Important Questions

What is the Meaning, Importance of, and Procedure for Christian Baptism?


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Most Christian groups practice “baptism.” Beyond this simple statement there arises confusion because it is practiced so differently from group to group. Some baptize babies, some only baptize adults. Some sprinkle, some pour, and others immerse. Some believe that baptism is a new birth and the moment when Jesus washes away your sins. Others believe that baptism has nothing to do with salvation or forgiveness of sins. Rather than refer to a church creed, statement of faith, catechism, or any other such thing, this study will go directly to the Word of God.

Where To Go to Answer Our Questions:
  1. 1 Corinthians 4:6 - What are we not to exceed?
  2. Matthew 7:13-14
    1. Is the majority a safe guide to follow?
    2. If most religious people do or believe a certain thing, does this necessarily mean it is right?
  3. Proverbs 16:25 - What warning does this passage give about what seems right to me?
  4. 2 Peter 3:15-18
    1. What warning does this give us concerning the scriptures?
    2. If we are not careful to look at the scriptures, what will be the result, according to what this passage says?
  5. Acts 17:10-11
    1. Why does the text say that these people were more “noble- minded?” What did they examine?
    2. What should we use to determine what we should believe and do?
  6. In answering questions concerning baptism (or anything else), where should we go in order to find those answers?


    Definition of the word, “baptism.”

  7. Baptisma - immersion, plunging, dipping
    1. Translators typically import the Greek word, baptisma from Greek to English as “baptism”, rather than translating it
    2. The reason is that there are those who have changed the practice to sprinkling or pouring and called it baptism. Translating it “immersion” would not support this change.
    3. In the language at the time the New Testament was written, baptisma never meant sprinkling or pouring
      1. Rantisma - This is the word that means sprinkling
      2. Chunontas - This is the word that means pouring
  8. Even if one did not know this about the translation, there are several passages that demonstrate baptism is immersion:
    1. John 3:23 - Why did John baptize in this location?
    2. Acts 8:38 - What did both of them do?
    3. Colossians 2:12 - having been _____________ with him in baptism...
    4. Romans 6:4 - We have been _____________ with him through baptism



    Instructions Concerning Baptism

  9. Matthew 28:18-20
    1. Jesus commanded his disciples to make what?
    2. In making disciples, what was the first thing Jesus told his disciples to do?
    3. In making disciples, what is the second thing Jesus told his disciples to do?
  10. Mark 16:15-16
    1. What did Jesus command his disciples to preach?
    2. What two things did Jesus say people needed to do in order to be saved?
    3. What if someone is baptized but has not believed, will he be saved?
    4. What is a prerequisite for baptism? (See also Acts 8:35-37)
    5. What does this tell us about baptizing babies?
  11. Acts 2:32-38
    1. When the people asked what they needed to do, what two things were they told to do?
    2. Which is first, repentance or baptism?
    3. Therefore, what is a prerequisite of baptism?
    4. What is the result of repentance and baptism?
  12. Acts 2:41, 47
    1. How were they added to the church?
    2. Other than repentance and baptism, was there anything else required to become part of the church?
  13. Acts 22:16
    1. What was Paul told to do?
    2. What would happen to his sins when he did it?
  14. Romans 6:3-7
    1. What happens to our old self in baptism?
    2. After baptism, what are we no longer slaves to? (See also John 8:34-36)
    3. Romans 6:17-18 - What do the words, “from the heart” or “wholeheartedly” teach us about baptism?
  15. Ephesians 4:4-6
    1. How many baptisms are there?
    2. What does a Christian do if he sins again after baptism...
      1. 1 John 1:9 -
      2. Revelation 2:5 -
  16. Colossians 2:12-14
    1. What is a person’s condition due to sin?
    2. What does God do to one who is baptized? - - -
      1. Makes us __________ together with Christ
      2. _____________ us of our sins/transgressions
      3. Canceled our ______________________
  17. 1 Peter 3:21
    1. When are we saved according to this passage?
    2. What does Christ’s resurrection have to do with baptism?
    3. Why would one need a good conscience? See the following:
      1. Titus 1:15 - What does sin and unbelief do to a person’s conscience?
      2. 1 Timothy 4:2 - What does the imagery of a “seared” conscience say about the effect of sin on the conscience?
      3. Hebrews 9:9 - Can our own efforts (such as sacrifices and religious devotion) cleanse a corrupted or defiled conscience?
      4. Hebrews 9:14 - What is the only thing that can reform a conscience corrupted by sin?
      5. Hebrews 10:19-22
        1. What are we able to do after cleansing?
        2. What can Jesus do to our heart and conscience?
        3. When does Jesus do this? (See 1 Pet 3:21)
  18. According to these scriptures, check the prerequisites for baptism
  19. Check what happens to a person at baptism
  20. Check the statement that is correct and biblical

  21. Have you submitted to Biblical baptism yet?


(NOTE: If there are still questions, please go to part 2 of this lesson)

_______________________________

Compiled by
John Telgren
Nebraska City Church of Christ,
1102 S 10th St, Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-7241 - www.ncncocorg - www.epreacher.org
June 7, 2016