God’s Plan of Salvation
Baptism

As we continue our study of God’s plan of salvation, today we want to address the subject of baptism. In the denominational world, this is by far one of the most controversial aspects in a discussion of salvation. It is considered one of the “elementary principles of Christ” (Heb. 6:1). That it is important and that one ought to do it is not argued by most – but everything else about it is – it’s purpose, its mode, its authority and its subjects is debated.
It is no secret that as we study the Bible we come to the conclusion that we need to be baptized to be saved. In this lesson, we want to briefly address some of the passages about baptism, noting the results of this act. Then we will notice the four elements of baptism. We will conclude by discussing some arguments against baptism.
I. What is baptism?
a. The English word, “baptize” is a transliteration of the Greek word, ßapt???, (baptizo). The word literally means, “to dip in or under” (Kittel) Vine’s defines it as “to dip”
Strong’s Notes[1], “1. To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk). 2. To cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe. 3. To overwhelm.”
b. NOTE: When looking up this word, we need to use caution. Because of the denominational world’s general rejection of its purpose and importance, AND changes in the mode of baptism, sometimes definitions reflect doctrinal views. For example:
Random House defines the word (baptize)[2] as, “to immerse in water or sprinkle or pour water in the Christian rite of baptism.” NOTE: This is an English dictionary designed to define words the way they are used (so it is a proper English definition, but not scriptural).
Louw & Nida defines the word as, “to employ water in a religious ceremony designed to symbolize purification and initiation on the basis of repentance.” (L&N, 53.41) NOT a wrong definition, but certainly incomplete!
c. Almost every English translation of the Bible uses the transliteration “baptize” instead of defining the word. This began with early English translations which originated AFTER the practices of sprinkling and pouring were being used by some. Rather than properly define the word, they avoided regal problems by simply transliterating the word.
d. Baptism in the Bible is immersion (there are actually 5 different baptisms in the NT - of John, Holy Spirit, Fire, Moses and for salvation). In our study today, we define the word as immersion in water for the forgiveness of one’s sins. We shall show this in this lesson.

II. The Bible and baptism
a. The Great commission – Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:47 – repentance and remission of sins should be preached.
b. The book of Acts and baptism. The book of Acts records the beginning of the church. There are multiple examples of conversion that include baptism:
i. Acts 2:38 – on the day of Pentecost – repent and be baptized for the remission of sins
ii. Acts 8:12-13 – the Samaritans, including Simon the magician believed and they were baptized.
iii. Acts 8:35-38 – Philip preached, he was told to believe. He confessed and was baptized then he went on his way rejoicing.
iv. Acts 9:18 – Saul (Paul) was baptized by Ananias when the Lord sent him there. Acts 22:16, as Paul recounts his conversion he explains its purpose.
v. Acts 10:47-48, after Peter preached Cornelius was baptized along with his household
vi. Acts 16:15 – Lydia and her household were baptized
vii. Acts 16:33 – after Paul and Silas taught him he believed and was baptized.
viii. Acts 18:9, Crispus and man Corinthians believed and were baptized (note 1Cor. 1:14- Crispus WAS baptized).
ix. Acts 19:5, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. In Ephesus there were 12 men who had only heard of John’s baptism. Paul taught them about Christ and they were baptized (again) in the name of the Lord.
x. In every one of these examples we find baptism. Clearly it was important.
c. Paul’s teaching on baptism –
i. In addition to Paul’s preaching and teaching as recorded in Acts, along with the results, Paul often taught of baptism in his letters.
ii. Romans 6:3-4 – we are buried with Christ in baptism. Raised to walk in newness of life.
iii. Galatians 3:27, as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
iv. Colossians 2:12, Paul speaks of these brethren being circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, putting off the body of sins in the flesh…buried with Him in baptism. It is described as the working of God. Let us CONSIDER this passage in dealing with “works” and baptism. It describes the TYPE of works that saves us – the works of God.
d. Peter teaching about baptism –
i. Acts 2:38 – on the day of Pentecost, Peter is preaching
ii. Acts 10:47-48 – it was Peter who was sent to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. He is clear on the need for baptism. He COMMANDED them to be baptized.
iii. 1 Peter 3:20-21 – just as Noah and his family were saved through water we are told, “Baptism now saves us.”

III. The four elements of baptism
a. Its purpose – in numerous passages we have discussed we have seen what is accomplished in baptism.
i. Acts 2:38 – Remission of sins
ii. 1 Peter 3:20-21 – it saves us (Mark 16:16)
iii. Acts 22:16 – it washes away our sins
iv. Galatians 3:27 – it puts us into Christ
v. Romans 6:3-4 – we are baptized into His death, raised to walk in newness of life.
vi. Matthew 28:19-20 – it makes us disciples
vii. THE PURPOSE of baptism is clear – it is that act of obedience (not a meritorious work) which puts us in a saved condition.

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