14 Truths About Baptism
As Jesus began His ministry at the age of 30, we see in John 4:1 that He was leading more people into baptism than John had. This was a characterizing feature of His ministry! Likewise, it should be part of ours. It’s an important step. It’s an outward testifying of I am not ashamed of Jesus! I belong to Jesus. I have died to myself, risen from the grave just like Jesus, baptized by Christ into, and I am a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come. I am a resurrected, alive individual—forever!
So follow Jesus example. See the importance of a first step of obedience in hearing Christ’s calling to baptism.
The following list shows 14 truths and examples of baptism in the Bible Let’s dive in and see why baptism is so important as a believer in Christ:
1
Baptism was foreshadowed in the Flood & Old Testament
…because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:20-21).
2
John’s ministry of baptism points to Jesus
I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11).
3
Jesus was baptized because it was God’s Plan.
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented (Matthew 3:15).
4
In Jesus’ baptism we see the trinity.
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17).
5
Jesus led His disciples.
…to baptize others (John 3:22). After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.
6
Baptism was the first step of being a disciple.
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (John 4:1).
7
Jesus commands us to baptize believers.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
8
Baptism was always connected with repentance and belief.
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-41).
9
Baptism was always immediate.
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).
10
Baptism was always by immersion.
“baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there” (John 3:23).
11
Baptism is always done by a biblical, Christian church leader, with a biblical understanding of baptism
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mark 1:4).
12
Jesus said baptism is a picture of faith.
For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (Acts 1:5).
13
Baptism is for unity, not division.
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power (1 Corinthians 1:10-17).
14
Baptism always follows salvation.
Peter commands the Gentiles (non-Jews) to be baptized when they had already received the Holy Spirit. “‘Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days” (Acts 10:47-48).