- First we need to attain a proper understanding of Baptism and what it is.
Proper Authority – The church was given the authority to Baptise Matthew 28:19
Proper Candidate – The proper candidate is the believer in Christ Acts 8:26-39
Proper Purpose – The proper purpose of baptism is to identify us with Christ and the church, not the remission of sins as many teach. Ephesians 2:8 states “not of works of righteousness”, and baptism is classified as a work of righteousness, so therefore is not necessary for salvation.
Baptism identifies us with Christ Romans 6:4
The proper mode of baptism is full immersion. Greeks use the word baptizo to describe one ship sinking another.
- Next we need to know who improper candidates for baptism are.
Those with impure hearts Acts 8:5-24
Those with an incomplete message. Acts 19:1-7
Those with insincere belief….
Nero made it a crime to be a Christian, Constantine the great made it a crime not to be a Christian. Therefore, those people would believe for fear of persecution, rather than sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
- Next we need to know that baptism is proper for obedience. Matthew 28:19
The Multitude as in Acts 2:41
A Eunuch as in Acts 8:36-38
A Jailer, as in Acts 16:23
The Basic two-fold purpose of Baptism
It identifies us with Christ, and the local church.
See Romans 6:4, and Acts 2:41