Baptism

At the end of the time Jesus was upon the earth, he showed himself to his disciples and told them certain things they were to do after he returned to Heaven. Let us read Luke’s account; Luke 24:44-53. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.

The disciples realized the teachings Jesus had taught them were beginning to make sense. The things which must be fulfilled were happening. They began to understand. They were now ready to do his commands.

We have records of other things Jesus commanded them. According to Matthew, this he commanded, 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Mt. 28:18-20.

The command for the disciples of Christ was to teach what he had taught them; baptize the believers in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This great commission is in existence for Christ’s disciples today. Therefore, we teach all nations repentance and forgiveness of sins with baptism.

However, there is so much confusion in the teachings concerning this baptism of Christ.

So, Baptism, what is so important about baptism that Jesus commanded it? With the confusion about baptism, few believe in it or understand it.

Shall we look into the idea of baptism and water usage for salvation so we are informed when we attempt to teach what Jesus meant when he said to baptize all nations?

In our study, we will find types of baptism; the act of baptism; and, is it necessary for salvation.

Each type of baptism was for certain times and people. Each involves water as a medium for the symbolic nature of the spirit salvation of the soul. Certain types of baptism have a direct effect on the hope of salvation, especially in the modern age. In each type of baptism, it is necessary for much water to be available. Let us see the first type of baptism.

The Flood. Water. God’s chosen passing through, or over water.

1 Peter 3:20-21. God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

This passage gives us a lot of information concerning baptism over all the ages.

Water saved eight souls. Noah and family passed through, or over, water for salvation of their lives.

Water was the accepted and designed medium God decided upon for salvation.

From Noah to John The Baptist, at the time of Jesus’ ministry, water was used to sanctify–to make holy–all God’s chosen people, Israel.

Israel crossed the Red Sea–symbolic baptism for Israel to begin the nation called by God.

Baptism, symbolic baptism, was necessary for the new generation of Israel before entering the Promised Land, Canaan. They passed through the Jordan River.

We also see the symbolic feature of water in baptism to save us from sin. Vs. 21. Peter declares this water form of baptism to be an act of faith. He says it is an answer of a good conscience toward God. It is a pledge of faith and good will toward keeping one’s self from the pollutants of the world. It is a contract with God. Like unto a vow, it should not be broken. God will hold the bearer accountable.