History

The Jews had many ceremonial washings and also baptized. It symbolized a washing; a cleansing. (Acts 22:16)

John the Baptist baptized unto repentance prior to Christ’s public ministry and prior to the cross. (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4; Acts 19:14)

Jesus, who is sinless, was baptized as an example for us. (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9)

In the Great Commission, Jesus gave the command to baptize. (Matthew 28:19)

The early church baptized from its inception at Pentecost. (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 9:18; I Corinthians 1:16)

The church has baptized throughout its entire 2,000 year history.

Spiritual Baptism

Christians are spiritually baptized into Christ. (John 14:20; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27)

Christians are also spiritually baptized into the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:13)

Spiritual baptism involves positional truths that can neither be changed nor taken away.

Christ accomplishes spiritual baptism by means of the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:8; Acts 1:5)

There is one spiritual baptism which happens once only at the time of one's salvation. (Acts 10:47; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12)

Water Baptism

We baptize with water. (Mark 1:8; John 3:23; Acts 8:36)

The Greek word baptizo means to dip, soak, or wash.

The proper manner is by immersion.

Water baptism is a symbol of the spiritual baptism already having occurred in the believer.

Water baptism is a an outward testimony of an inward change.

Baptism is only for believers. It does not save anyone. (Acts 18:8; I Corinthians 1:17)

The baptismal ceremony is a time of reflection, praise, testimony, and encouragement.

Dead to Sin – Alive to God

Christians are now dead to sin and alive to God in their new position in Christ. (Romans 6:1-3)

This new positional truth (In Christ) should be lived out daily. (Rom. 6:4)

James Utter