TEACHING ON BAPTISMS:
THERE BAPTISMS FOR TRUE BELIEVERS
INTRODUCTION
This very important study will look into the three types of baptisms every believer must undergo. These are the baptism into Christ and His body, baptism in water otherwise known as Water baptism and lastly, the Holy Spirit Baptism.
A. Baptism into Christ and His Body
What does it mean to be baptized into Christ? Discuss. I Cor.12:13; Gal.3:27; Eph.4:5; I Cor.10:17. To be baptized into Christ is to become connected with the life of Christ. This means becoming regenerated. The agent who does or carries out this form of baptism is the Holy Spirit. I Cor.12:13.
B. Why Baptism
1. Identity the scripture evidence and mode of water baptism.
Matt.3:13-17; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12, 38: Acts 16:33; Acts 18:8.
Why water baptism must be by immersion
a. The word baptism is Greek is “Baptizo” which means to submerge or immerse.
b. It expresses the reality of burial with Christ (Rom.6:4)
c. Bible references indicate it being carried out by and in the river. (Matt.3:6, 13)
2. The Importance or significance of water baptism
a. It is an outward symbol of an inward reality-genuine conversion.
b. It is a symbol of identification with the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom.6:3, 6)
c. It is an open declaration of separation from the world.
d. It is to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in fulfilling all righteousness. (Matt.3:3-15; I Pet.2:21; Jn.13:5).
3. In whose name should water baptism be carried out?
Matt.28:19. We are to be baptized in the name of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. The minister of God is the agent of this type of baptism.
4. How appropriate or scriptural is infant baptism? Discuss
Acts 8:12. The scripture demands repentance towards God and faith towards Christ (Acts 20:21) as basic conditions for water baptism and no child can do this until he is matured enough to understand sin and what to do to be saved.
2. Water Baptism is a command, it is not optional so long as a believer remains alive after conversion Mk.16:16.
(C)
HOLY COMMUION- The Lord’s supper
Instituted and commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ on the eve of His Betrayal to all who profess Him as their Lord and saviour. It is to be observed in remembrance of Him; until after rapture when we shall dine with Him again in His kingdom. Hence as Christians, we are qualified and enjoined to partake of it after we have believed and baptized by immersion. I Cor.11:23-26; Matt.26:26-29, Mk 16:16
D. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
1. The regeneration work of the Holy Spirit is different from His work of baptism. In regeneration, there is impartation of the Holy Spirit there is impartation if divine power for effective Christians service. Lk.24:49; Acts 1:4-5; 8:1-4.
2. What is the immediate outward sign of the Holy Spirit baptism? Acts 2:4, Acts 8:17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6-7
3. Why is Holy Spirit Baptism so important? Discuss
a. It gives power for effective and result oriented Christian service Acts 1:8; 2:41
b. It imparts boldness for service. Acts 2:14; Acts 4:31; Prov.28:1
c. At regeneration, we have Holy Spirit as resident in the believer but at the Holy Spirit baptism, we have him as the president.
d. The foundation is laid for the operation of gifts of the spirit in the life of a believe I Cor.12:4-14.
4. Who should receive this baptism and when?
Discuss Mk.16:17; Acts 10:44; Lk.11:9-13; Acts 5:32 every obedient child of God as at and when required. The Agent of this Baptism is Jesus Christ Jn.14:16-17.
MEMORY VERSE: ROM.6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
