For By One Spirit Are We All Baptized Into One Body -- Part 1775

"Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: knowing that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin. For He that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead in Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once, but in that He lives, He lives unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord ..." (Romans 6:2-11)

In other words, when we are water baptized (buried) in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we become clothed in His righteousness. Our old man is crucified with Him, freeing us from sin and bondage so that we should not serve sin. Our hearts and minds are renewed in Him. And we begin (in our faith journey to understand what it is like to be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. And in so doing, pressing into the mark of our high calling -- Christ Jesus.

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes ..." (Romans 10:4)

But there is a move within the religious culture to negate water baptism (by immersion) as necessary so today, we will list scripture that counters that mindset. It is also worth noting that the Israelites not only put the blood on the doorposts but they also went through the Red Sea, and the Rock that followed them was Christ. 

"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ ..." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

What follows are definitive statements about water baptism, supported by scripture for your edification. Also, water baptism is a necessary response to asking Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in our heart. (Acts 2:36) Baptism is an answer of a good conscience toward God, and therefore, follows genuine repentance. Being sprinkled with water as as an infant is not sufficient, because a child has not yet reached the age of maturity.

Further, as the new testament scriptures instruct, and following the example of Jesus who was baptized in the River Jordan, water baptism includes full immersion in water, and must be in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Acts 2:36-38. Then, we receive the promise -- the gift of the Holy Ghost.

As Peter, standing with the eleven said on the day of Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!" (Acts 2:36) This is important because what happened on the day of Pentecost marks the beginning of the new testament church. (Acts 1:22)

Note too, that baptism on the day of Pentecost was not just a single isolated incident. Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:4-5)

As well, water baptism is the will of God. (Luke 7:29-30; Mark 11:29-30) Baptism follows repentance and a commitment to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) Baptism must be an act of faith. (Mark 16:16; Acts 18:8) Baptism is a burial in water. (Matthew 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:3) Baptism must be in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; 10:47-48; Acts 19:4-5) Baptism is a washing away of sins. (Acts 22:16) Baptism prepares the way of the Lord. (Matthew 3:1-11) Baptism fulfills all righteousness. (Matthew 3:15) Baptism places us into the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)

Baptism is always in the Name, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28, when He said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18-20) Indeed, everything that we do in both word or deed should be in the Name of our precious Lord Jesus.

Stand in the offering plate.