Understanding Baptism

What is baptism?

Baptize: plunge, dunk or immerse

When we speak of baptism, the majority of the time we’re speaking of believer’s baptism.

Believer’s baptism takes place:

By immersion

After salvation

In a church of solid Bible doctrine

Baptism identifies us with:

Jesus

All Christians throughout church history

A body of doctrine and beliefs

Baptism is a picture of a commitment that we’ve made to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Baptism is for believers only.

Baptism never saves.

Baptism is a matter of obedience.

Baptism is a picture to all who see that the person is a follower of Jesus.

Aside from believer’s baptism, there are other applications to baptism in Scripture.

Baptism in Christ

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Romans 6:3

When you were born again, you were immersed in and plunged into Jesus.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:Luke 3:16

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.Acts 1:5

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a separate event from your salvation.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit is evidenced by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23

If you have not been baptized of the Holy Spirit, it’s because you are not saved.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.Romans 8:9

Baptism of Fire

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.Matthew 3:11-12

Some say this is God’s purifying work. Others say this is God’s judgement.

Baptism of Suffering

And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.Mark 10:36-40

Baptism into Moses

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;1 Corinthians 10:1-2

Be sure of your salvation.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.1 John 5:13

If you love and want to follow Jesus, be scripturally baptized.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.Acts 2:41

Rejoice when others are baptized.

If you are saved, you are in Christ. Live like it.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.Romans 8:2

If you have the Holy Spirit, walk in the Spirit.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.Galatians 5:14-16