Baptism | The Bible Teaches

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?

Only a religious ritual Death, burial, and resurrection with Christ Physical purification Entry into a denomination

What happens spiritually in baptism?

Nothing, it is only symbolic All who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ We receive special powers We are forgiven only partially

“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?

No, He did not need to Yes, by John the Baptist in the Jordan River Only symbolically When He was a baby

Why was Jesus baptized?

Because He was a sinner To fulfill all righteousness Out of religious obligation To please John

Requirements for Baptism

What is necessary before baptism?

Only to belong to a Christian family To believe in the gospel To reach a certain age To pay religious fees

What does faith in Jesus lead us to do before baptism?

Nothing more To repent of sins To do good works first To study for many years

What was Jesus' command concerning baptism?

Baptize only adults Make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Baptize by sprinkling Leave baptism optional

The Mode of Baptism

How was Jesus baptized?

By sprinkling By pouring By immersion, coming up out of the water The Bible does not specify

What does the word 'baptism' mean in Greek?

To sprinkle To pour To immerse, to plunge To purify

“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?

No, it is completely optional He who believes and is baptized will be saved; it is a response of faith to grace Only baptism saves, without faith It is only human tradition

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.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

10) Baptism