Water Baptism
Updated: Jun 17, 2022
TEACHINGS ON WATER BAPTISM
Introduction
According to The Father's House AG Church Statement of Faith, every born-again believer must take water baptism as a sign of repentance and as an act of obedience.
Salvation is three-dimensional in operation.
(1) Get Saved
(2) Getting Saved everyday
(3) One day when Jesus returns and takes His bride away, we will be finally Saved.
Water baptism is the second step toward our spiritual journey into eternity with Jesus Christ. One of the spiritual foundations of a believer, defined by Jesus Christ before His ascension to heaven, is Water Baptism. The Apostles defined and conformed to it on the day of Pentecost i.e. the birth of the New Testament church.
Study of the Greek word for Baptism:
1. Bapto, the root word for baptize and baptism, means to dip; dip under; sink; dip in; immerse; plunge; and to cover wholly with liquid. It is used 4 times in the Scripture.
1.a. Dip finger in water (Luke 16:24)
1.b. Dip bread in gravy (twice in John 13:26)
1.c. Garment dipped in blood to dye it (Revelations 19:13)
2. Baptidzo, derived from bapto, to make whelmed or wholly wet; immerse; submerge; sink; plunge; to dip under; and to baptize. It appears 80 times in the New Testament and is thus used:
2.a. Baptized in the river Jordan (Mathew 3:6; Mark 1:5, 9)
2.b. Baptized with (Greek in) water (Mathew 3:11; Mark 1:8; John 1:26, 31, 33)
2.c. When he was baptized, went up out of the water (Mathew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Acts 8:38-39)
2.d. Baptized in the cloud and in the sea (1Corinthians 10:2)
I. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE
Baptism of repentance was introduced by John the Baptist at the time of Jesus.
Matthew 3:1-2, 6
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
There were three groups of people who came to take baptism by John the Baptist.
1. Geographical group. (Mathew 3:5 ; Mark 1:5)
People of: (a) Jerusalem (b) Judea (c) region round about Jordan
2. Religious group. (Mathew 3:7; Luke 7:30; John 1:19, 24)
(a) Pharisees and Sadducees (b) Lawyers of the Law (c) Levites and Priests.
3. Social groups. (Luke 3:12, 14)
(a) Publicans (b) Soldiers
The above groups of people came with different ideologies to John the Baptist.
A. The first group (Geographical) came with repentance so that they can enter into heaven.
B. Second group (Religious) challenged the authority of John the Baptist ministry.
C. Third group (Social) just observed it as a ceremony to escape the wrath of God.
II. AIM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Baptist John was the last link of the Old Testament and he did a wonderful work in the hearts of the people in turning them to God. However, John the Baptist's ministry was aimed at establishing five different aspects of Jesus’ ministry.
1. Introduce Jesus Christ to the world
John 1:31
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
2. Call people and prepare for repentance
Matthew 3:2, 11-12
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 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.
3. Prepare a group of people for the Messiah
Luke 1:16-17
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
John 1:35-37
Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
4. Lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ
John 1:36-37
And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God ! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Acts 19:1-5
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized ? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
5. Fulfill the counsel of God
Luke 7:29-30
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
III. BAPTISM BY JESUS & HIS DISCIPLES
Baptist John was highly honoured by Jesus Christ in His speech to the disciples.
Matthew 11:11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
The baptism of John was a call to repent. There was no revelational understanding about the Holy Spirit in it. The present-day Water Baptism according to the Scripture was established by Jesus and His disciples. That's why Apostle Paul re-baptized believers in Corinth. (Acts 19:1-5)
John 3:22
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
John 4:1-2
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Three main aims at the Water Baptism by Jesus and His disciples
1. Separate those who believe that Jesus is Christ
John 1:41-42
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
2. Prepare disciples for Jesus
John 3:22
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
John 4:1
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 2:15
And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
3. Lay a foundation for the New Testament water baptism
Acts 1:5
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
IV. SEVEN AIMS OF WATER BAPTISM
1. Establish the command of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2. Make believers into disciples of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
