Why Baptism?
Gary Waddell from the Holy Bible 11/23/24
Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
(Matt 28:19-20)
If (and when) one receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior in their life (John 1:12), and commits their life to Him by faith (Rom 10:9-10), they will immediately have the desire to be baptized as an outward testimony of their inward change of life. Jesus said, “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.” (Matt 28:19-20) So you see, Jesus commanded it.
The Holy Bible says, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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.” (Rom 6:4-5) This is one of the best testimonies of a Christian, to show their allegiance and love for the Savior, Jesus Christ. A public profession of faith being submerged in water (as Jesus was submerged), as Jesus was buried in the tomb; and being pulled up from out of the water, as God raised Jesus from the dead. While we know that we are saved through faith and not of works (Eph 2:8-9), it is the believer’s way to show, or demonstrate, his or her servitude and love for Jesus Christ. (John 12:26)
Before the Church, the Jews would baptize those followers of Judaism (or converts) as a sign of cleansing. John the Baptist used baptism to prepare the way of the Lord, requiring all to be baptized to show or signify repentance. Jesus did not have to repent but showed us the need for baptism by being plunged beneath the Jordan River. On a side note, Jesus, the King of kings, was not sprinkled with water from a bowl.
After the Church (followers of Christ) was established, baptism became a public profession of faith, as it should be today. “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.” (Acts 19:4-5) The followers he was speaking to at the time, were already baptized unto repentance by John’s baptism but now they are about to baptized for Christ.
There was an important Ethiopian Eunich who was under great authority under Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians. He was a believer, who met Philip while in his chariot on the road on his way home from worship in Jerusalem. He was reading from Isaiah (Isa 53:7) and Philip was able to explain to him the gospel of Christ regarding the prophet's saying.
As the chariot came upon upon a pool or stream of water, the Eunich said, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” And Philip said, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” (Acts 8:36-37) The Eunich answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Then came the immediate baptism: “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.” Note, they went “down into the water. and when they were come up out of the water . . . ” (Acts 8:39) Again, not sprinkled from a bowl or pan. On a side note: he was rejoicing afterwards as most of us rejoiced !
Friend: Are you a believer and follower of Christ (Rom 10:9-10) and have not been baptized like Jesus? I am speaking of a submersion like Jesus showed us and not a sprinkling. Don't let pride get in your way. Remember what Jesus said? “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)
Let’s Get it done!
Thanks for "Taking 5" - Gary Waddell - Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www.iamnotashamed.com - God bless and bless GOD
