The Church and Baptism

 Bible Reading:  Acts 16:25-40

Key Verse: Verse  33 –“ And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”

Key Words: and was baptized

As you study the Word of God it becomes clear that the ordinance of baptism was given to the local church.

The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptismo which means to immerse, to dip or to plunge beneath.

Some points of interest in regard to baptism:

• It is not for salvation.  See John 3:16, 5:24; Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9.
• After one is saved, they should be baptized immediately.  See Acts 16:33, 18:8; Matthew 28:18-20.
• There are several reasons why you should be baptized after you are born again:

1. to show you identify with Christ (Acts 2:38),
2. to show that you gladly receive the Word (Acts 2:41),
3. to add you to the local church (Acts 2:41),
4. to show that you do believe God’s Word (Acts 8:12), and
5. to show your obedience to God (Acts 10:48).

But baptism is not for your salvation.

“James,” said the American planter, “suppose I take an ink-bottle and cork it tight and put a string around the neck and drag it through the river.  How long will it take to clean out the inside?”  James’ face lighted up in a moment, and he replied: “Massa, you’ll never get it clean that way in the world.”  The master seized upon this confession and showed James that baptism by water availed nothing apart from the inward cleansing by the Holy Spirit. --Sunday School Chronicle

Baptism doesn’t save from sin, but it certainly is important.

  

What to do:

✞If you’ve never been Scripturally baptized, do so!!

✞Teach others the importance of baptism.  It is the first step of obedience to God.