Scripture Reading: Acts 19:1-7

Part 2

Water Baptism:

Baptisms in the Bible

Intro.

1. Eph. 4:5 – One baptism. Yet, Bible speaks of many different baptisms.

2. Heb. 6:1-2 – Elementary principles of Christianity from which we must go forward unto perfection (includes “doctrines of baptisms”).

3. One baptism is the basis of our faith & means of unity in Christ (Eph. 4:5). We can & should understand the other baptisms, too.

I. BAPTISMS IN THE BIBLE.

A. Israel was Baptized into Moses in the Cloud & Sea – 1 Cor. 10:1-2.

1. Point of comparison is not the action of baptism, but the new relationship with Moses that Israel entered by following the cloud (Exo. 13: 21-22; Psa. 105:39) & passing through sea (Exo. 14:19-22).

2. This put Israel under obligation:

a. To follow leadership of Moses (relationship formed).

b. To respect Moses’ divine commission & to submit to his authority (follow him).

-Christ’s baptism: Brings one into a relationship with Christ that is based on His authority – Matt. 28:19; Gal. 3:26-27.

3. It separated Israel from bondage of Egypt.

-Christ’s baptism: Frees from bondage of sin – Rom. 6:3-4, 17-18.

4. Although Israel had been “baptized,” most perished (10:5).

-Christ’s baptism: Christians – 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Gal. 5:4 (Heb. 4:11).

B. The Baptism of John – Lk. 3:2-6 (Mk. 1:4-8).

1. Baptism of repentance (confessing sins) – Mk. 1:4-5.

2. Preparatory for Christ – Lk. 3:3-6 (1:7-8); cf. Acts 19:4.

a. Turned people’s hearts back to God & faithfulness – Lk. 1:17.

b. Acts 18:25-26 – Example of its purpose & outcome.

3. Not the final baptism – Acts 19:5.

4. This “baptism of repentance” was also used by Jesus – Jno. 4:1-2.

C. Holy Spirit Baptism.

1. Administered by Christ – Matt. 3:11.

2. Promised to apostles to empower them to do apostolic work (witnesses; preach gospel) – Jno. 14:16-18, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-8, 13; Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4.

3. Never a commandment to obey (don’t obey a promise!).

4. Not an ongoing event received by all - Acts 11:15.

5. Not “baptism in the name of Christ” – Acts 2:38; 8:14-17; 10:47-48.

D. Baptism with Fire – Matt. 3:11.

1. Fire stands for judgment/punishment (Matt. 5:22; Mk. 9:43-44). (You don’t want this baptism!)

2. Not a part of Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 2:3).

3. Matt. 3:10, 12 – Fruitless trees & chaff – Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:14-15; 21:8.

E. Baptism of Suffering – Mk. 10:35-40.

1. This baptism was Christ’s sufferings – cf. Mk.10:32-34 (Lk.12:50).

2. Apostles shared in this baptism (sufferings for Christ) – 10:39; 1 Cor. 4:9-13.

3. Christians are willing to suffer for righteousness – 1 Pet. 3:14.

F. Baptism for the Dead – 1 Cor. 15:29.

1. Not a different type of water baptism.

2. huper: “On account of” the dead ones (15:13, 15-16, 18-20) – Motive for baptism.

3. 15:29-34 – Progressive argument affirming resurrection.

4. Another way of describing the great commission baptism.

II. THE GREAT COMMISSION BAPTISM IS THE “ONE BAPTISM” OF EPHESIANS 4:5. (Water baptism)

A. Its Prospects (subjects): All Who Desire Salvation – Mk. 16:15; Acts 2:21 (2:37-38, 41; 22:16).

B. Its Prerequisites:

1. Faith in Jesus as Christ – Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 8:36-37.

2. Confession of faith – Acts 8:37; Rom. 10: 9-10.

3. Repentance of sins – Acts 2:38.

C. Its Results:

1. Remission of sins – Acts 2:38.

2. Relation with Christ is formed – Rom. 6:3-4:

a. Baptized into Christ (relationship; Gal. 3:27).

b. Baptized into His death (benefits of blood, Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7).

c. Into death of our own sins (6:4, 2, 17-18).

3. Salvation – 1 Pet. 3:21.

4. Added to church – Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13.

Conclusion

1. Only one baptism grants the sinner salvation & fellowship with Christ.

2. Obey His commandment: Be baptized & saved (Acts 22:16; Heb. 5:9).