Introduction

Baptism has been in existence for thousands of years before Christ first instituted it; chiefly among the Greeks, Persians, Jews and Hindus.  However, the difference with Christian Baptism is that it was the first time that anyone was baptised in the name of a god.  In other words God, through Jesus Christ, was the first to institute it and to make baptism of any significance.

Christian Baptism is a testimony of our death to sin-of our severance from its domination, and our pledge to live a life through our faith–union with Jesus Christ.

We have referred to a Christian Believer in these notes.  This is someone who has believed in his heart and has confessed with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 10 verse 9) and has truly repented from his sins (Romans 12 verse 2).  If this is not the case - Don’t go any further as baptism will do more harm than good.

We would emphasise the fact that no one should ever make the mistake of depending on baptism as a basis of his/her hope for heaven.  The only way to receive the forgiveness of sins, the gift of everlasting life and the hope of Heaven is through the personal acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (St John 3 verse 3).

Even though baptism has no power to save man from their sins, we must be careful not to minimise its place in the life of the Christian.  In other words, it is not merely an option for Christians; doing the will of God is never an optional matter, as the Lord Jesus Christ (St Matthew 28 verse 19) commanded it.

A clear example of obedience to this command can be found in Acts 2 verses 41-42 where three thousand people were converted on the day of Pentecost, as models for us.  They believed, they were baptised, they gathered for instruction, they broke bread together and they prayed together.  In addition, Christ was also obedient unto God’s instructions and as a result persuaded John the Baptist to baptise him, as it was necessary that Christ fulfils all righteousness (St Matthew 3 verse 15, Psalm 119 v 172).  Immediately thereafter, the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus Christ and accordingly was honoured by God.

The main points of Christian Baptism that should be noted are as follows:

• Christian Baptism was first instituted or commanded by Jesus Christ;

St Matthew 28 verses 19-20

• Christian Baptism is a requirement for a Christian Believer;

St Mark 16 verse 16

• Christian Baptism, after the Christian Believer has repented of his sins, is the way of entry into Heaven;

St Mark 10 verse 15

• Christian Baptism illustrates and symbolises the following:

a) Cleansing – Acts 22 verses 16, Acts 2 verse 38 & Titus 3 verse 5

b) Evangelism  - St Mark 16 verse 15 & 16

c) Spiritual Unity – 1 Cor 12 verse 13

• Christian Baptism brings the Christian Believer to the understanding that he has been identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.  He or she is a member of the Universal body of Christ.

Ephesians 4 verses 1- 5

Romans 6 verses 1-7

Conclusion

Christian Baptism is a testimony to the Christian Believer’s identification with Jesus Christ.  If you know Him as your Saviour, the Lord wants you to be baptised, and to identify with a local assembly (COGIC – Aston would love to have you) of believers who meet for the preaching of the word, the administration of ordinances and the practice of mutual nurture, admonition and discipline.

God bless you

COGIC Aston