10) Baptism
The meaning and importance of Christian baptism
Baptism is the gateway into God’s family. In this lesson, we will study what the Bible teaches about this important step of faith.
The Meaning of Baptism
What does baptism symbolize?
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Answer: Death, burial, and resurrection with Christ
Romans 6:3-4: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
What happens spiritually in baptism?
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Answer: All who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ
Galatians 3:27: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
“Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 6T 91.2
The Example of Jesus
Was Jesus baptized?
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Answer: Yes, by John the Baptist in the Jordan River
Matthew 3:13-15: "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."
Why was Jesus baptized?
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Answer: To fulfill all righteousness
Matthew 3:15: "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."
Requirements for Baptism
What is necessary before baptism?
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Answer: To believe in the gospel
Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
What does faith in Jesus lead us to do before baptism?
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Answer: To repent of sins
Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
What was Jesus' command concerning baptism?
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Answer: Make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
The Mode of Baptism
How was Jesus baptized?
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Answer: By immersion, coming up out of the water
Matthew 3:16: "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
What does the word 'baptism' mean in Greek?
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Answer: To immerse, to plunge
Romans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
“He goes down into the water in the likeness of Christ’s death and burial, and he is raised out of the water in the likeness of His resurrection.” — Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him, TMK 71.2
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
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Answer: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; it is a response of faith to grace
Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
And Now?
Baptism is an essential step of faith:
- It symbolizes: Death, burial, and resurrection with Christ
- It requires: Genuine faith and repentance
- It follows the example: Of Jesus who was baptized by immersion
- It is the gateway: Into God’s family and the church
My Decision
I understand that baptism is a command of Jesus and a symbol of my new life in Him. If I have not yet been baptized by immersion after believing and repenting, I desire to follow the example of Jesus and take this important step of faith.