The Place of Grace

Important starting scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:45-49, John 3:5, Romans 6:4-6, Acts 2:36-36, Galatians 3:27,

I. What is it? Baptism is just one portion of the 3 steps required by the Bible for Salvation. It is a vital portion of one’s commitment to Christ. It signifies new birth into the Kingdom of Heaven and makes you an heir with Christ. The literal Greek translation of the word Baptism means to dip something into a fluid and then take it out again. It is a washing and cleansing. Example Revelation 1:5

II. Baptism signifies the following…

1. Christ’s Death: Romans 6:4-6

2. Christ’s Burial: Colossians 2:11-12

3. Christ’s Resurrection: 2 Corinthians 5:17

III. Why do we get baptized? Answer: to signify the death, burial and resurrection. To cleanse us from our sins and provide us with remission and forgiveness. Lastly, to put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

IV. Before baptism: Repentance essential, then there are three (3) basic elements that accompany a Biblically authentic baptism…

1. Water: Acts 1:5, Acts 8:36-39, Ephesians 5:26,

2. Blood: John 19:34, 1 John 5:6, Hebrews 9:22

3. Name: Acts 2:38, 4:12, 8:12, 10:44-48, 19:1-5, 1 Corinthians 3:11,

V. Who should get baptized?

1. Matthew 28:18-20

2. Mark 16:15-18

3. Luke 24:45-49

4. John 3:5 

5. Acts 2:38-39

VI. When should we get baptized? Immediately!

a. Acts 8:12 - Phillip baptized as soon as people became believers

b. Acts 8:36-38 - Phillip baptized as soon as water was present

c. Acts 9:18 - Saul or Paul immediately following Annanias’ instructions

d. Acts 10:48 - Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptized

e. Acts 16:30-33 - The Phillipian Jailer’s entire family was baptized the same night of the Paul and Silas’ jailbreak.

f. Expressions like…”Why tarriest thou?”, “the same hour of the night” and “straightway” describe the urgency to act right away.

VII. Re-baptism: “I was baptized as a child or in another faith, should I be re-baptized?”

a. When the Apostle Paul was asked this question, here was his response: Acts 19:1-5