Lesson 2: Water Baptism

 Q - What is the next step to take after I am born again?

WATER BAPTISM

Baptise - Gk verb baptidzo which means “to immerse.”

 The process of baptism consists of 3 parts:

1.      Immersion

2.      Submersion 

3.    Emergence.

Simply stated, to baptise is to totally immerse an object in another substance and then bring it out again i.e. to go in, under and come out.

The awesome significance of water baptism is that it symbolises the:

1.      Death

2.     Burial

3.    Resurrection of Jesus Christ

4.    And our identification with Him in them.

WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?

·      Water baptism is an outward physical act that should expresses the inward changed that has occurred when we are born again.

·      It indelibly marks the mind of the person being baptised with the reality of his union with Jesus Christ.

·      It is a witness to others of the change that has occurred in the new believer’s life.

·      It gives the believer the opportunity to openly testify to others of his born-again experience.

·       It serves as an outward sign and testimony of the working of God’s grace in our spirit.

·      The believer has been crucified with Christ, buried with Him and raised together with Him to walk in newness of life (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4).

WHY DON’T SOME CHRISTIANS WANT TO BE BAPTISED?

·      Don’t want to look stupid or to be seen wet.

·      Don’t like being under the water.

·      Afraid.

·      Don’t realise the powerful impact it can have on their own lives as believers.

·      Don’t realise the powerful impact it can have on others.

·      They were baptised as an infant i.e. christening, etc.

WHY GET BAPTISED?

1.      It is scriptural - Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

2.     Water baptism is an experience after that occurs after salvation to confirm and strengthen your commitment to live a godly life.

3.    The baptismal waters represent a burial ground. When you’re buried with Christ in baptism, you are proclaiming to heaven, earth and hell that the old you no longer exist.

4.    Coming up out of the water signifies our being raised to new life in Christ.

5.    To be raised with Jesus means making Him Lord of every area of your life—spirit, soul, and body. You’ve been bought with the blood of Jesus.

6.    It’s a time to fully commit to obey and follow Jesus, being willing to fulfill the purpose and plan of Almighty God for your life.

7.     This is not something just for super-Christians. It is basic Christianity—part of the solid foundation you need to build upon.

8.    Step towards freedom from self consciousness and the fear of man.

If you are born again and have never been baptised then it is time to be baptised!!