Dakota Community Church
August 05, 2007
Baptism Q&A
1. What is baptism and how is it done?
Colossians 2: 9, 10, 12
9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. …having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
Romans 6: 1-7
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Greek:
Baptizo - to plunge under, dip, or immerse.
Two Greek words translated "sprinkle" are RANTIZO and ECHEO. Neither word is found in the Bible in relation to baptism.
2. Who should be baptized?
Acts 2: 36-41
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
3. Is there an age limit?
There is no set age limit, the condition of baptism is that the believer is able to understand the sacrifice of Jesus and is old enough to submit to His Lordship. This condition does eliminate infant baptism as a valid Christian practice.
1 Corinthians 1:16
(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)
We don’t know if this household had children in the pre-teen age (Usual source of contention) but I think it is best to leave it to the parents who can best gage the readiness of their own youngsters. I would not want to refuse someone’s strong desire to follow Jesus in obedience. We are always saying that the children are NOT the church of tomorrow, they are fellow members of the church now with us and in training.
4. Why should I be baptized?
(A.) Jesus did it.
Matthew 3: 13-17
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
(B.) Jesus commanded us to do it.
Matthew 16: 15-16
15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
(C.) It is the first step of obedience.
We all need to decide whether we are going to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
For me this was a turning point.
Matthew 28: 19-20
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(D.) It is a strong public declaration of faith.
Matthew 10: 32-33
32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
(E.) It is important to God.
He moved supernaturally upon Phillip in order that the Ethiopian might be baptized.
5. What if I was done as an infant?
There is no biblical basis for infant baptism simply because repentance requires a choice. God has no grandchildren, everyone must decide to become a child of God and parents cannot choose their children’s faith. The harder you try the less likely you will succeed.
6. Is baptism related to church membership?
There is no connection between baptism and joining a certain denomination or local church assembly, some cults try to make this a point of doctrine by saying that you must be baptized into their church or your baptism is not valid. Silly! We are baptized into Christ and that is good once for all!
7. It is possible to be saved if I am not baptized?
Luke 23: 39-43
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don’t you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
8. What if I am afraid of water?
There has never been a known case in nearly 2000 years of church history of an accidental baptismal drowning – You will not be the first, you will not be alone, and most importantly you cannot allow fear to direct the course of your life.
9. Do I have to speak in public?
Yes but you don’t need a sermon and the fear thing is the same as for above! We have all done it and we all love you and are rejoicing with you in this huge step of faith and obedience! Now let’s get wet!
Hear it Preached: www.dakotacommunitychurch.ca and click "Listen".
PowerPoint available (Free of charge) on request dcormie@mts.net
