Church of Christ 101 A Scriptural Baptism

What do the Scriptures say about baptism? Church of Christ 101 – Baptism Old Testament New Testament Q: How did they make pickles 2,200 years ago?

Church of Christ 101 Baptism is the immersion of the body in water, re-enacting the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for the remission of sin (Romans 6:1-6; Colossians 2:12-13; Acts 8:35-39; John 3:3-5). Baptism is an act of obedience and faith that puts one into Christ (Galatians 3:26-28). Baptism adds one to the Lord's church (Acts 2:47). Anyone who is taught, believes, is willing to repent, confess their faith and gladly receives the Word is a candidate for baptism.

Baptism in the Old Testament As a general rule, the Old Testament does not specifically mention baptism. However, there are several instances where baptism is used as a type and anti-type (typology).

Noah and the Flood Genesis 6-9

1 Peter 3:20-21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Moses and the Red Sea Exodus 14

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea

Water of Purification Numbers 31:23-24 …everything that can endure fire, you shall put through the fire, and it shall be clean; and it shall be purified with the water of purification. But all that cannot endure fire you shall put through water.

Proselyte Baptism According to Alfred Edersheim, the Jewish Historian, Appendix XII If a non-Jewish person wanted to become a proselyte (convert), three things were required: 1) Circumcision 2) Sacrifice 3) Water Purification – “Proselyte Baptism”

Naaman at the Jordan River 2 Kings 5:10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”

Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.

Baptism in the New Testament Baptism, Baptize, Baptized = over 100 New Testament references From the Greek word “baptizo” , [Greek NT Lexicon] 1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe 3) to overwhelm

Baptism is Immersion in Water HISTORY 2nd Century – Pouring practiced for those too ill to be immersed 1311 AD – Sprinkling and pouring officially allowed by Catholic Church as substitutes for immersion John 3:23 Acts 8:36 Romans 6:4 Colossians 2:12 Mark 1:9-10

John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 

Acts 8:38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:12 … buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Mark 1:9-10  It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.

Baptism is Commanded Acts 2:38 Mark 16:16 Galatians 3:27 John 3:5

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

Q: How did they make pickles 2,200 years ago? A: A Greek physician named Nicander wrote a recipe about 200 B.C. for making pickles, and used the word “baptizo” and another form of the word “bapto”.

Q: How did they make pickles 2,200 years ago? To make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped‘ (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized‘ (baptizo) in the vinegar. Both verbs concern immersion. The first, (bapto) is temporary. The second, (baptizo) produces a permanent change.

Moral of the Story We must experience a permanent change like the pickle – and not just get wet!

Conclusion Why be baptized? To wash away sins (Acts 22:16) To become a member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.