Baptism is an old, familiar, and often discussed topic. It has long been a theological battleground and the subject of numerous religious debates. Nearly every church has an “official position” on baptism. What does the Bible say about baptism? By asking and answering the following questions, one can know the will of God regarding this important matter. (For those not familiar with the content of the cited Bible texts, I would kindly urge them to turn to those passages, read them, and let God’s word speak for itself.)
- Is baptism a Bible subject? (Matthew 3:1-6).
- Was Christ Himself baptized? (Matthew 3:13-17).
- Why was Christ baptized? (Matthew 3:15).
- Did Christ teach that others should be baptized? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
- How many valid baptisms are there? (Ephesians 4:5)
- What is baptism as to its form or action (what some refer to as the “mode” of baptism)? (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:4).
- What is the element in which one is to be baptized? (Acts 8:36-38; 10:47).
- Is baptism a command? (Acts 10:48).
- Must one be baptized in order to be saved? (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:21).
- Is baptism necessary to receiving the remission of sins? (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
- Is baptism necessary to being in Christ where all spiritual blessings (including salvation) are found? (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:10).
- Will baptism alone save a person? (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Revelation 2:10).
- In order for baptism to be valid, must one first be taught the things of Christ? (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Must one believe the gospel before his/her baptism would be valid? (Mark 16:15-16; I Corinthians 15:1-5).
- Is baptism for babies or young children who have not come to a personal faith in Christ, who have not developed a consciousness of sins to be repented of, and who are not capable of acknowledging their faith in Christ as the Son of God? (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-38).
- In the light of question # 6 and its answer, if one has only been sprinkled with water or had water poured on him/her, has that person been biblically baptized?
- In the light of question # 14 and its answer, if one did not personally believe in Christ, repent of sins, and confess faith in Christ, has that person been biblically baptized?
- Do we have any example of people being baptized again who had received an invalid baptism? (Acts 19:1-5).
- Is baptism the end or merely the beginning of the Christian life? (Romans 6:4-14; 2 Peter 1:5-11).
- Have you heard the gospel of Christ (been taught the way of Christ), believed in Him, repented of your sins, confessed your faith in Christ as the Son of God, and been buried with Him in baptism for the remission of your sins?
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Hugh Fulford