Baptism

In the New Testament we find the followers of Jesus getting baptised to signify their trust in Jesus as Lord and saviour. Jesus died to raise those who follow Him to eternal life. The rite of baptism is part of our response to Jesus’ invitation to become one of his disciples. Baptism demonstrates our allegiance to Jesus through inclusion in His death and resurrection. The following passages of Scripture give insight to the purpose and meaning of baptism. Feel free to get in contact to discuss further! Blessings Dave

Matthew 28:18-20. The Great Commission (a few days after Jesus’ resurrection)

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Matthew 28:18-20.

Acts 2:36-39 - Peters first Sermon at Pentecost (50 days after Jesus’ resurrection)

36 ‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, 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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.’’ Acts 2:36-39

Romans 6: 1-6 Paul’s reflections on Baptism (approx AD 51-55)

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? 4 We 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. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

For Further reflection: Examples of Baptism in Acts

Acts 2:37-41                           Acts 8:12-13 (5-13)

Acts 8:36-38                           Acts 9:10-12, 17-19

Acts 10:47-48                         Acts 16:13-15

Acts 16:27-34                         Acts 18:5-8

Acts 19:1-5                             Acts 22:14-17

Questions to consider:

  •  “What patterns do you find in NT regarding baptism? How soon after believing do people get baptised?

  • “What is the significance of baptism based on these passages?”

  • “What will you say to those who don’t see baptism as important?”

  • “What will you say to those who see baptism as necessary for salvation?”