THE MEANING OF "BAPTISM"

Baptism is meant to be a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as He gave His life to make it possible for us to have salvation through Him. In the same way, it is a picture of the death of the old man to sin, his burial, and his resurrection to a new life in Jesus Christ. It is a requirement for, the forgiveness of our sins, for the salvation of our souls,and for our receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead and strengthen us in our new life in Christ.

1. Matthew 28:19 "Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

A. In what name, or names, are we to baptize?

B. Why does Acts 2:38 say that Peter baptized them only "in the name of Jesus Christ." (Because Jesus Christ is God. John 1:1 "and the Word was God".)

C. Why would we give preference to the Matthew wording? (Because it is a direct command of Christ and the one is as easily done as the other.)

2. Romans 6:4 "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."

A. How does baptism show that we are "buried with him"?

B. What does it illustrate a resurrection?

C. What is comparison in the following verse?

D. Why does verse six say we should "not serve sin."?

3. Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

A. Can either belief or baptism be removed from this verse?

B. Is one more important than the other?

C. While we are here, what are the signs spoken of in verses seventeen and eighteen?

1. Cast out devils

2. New tongues

3. Take up serpents

4. Drink poisons

5. Heal the sick

D. Do all Christians do all these things today? (Belivers who have been baptized)

E. Why not? (I Corinthians 13: 8 -10) "When that which is perfect is come, that

which in part shall be done away.) What is "perfect" here? (The word of God)

4. Acts 2:38 "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."

A. What is linked with baptism in this case? (Repentance).

B. Is it possible to "fake" becoming a Christian? Why not? (Acts 2:47. "The Lord added to the church" daily such as should be saved.) Can a man fool God?

C. What two gifts does God give to every Christian?

5. Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

A. Why does the text say "believeth unto righteousness"? (Because of faith one is led to repent, or turns away from sinning.)

B. Why does it say "confession unto salvation? (Because of his confession of the deity of Christ, he is led to salvation.) The last step is obedience in baptism.

6. Acts 2:38 "And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

A. What is the purpose of this gift?

B. Is this a "charismatic gift"? Why not? (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; 19; 28; 33; 40)

7. Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

A. What are we actually doing when we delay being obedient to the Lord? (We are actually saying "no" or "not now.")

B. What is done when we are baptized? (Our sins are bing washed away.)

C. Have your sins been washed away?

8. Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,"

A. One result of baptism is salvation?.

B. But what is the result of not believing? Why? (A non_believer will not be obedient in baptism.)

9. John 3:5 "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

A. What is the kingdom of God?

B. What is its duration?

10. 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. What does he say saves us?

B. Is it the washing that saves us?

C. How have we shown a "good conscience toward God" in being baptized?

11. John 15:14 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

A. How do we show that we are the Lord's "friend"?

B. How did Christ show that He is our friend? (Verse 13)

C. What does he say is the difference between the covenants in this respect? (Servant / Friend) Verse 15.

12. Matthew 3:16-17 How did Jesus' baptism please God?

A. How can we also "please" God? (By being obedient to Him)

13. Romans 6:4 "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 shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.