3. Follow the model of Jesus Christ’s water Baptism.
Matthew 3:15
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
4. Prepare people for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38-39
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
5. To Fulfill all righteousness of God.
Matthew 3:15
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
6. At the judgment seat of Christ, the water is a witness of Water Baptism.
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
7. Believers to become the bride of Christ.
Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
V. Article of TFHAG Statement of Faith on Salvation and related teachings on Water Baptism.
4.4 SALVATION
We believe that we have no righteousness of our own and need to come to God pleading for the righteousness of Christ; and salvation is only through Christ Jesus. (Romans 10:10, 2Corinthians 5:21-23, Ephesians 1:13, 2:8, Titus 2:11, Philippians 2:12, Acts 4:12)
4.4.1 BORN AGAIN
We believe that the change taking place in the heart at conversion and being born again is a very real one. (John 3:3-8, 1Peter 1:23)
4.4.2 WATER BAPTISM
We believe that water baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Jesus Christ. It is the fulfillment of God's counsel and His righteousness over a believer. Moreover, it is an identification of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection while we believe that Jesus died, buried, and rose again. It gives a higher conscience in a believer as a disciple of Jesus Christ to walk in the newness of life. We institute a full immersion baptism to our believers as the scripture teaches. (Matthew 3:13-15, 28:19, Luke 7:29, Acts 2:36-38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:1-5, Romans 6:4-5, 1Peter 3:19-21).
VI. WATER BAPTISM SPIRITUAL MEANING.
Water Baptism is an outward expression of inward genuine repentance.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
A. What are the Spiritual Meanings of Water Baptism?
A.1 It means obedience to the commandment of Christ.
Mark 16:16. `
He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.’
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
A2. It means following Christ's example
1 Peter 2:21.
…because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us also an example, that you should follow His steps.
Matthew 3:13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
A.3 It means fulfilling all
Matthew 3:15.
‘Suffer it to be so now: for so it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.’
What is righteousness?
Righteousness means right standing with God. Therefore, if Jesus was in need to fulfill the righteousness, how much more do we need to do it.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
A4. Identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection:
Romans 6:4-5
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.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
A.4.1 Identification in His death
Romans 6:5.
… planted together in the likeness of His death
A.4.2 Identification in His burial
Romans 6:4.
… buried WITH HIM by baptism into death.
A.4.3 Identification in His resurrection
Romans 6:4.
…like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of The Father, even so we should walk in newness of life.
A.5 Baptism is an act of obeying the counsel of God
Command of water baptism is the counsel of the Holy Trinity. John the Baptist, insisted Jesus baptize him. He wants to do the will of, God the Father, who commanded him to prepare the people for Jesus Christ's ministry.
John 1:32-34
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
Luke 7:29-30
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
A.6 Water Baptism is not washing of filth on the body
Water Baptism is neither a ceremonial activity nor a washing of the body after the born-again experience. Moreover, it validates a believer to be identified among other fellow believers in fellowship and prayer. It empowers them to walk daily from glory to glory.
A.7 Water Baptism is a prayer toward a good conscience
An act of anything always leaves a mark on our soul's memory screen. The very act of Water Baptism triggers a believer's soul to distinguish between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending the right and condemning the wrong. This is due to the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit which made our dead spirit to become alive. Thus, we become God-conscious rather than world-conscious. The right consciousness becomes active due to the commitment to walk in the newness of life.
1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
A.8 Water Baptism reminds us how Noah got saved
Though Salvation is received through faith in the atonement of the blood of Jesus, which forgives a multitude of sins, Water baptism is an act done physically by the person who believes in a righteous God who judges the world righteously.
1 Peter 3:20
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
A.9 Water Baptism identifies and differentiates a believer's authority in Jesus
Due to the righteous work of Jesus Christ, all authority in heaven and earth is subject to Him. The same authority is transferred to the believers who are called the disciples who obeyed the teachings of Jesus Christ. Thus, there is a difference in the level of authority when we exercise it in every facet of our spiritual life.
