A8.1 – FACTS ABOUT WATER BAPTISM?

1. The word ‘baptism’ is from a Greek word ‘Baptizo’ which literally means to ‘plunge’ or to ‘dip’ into water, Matt 3:1-6

2. According to the Jewish tradition in the Old Testament, baptism symbolizes the Mosaic law of purification of washing or cleansing. The High Priests and the Priests were to ceremonially wash themselves before entering into the Presence of God. Ex 30:17-21

3. Water baptism is a New Testament doctrine but was a type of the Israelites passing through the Red Sea being overshadowed by the Cloud. Passing through the Red Sea was a sign of complete separation from their Egyptian enemies while being overshadowed by the Pillar of Cloud was a sign of their being separated unto God, 1 Cor 10:1-2

4. Water baptism was referred to as the circumcision of Jewish males, Col 2:11-12

5. Water baptism is an initiation rite practiced by many Christian churches, the new believer is immersed into water signifying his or her membership into the Christian fold. Acts 2:38

6. Water baptism is an outward sign of commitment to live a righteous life, Luke 3:7-14

7. By being dipped in the water, Water baptism represents that the Christian has died to sin in identification with the death of Christ. 1 Peter 3:21

8. By being covered by the water, Water baptism represents that the Christian has been buried in identification with the burial of Christ Rom 6:1-2

9. By being taken up from the water, water baptism represents that the Christian has been resurrected to live a new sinless life in identification with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Rom 6:3-4

10. Water baptism is carried out in compliance with Scriptural truths demonstrating publicly that the new believer partakes in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom 6:5-9

11. Water baptism is a public announcement and demonstration of a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an outward sign to the world signifying or testifying that the Christian is willing to identify with and follow Christ in company of other believers Luke 3:7-8

12. John the Baptist preached about water baptism and baptized repentant people at the River Jordan, Mark 11:29-32, Mark 1:4-10

13. Water baptism is an ordinance instituted by Christ and designed to be observed in the Church, like the Lord’s Supper, till the Lord comes. Matt 28:19

14. Many of the Jews rejected the baptism of John, Luke 7:29-31

15. Water baptism was referred to as the exodus of Israelites from the land of Egypt, 1Cor 10:1-3

16. Water baptism was referred to as the flood of Noah, 1 Peter 3:19-20

17. Jesus Christ was water baptized by John the Baptist, Matt 3:13-16

18. Jesus Christ commanded His disciple to baptize new believers, Matt 28:19-20

19. Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, Act 8:38-39