Understanding Biblical Baptism: Purpose and Requirements

Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Religion

The Significance of Baptism

Introduction:

A. In the religious world, there are many forms of baptism, each with different purposes depending on the religion.

B. The Bible, as the holy word of God, defines what is right and wrong, specifically regarding baptism. (Eph. 4:5) states, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” There is only one correct baptism: the baptism of Jesus Christ.

C. Let’s consider some questions about baptism in light of the Bible.

What is Baptism?

A. Baptism comes from the Greek root “baptidzo,” which means to immerse or dip under water.

  1. Spraying does not constitute baptism. Baptism by sprinkling or pouring originated around 1311 AD. This is an unbiblical, human invention.

B. Biblical baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

  1. (Rom. 6:3-5) “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
  2. (Col. 2:12) “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
  3. We are submerged or buried in water.

C. Since biblical baptism is immersion, it requires sufficient water to cover the individual’s body.

  1. (John 3:23) “Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.”

D. An example of biblical baptism:

  1. (Acts 8:35-39)
  2. It involves going down into the water and coming up out of the water.

How Should We Be Baptized?

A. Because Jesus commands it.

  1. Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
  2. It is a commandment from the Lord Jesus.
  3. We must believe and be baptized; this is the formula of Jesus.

B. The Great Commission.

  1. Matt. 28:18-20

What is the Biblical Purpose of Baptism?

A. For the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38)

B. To receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

C. To wash away sins. (Acts 22:16)

D. To be born again and enter the kingdom. (John 3:3-5)

E. To put on Christ. (Gal. 3:27)

F. For Salvation. (Mark 16:16, 1 Pet. 3:21)

G. Some questions:

  1. Can we be saved without the forgiveness of our sins? “NO”
  2. Can we be saved without receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit? “NO”
  3. Can we be saved without washing away our sins? “NO”
  4. Can we be saved without being born again? “NO”
  5. Can we be saved without putting on Christ? “NO”
  6. All this we get or receive through obedience to baptism; therefore, we cannot be saved without baptism.

What Do We Need to Be Baptized?

A. Hear the gospel. (Rom. 10:17)

B. Believe. (Mark 16:15-16)

C. Repent. (Acts 2:38)

D. Confess the deity of Jesus. (Rom. 10:9-10)

Conclusion:

A. Having analyzed the biblical teaching on baptism, what prevents you from being baptized?

B. Are you sure you obey the right baptism? Have you been baptized biblically?

C. Perhaps your purpose was to obey Christ, but if you accept an erroneous teaching on baptism, which men have turned away from, that baptism is not valid for God. Be baptized scripturally again.