1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Ephesians 1:21-23
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
A.10 Water Baptism entitles genuine walk with Jesus as a true disciple
Immediately after repentance, a person starts producing the fruit of the Spirit. That's a visible mark of change in their attitude and walk. However, life must be re-orchestrated to accommodate the new change which the Holy Spirit dictates. The spirit of man becomes more conscious of God's voice than to the spirit of the world.
As the person progresses on their spiritual pathway, he or she shouldn't wait for a long time to take water baptism. Water baptism changes the position of a believer to that of a disciple. Water Baptism is just the beginning of a long journey to eternity with Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
VII. REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER BAPTISM
B. What are the Scriptural requirements for Water Baptism?
B.1 Must hear the Gospel and understand and believe
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
B.2 Must repent of the sins of past and present so that sins shall be forgiven
Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
1 John 1:7-9
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 17:30-31
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
B.3 Must confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior
Romans 10:9-11
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Luke 12:8
Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Matthew 10:32
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Philippians 2:10-11
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
B.4 Must possess a clear conscience towards God
Must be able to forgive and forget the past and present forever. Must withdraw from all ungodly activities, covenants and friendships. Must distinguish between what is morally good and bad. Must do the daily chores with right discernment and shun the evil thoughts or influences commending the right, condemning the wrong. This is due to the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit which made our dead spirit to become alive thus, we become God-conscious rather than world-conscious. The right consciousness become active due to the commitment to walk in the newness of life.
Luke 19:8-9
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 22:62
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
B.5 Must possess an attitude to be a witness and a testimony as a disciple of Jesus until He returns
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
VIII. CRITERIA FOR BAPTISM
C. Who will be baptized?
C.1 Those who have heard the gospel and believed it
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
C.2 Those who have repented and believed in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross
Acts 2:37-38
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
IX. GENERAL INFORMATION ON WATER BAPTISM
A. What is the medium/substance used in Water Baptism?
Water.
Acts 8: 36.
`See here is water.'
John 3: 23.
And John also was baptizing in Aenon … because there was much water there.’
B. By whom should Water Baptism be performed?
In order to bring order and accountability to the Church fellowship, God has ordained various offices. An Apostle, Pastoral Elder, or an Elder is eligible to give baptism. Even more than one minister can be used to assist in cases where special assistance is required. It depends on the discretion of the Pastor-in-Charge.
Ephesians 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
C. Where was Water Baptism performed?
C.1 Generally in a river
Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
C. 2 John the Baptist’s work
John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. It can be in a pool or pond or where enough water is available for full immersion of the body.
D. What is the method of Water Baptism?
Immersion
Matthew 3:16a
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:
Acts 8:38-39
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Romans 6:4-5
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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
According to Rom-6:4-5 depicts the picture of death, burial, and resurrection. It is a complete identification of what Jesus went through in our faith realm. The believer is buried due to his present nature as dead to sin in the water chamber thus, identifies the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Moreover, it is a sign to the world that the person has died and is buried. Now when the person comes up out of the water, it identifies the resurrection from the dead by Jesus Christ. Thus, a believer joins in the death, burial, and resurrection by faith and acts.
Colossians 2:12.
Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him.
H. When should you take Water Baptism?
Baptism should be taken immediately after confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Baptism is not for joining a local church or any other gains or privileges. Neither is it for a name nor for getting married to a partner. Moreover, it is also not to be identified as a church member so that church privileges are entitled.
However, we observe that clear teachings are given in the message of salvation by the ministers of the Gospel about Water Baptism. We understand from the pattern of the Holy Spirit movement which was unique and progressive that, all who believed were having a clear conscience to decide for themselves and believed in the name of Jesus and were baptized. Water Baptism is not an option in the Scripture. The birth of the New Testament Church was followed by 3000 people who took Water Baptism.
