Water Baptism Page 12 tlckuwait.com Phone: 2240 7195 Email: [email protected] Page 1 As practiced by:
Water Baptism Page 2 TABLE OF CONTENT Introduction 3 Romans Road to Salvation 4 What is Water Baptism? 5 Why should a believer be Water Baptized? 7 When should a believer be Water baptized? 8 Who should be Water Baptized? 8 What about infant/Child Baptism 9 How should Water Baptism be done? 9 Symbolism of Baptism 10 How do I continue on my journey after Water Baptism? 10 Summary 11 Procedure for Water Baptism at TLC 11 ————————————- This booklet is compiled for the use of The Lighthouse Church. Updated 24.07.2019 Page 11 Summary The main points to remember about water baptism are: 1. It does not make us a Christian, or right with God. It is only a symbolic act with no power to save us. 2. It is a testimony of what has already happened inwardly in the believer -- the death of old self. 3. It is complete immersion in water. 4. Only someone old enough to understand what they are doing should be baptized 5. It should be done only by those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to Him. So, we see, we have absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain by following Jesus in water baptism. Ultimately, it all goes back to Jesus’ statement in John 14:15 - "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Water Baptism is a simple, but profound act of obedience that we will carry with us for the rest of our life. If you have not yet taken this step, We strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. You cannot take baptism without first embracing the reality that it represents: A living relationship with Jesus Christ. Without this, baptism is simply getting wet. Procedure for Water Baptism of candidates at TLC 1. Read the Baptismal Booklet published by TLC (Shepherd Shoppe or tlckuwait.com/waterbaptism) 2. Book an appointment with the Ministerial Administrator for your initial interview (6679 7581). 3. Complete the application form. 4. Receive an appointment with an Elder for interview and date of baptism.
Water Baptism Page 10 Baptism Symbolizes: (picture of) “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” Romans 6:4-6. How do I continue in my Christian walk after Water Baptism? Four essential steps to continue in your spiritual walk and building your relationship with the Lord: Step 1 – Read your Bible daily. Step 2 – Pray daily. Step 3 – Meet together with other believers regularly. Step 4 – Get involved in ministry. Page 3 Introduction The New Testament places great stress upon the ceremony and symbolism of water baptism. One of the foundational doctrines of Christian belief. referred to in Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment ” John the Baptist introduced water baptism as a ceremony through which one outwardly demonstrates his inward attitude of repentance and his desire to submit to God. Christ placed His stamp of approval upon John's baptism and set the example for us by Himself undergoing the ritual Himself. The Father expressed His favor with Jesus' baptism by saying immediately afterwards that Jesus was His beloved Son in whom He was "well pleased" (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus' disciples continued to baptize in the same manner as John until the death and resurrection of their Master, when the practice took on a newer and deeper significance, (John's baptism was for repentance) later they were baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus and when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 19:1-6). In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded that the apostles go into all the nations preaching the gospel and baptizing the disciples. They followed Christ's command and themselves both stressed the importance of baptism and carefully explained its meaning in their preaching and teachings. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Bible promises three great experiences to every person: 1) New Birth 2) Water Baptism and 3) Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Water Baptism Page 4 SALVATION THE ROMANS ROAD Romans 7:25 Sin controls my desires. So I am a slave to the law of sin. (NIRV) Our Sinful Behavior Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God Loves Sinners Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Confess & Believe Jesus Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” “ Bo r n Ag a i n” John 3:3 “I tell you the truth, No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again” A sinner’s prayer for forgiveness “Dear God, I’m a sinner. I know my sin deserves to be punished. I believe Christ is the son of God, who died for me and rose from the grave. I repent of my sin and trust Jesus Christ alone as my Savior Thank you for the forgiveness and everlasting life I can now have through faith in Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Our Sinful Nature Salvation is Eternal Life Page 9 What about infant/child Baptism? Infant baptism is NOT recorded in the Bible. because an infant cannot repent and have faith as described in the Bible. Therefore, there is no benefit to the infant who is baptized. Once a person reaches the age at which he or she can make a decision of faith and repentance, then water baptism will have significance. As long as the decision to become a Christian is made out of our own initiative and you comprehend repentance and faith, a specific age is not the determining factor. How should Water Baptism be done? It is important to look at the meaning of the word ‘baptize.’ A. The original Greek word for baptism used in the New Testament was “baptizo” which meant “to dip, plunge, submerge, or immerse.” B. It is a picture of a “burial” - Romans 6:4, 5. To go completely under the water best illustrates this. C. Baptism by full immersion in water is the correct biblical method. At that time Jesus … was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water... (Mark 1:9-10). Just before you are immersed, the person performing the baptism says, “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Water Baptism Page 8 When should a believer be Water Baptized? When we turn to Jesus, asking Him to forgive our sins and be our Lord and Savior, we are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our eternal salvation is guaranteed, and we begin to die to self and live for Christ - 1 Peter 1:3–5. At that time, we are scripturally qualified to be water baptized. We must make sure that we fully understand the biblical teaching and what is involved with it. Water Baptism should occur within a reasonable time upon receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. Those who accepted his message were baptized. - Acts 2:41. (Talk with a mature Christian or a church leader and have him or her explain the biblical teaching behind water baptism until you thoroughly understand the purpose and benefits) Who should be Water Baptized? The order, established by Jesus, is salvation through faith and repentance, and followed by water baptism out of obedience: “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:36). There must be complete repentance, a turning away from sin, before Water baptism can be a significant and meaningful step in your life. Repentance and faith in Jesus must precede baptism. Believing and being saved comes first, and water baptism should follow within a reasonable time. Only a person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and desires to follow Him wholeheartedly may be water baptized. In response to Philip's plain statement, the Ethiopian said - "I believe!" Upon this confession of faith Philip baptized him and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:29-39) Page 5 What is Water Baptism? One way to nurture our relationship with Jesus is to willingly accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Jesus made it clear that one of the first steps in being obedient to Him is to be baptized. He told His followers in Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. He also stressed its importance by saying, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” - Mark 16:16. Water baptism illustrates the spiritual cleansing (a change of heart) we experience when we are saved; just as water cleanses the flesh, so the Holy Spirit cleanses our hearts when we trust Christ. It is more than a religious ritual. a Obedience: Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. b. A Christian Experience: After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost Peter exhorted all "..Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."Acts 2:38a c. Water Baptism is a statement of faith: It is the physical proclamation of a believer’s death to the old life and resurrection to the new 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. d. Water Baptism signifies a change of heart: In the Old Testament, circumcision was an outward act of identifying oneself to God, similarly in the New Testament water baptism shows the change taken place in the heart. “In Him you were also circumcised…having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12).
Water Baptism Page 6 e. It is a sign of repentance: ‘Repentance’ means ‘change’ -- a change so drastic that the old son is "buried." Water baptism is a way of giving a testimony to what has happened inwardly, and a clear commitment to turn from the old life. f. Water baptism shows our willingness to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It symbolizes the new, godly nature we received freely at the moment of our conversion. “We were therefore buried with Him through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). g. Water Baptism shows our desire to obey: When we willingly respond and take this step, it is a sign to Jesus and to others that we desire to follow and obey Him. With this water baptism we commit ourselves through the power of the new life of Jesus within us to "bear fruits worthy of repentance". So, Water Baptism is not a formality or just a ceremony, it is a command. Water Baptism is a dynamic, living, vital Christian experience which links the believer with the mighty power of Christ’s resurrection. Note: 1. Water baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation. It is best seen in the example of the criminal on the cross - Luke 23:39-43. He acknowledged Jesus and asked to be remembered when Jesus would enter His kingdom. Although he was not water baptized, at that moment he was spiritually baptized into Christ’s death, and he then was raised to eternal life by the power of Christ’s Word - Hebrews 1:3. 2. Water baptism does not bring salvation, but it does bring witness to that salvation. Page 7 Why should a believer be Water Baptized? A. It is an act of obedience and love. Jesus said, "...If you love Me you will obey My commandments." John 14:15 B. The Bible teaches us that baptism is a righteous act. Christ said to John the Baptist when he was reluctant to baptize Him - "...Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Matthew 3:15 C. In being baptized, the Lord set us a clear example in the importance and manner of baptism. The importance of baptism is shown in Jesus’ words, "It is proper for us..." - including both Himself and all who should believe in the same way. And the Lord also clearly indicated the proper manner of baptism by going down into Jordan and being plunged beneath its waters. He set us an example of righteousness, and example that we are all expected to follow -"...I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15. The apostles instructed every Christian to be baptized. D. We are to be baptized because our Lord commanded it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” - Matthew 28:19. E. Baptism is as important as the Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus told His disciples to go to all the world, preach the gospel, and “Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” It is a command and His com- mission: it is a definite matter of obedience to Christ. Therefore, to be baptized is to say, “I have submitted myself in obedience to Jesus’ Lordship, and this is my lifetime commitment to do His will.”