized in water by immersion and we have to follow his example by also baptizing in water by immersion. He commanded us to baptize people who believe the Gospel (Matt. 28:19)

1.      What is Baptism?

1. The word, “Baptism” is from a Greek word, “Baptizo”, meaning “to immerse completely in something”. It is immersing an object in a medium so it is covered completely.
2. Water Baptism is a Christian act, sacrament or ceremony by which new converts to the faith are immersed in water and removed, to signify their union with Christ Jesus.
3. Water Baptism must be by immersion, because Jesus was baptized by immersion – Matt. 3:13-16
4. Sprinkling or pouring water on people is therefore not Water Baptism.
5. Water Baptism is therefore not for unbelievers or children who have not understood the Gospel to be saved.

2.      What is the significance of Water Baptism? – Rom. 6:4, Col 2:11-12, Gal 3:27

1. Water Baptism is an outward demonstration of some spiritual experiences we went through when we were saved
2. Water Baptism demonstrates our spiritual baptism into the Body of Christ when we are saved – Gal 3:27
3. Water Baptism shows that we died and resurrected with Christ Jesus. – Rom 6:4, Col 2:12
4. Water Baptism is another way of publicly declaring your faith in Christ; and that helps the believer to be mindful of his public conduct, and live like Christ. – Rom 6:4

3.      What does water baptism do to our salvation? – Lk 23:40-43

1. Water baptism only demonstrates what has already happened; it has no spiritual benefit to our salvation.
2. We are not better believers when we are baptized in water; and our salvation is not incomplete, neither is it reduced if we are not baptized.
3. Water Baptism cannot replace belief in the Gospel and the confession of faith in Christ. It therefore does not save anyone.

4.      Examples of Water Baptism

1. Jesus Christ - Matt. 3:13-16
2. The Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:36-39
3. Saul (Paul) – Acts 9:17-19
4. Cornelius’ household – Acts 10:47-48
5. The jailers household – Acts 16:31-33

5.      Jesus commanded us to baptize those who believe the Gospel

Every believer is commanded, not only to preach the Gospel, but to baptize those who believe the message- Matt 28:19

CONFESSION: I died with Christ; I was buried with Christ and I have resurrected with Christ into a new way of life

PRAYER: I pray that as long as I live, I will honour Christ in all I do because of his death and resurrection, in Jesus name

SCRIPTURE(S) TO MEMORISE BEFORE NEXT LESSON: Rom 6:3-4

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