Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Doctrine of Baptisms

Intro.

1. One baptism (Eph. 4:5). Yet, Bible speaks of many different baptisms.

2. Elementary principles of Christ from which we must go on to perfection includes “doctrine of baptisms,” Heb. 6:1-2.

3. One baptism is the basis of our faith and means of unity in Christ (Eph. 4:5). We can and should understand the other baptisms.

I. BAPTISMS IN THE BIBLE. [baptizo (v.): “to dip, immerse, submerge”]

A. Israel was Baptized into Moses in the Cloud and Sea, 1 Cor. 10:1-2.

1. Point of comparison is not the action of baptism, but the new relationship with Moses that Israel entered by following the cloud (Exod. 13:21-22; Ps. 105:39) and passing thru sea (Exod. 14:19-22).

2. This put Israel under obligation:

a. To follow leadership of Moses (relationship formed).

b. To respect Moses’ divine commission and to submit to his authority (follow him).

-Christ’s baptism: Brings one into a relationship with Christ that is based on His authority, Matt. 28:19; Gal. 3:27.

3. It separated Israel from bondage of Egypt.

-Christ’s baptism: Frees from bondage of sin, Rom. 6:3-4, 17-18.

4. Although Israel had been “baptized,” most perished (10:5).

-Christ’s baptism: Christians, 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Gal. 5:4 (Heb. 4:11).

B. The Baptism of John, Luke 3:2-6 (Mark 1:4-8).

1. Baptism of repentance (confessing sins), Mark 1:4-5.

2. Preparatory for Christ, Luke 3:3-6 (1:7-8); cf. Acts 19:4.

a. Turned people’s hearts back to God and faith­fulness, Luke 1:17.

b. Example of its purpose and outcome, Acts 18:25-26.

3. Not the final baptism, Acts 19:5.

4. This “baptism of repentance” was also used by Jesus, John 4:1-2.

C. Holy Spirit Baptism.

1. Administered by Christ, Matt. 3:11.

2. Promised to apostles to empower them to do apostolic work (witnesses; preach gospel), John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-8, 13; Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4.

3. A promise, not a commandment (cannot obey a promise).

4. Not a perpetual event received by all, Acts 11:15.

5. Not “baptism in the name of Christ,” Acts 2:38; 8:14-17; 10:47-48.

D. Baptism with Fire, Matt. 3:11.

1. Fire stands for judgment/punishment (Matt. 5:22; Mark 9:43-44). (You do not want this baptism.)

2. Not a part of Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 2:3).

3. Fruitless trees and chaff, Matt. 3:10, 12 (25:41; Rev. 20:14-15; 21:8).

E. Baptism of Suffering, Mark 10:35-40.

1. This baptism was Christ’s sufferings, Mark 10:32-34 (Luke 12:50).

2. Apostles shared in this baptism (sufferings for Christ), Mark 10:39; (1 Cor. 4:9-13).

3. Christians are willing to suffer for righteousness, 1 Pet. 3:14.

F. Baptism for the Dead, 1 Cor. 15:29.

1. Not a different type of water baptism (proxy).

2. huper: “On account of” the dead ones (15:13, 15-16, 18-20) – Motive for baptism - Because of the dead.

3. Progressive argument affirming resurrection, 15:29-34.

4. Another way of describing the great commission baptism.

II. THE GREAT COMMISSION BAPTISM IS THE “ONE BAPTISM” IN FORCE TODAY, Eph. 4:5. (Water baptism)

A. Its Prospects (subjects): Repentant Believers Who Want to be Saved, Mark 16:15; Acts 2:21 (2:37-38, 41; 22:16).

B. Its Prerequisites:

1. Hear the gospel, Rom. 10:14.

2. Faith in Jesus as Christ, Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:36-37.

3. Confession of faith, Acts 8:37; Rom. 10: 9-10.

4. Repentance of sins, Acts 2:38.

C. This Baptism Results in:

1. Remission of sins, Acts 2:38.

2. Relation with Christ, Rom. 6:3-4:

a. Baptized into Christ (relationship, Gal. 3:27).

b. Baptized into His death (benefits of blood, Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7).

c. Into death of our own sins (Rom. 6:4, 2, 17-18).

3. Salvation, 1 Pet. 3:21.

4. Added to the church, Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13.

Conclusion

1. Only one baptism saves sinners and brings fellowship with Christ.

2. Obey His command: Be baptized and saved (Acts 22:16; Heb. 5:9).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted June 30, 2021