H.1 Within Few Hours on the day of Pentecost
Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
H.2 People of Samaria - Few days or hours
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
H.3 Ethiopian eunuch the same time he understood the Scripture
Acts 8:36-39
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
H.4 Saul of Tarsus - Apostle Paul took water baptism immediate after Ananias came and prayed over
Acts 9:17-18
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
H.5 Cornelius and his households were baptized immediately after receiving the Word and the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:30-32
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
H.6 A Certain lady Lydia was baptized immediately
Acts 16:14-15
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
H.7 Philippian Jailor and his household were baptized immediately in the night
Acts 16:33
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
I. The Baptismal formula used in Water Baptism
Of The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
J. Frequently asked questions and answers
J.1 Are infants eligible for Water Baptism?
Infants or children who are under the grace of born-again parents are not required to take Water Baptism. Because they can't differentiate between good and bad in a spiritual sense. Once they attain maturity by being in the fellowship and teachings of Children’s Bible School which aims at their spiritual growth, they may decide to take Water Baptism with the full conviction of the parents.
Water Baptism study material article VII rules out the eligibility to take or give Water Baptism to infants or children who are under the grace of their parents.
1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
An infant cannot repent or believe, neither have a good conscience nor can be a genuine disciple in the doctrine of the Bible.
J.2 What is the meaning of 'household’?
Household is a collective noun and used to express the functionality and countability of the people who obeyed the Word of God in a wider spectrum of understanding.
Scripture must be understood in the sight of Theological, Spiritual as well as physical senses.
In the physical sense, we do understand that it is the inhabited house or the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household.
In the spiritual sense, Water Baptism study material article A.11 rules out the household means those who can believe and are able to decide for themselves without any influence or compulsion.
Acts 16:15
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
1 Corinthians 1:16
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
J.3 Can anyone take a proxy baptism for somebody who does not believe?
1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
2 Timothy 4:4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Titus 1:14
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
J.4 How many times you can baptize a person?
Baptism is to be followed after repentance and withdrawal from the sinful life. It should be after confessing Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Once the first step is done with a genuine heart and the Spirit of Jesus has come in the Physical body to inhabit thus, the person becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches and identifies this as the One Baptism for the believers. No repeated water baptism for a person. If the first step was not with a genuine repentance and was under the influence of someone or for some other gains then it can be taken and considered to be the first Baptism.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
J.5 Do backsliders need to be water Baptized again after coming back into the faith?
It is unscriptural to take Water Baptism for those who backslide from the faith in Jesus due to worldly affections. But an unconditional genuine repentance and strict adherence to the teachings of the Scripture and walking in Godly fellowship can establish the lost place of honor in the presence of God.
Hebrews 6:4-8
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
1 John 5:16-17
If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.
X. ACCOMPLISHMENT OF SALVATION AND BAPTISM.
As you are aware that we are Tripartite beings. Human beings consist of Spirit, Soul, and Body.
Pre-Salvation period, the human spirit is dead in nature within and has no connectivity to God as He is Spirit. Due to the sin of Adam and Eve, spiritual death occurred, thus physical death took chance over our bodies. Therefore; sickness, ailment, weakness, paralysis, barrenness, blindness, aging including physical death came into existence over bodies. Moreover, Adam and Eve’s conscience was crushed within due to the sudden expulsion of ownership to hardship.
In conclusion due to sin;
1. Spirit is dead in nature
2. Soul is crushed in nature
3. Body received deadness
SEVEN BENEFITS OF WATER BAPTISM.
1. At Salvation, your spiritual death is made alive thus you become the temple of the Holy Spirit.
2. Your dead to sin body is spiritually identified in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus through the baptism in the water as an act of obedience and symbolism.
3. Broken conscience is revived spiritually and is able to walk in the newness of life.
4. Sicknesses are healed by the stripes on the body of Jesus Christ by faith.
5. Curses are removed by the crucifixion of Jesus' body by faith.
6. Thus you are complete in Him.
7. Mortality will be transformed into immortality when Jesus comes back to give us the final salvation of our body, soul, and spirit.
What a wonderful life in Christ Jesus!
Conclusion:
Acts 2:40
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”