Buried                        
With Him
                  In Baptism

 

By

NORMAN H. WELLS
Pastor, Central Baptist Church
Cincinnati, Ohio

FOREWORD

   It is rather a startling thing to discover how little has
ever been written concerning baptism.

   In a widely used book on Christian Theology there are
326 pages.   Out of these 326 pages one-half of a page (22
lines) is devoted to baptism!   This is a typical example.

   In the catalogues of the leading religious book houses
there is very little mention of books on baptism.

   This neglect of the subject of baptism is even more
startling in view of the tremendous importance given the
matter in the New Testament.

   The words Baptist, baptism, baptize, baptized and bap-
tizing are used a total of 113 times in the New Testament.

   In view of this obvious neglect I feel there is a definite
need for at least a booklet on baptism.   This booklet is nec-
essary for several reasons.

   First, there is a need for a booklet that will instruct
new converts on the subject of baptism.

   Second, today's divisions in Christianity began with a
departure from the truth concerning baptism.   All united
effort for the cause of Christ has to begin with a return to
unity in baptism.

   Third, error concerning baptism is causing more people
to be deceived about eternal salvation than all other errors
combined.

   It will be our purpose to use the Bible and the Bible
only as the authority for what we say about baptism.   We
will not appeal to history, tradition, nor man's interpreta-
tion.   God being our helper, we will let the Word of God say
what it was intended to say.

CONTENTS

Chapter One
       The History of Baptism _ _ _   5

Chapter Two
       Definition of Baptism _ _ _   9

Chapter Three
       Who Should Be Baptized? _ _ _   12

Chapter Four
       The Essentials of Salvation _ _ _   17

Chapter Five
       The Purpose of Baptism _ _ _   24

Chapter Six
       The Results of Baptism _ _ _   27

Chapter Seven
       The Authority To Baptize _ _ _   31

Chapter Eight
       Infant Baptism _ _ _   36

Chapter Nine
       Your Baptism Is Important _ _ _   39

CHAPTER ONE

THE HISTORY OF BAPTISM

   The New Testament places great emphasis upon bap-
tism.   The words, Baptist, baptism, baptize, baptized are
used a total of 113 times in the New Testament.

THE STORY OF BAPTISM BEGINS
WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST

   The first mention of baptism in the entire Bible is found
in Matthew 3:4-6.

"And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and
a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts
and wild honey.
"Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the
region round about Jordan,
"And were baptized of him in Jordan, con-
fessing their sins."

   Without any explanation or previous mention the New
Testament simply states that those who came to John
"were baptized of him in Jordan[.]"   THIS IS THE BEGIN-
NING OF BAPTISM.
  There is absolutely no mention of
baptism in the Bible until John the Baptist.

   John stated that he had been sent to baptize.

"And I knew him not: but he that sent me to bap-
tize with water
, the same said unto me, Upon whom
thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him,
the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."

   --John 1:33

   Thus we see that John the Baptist was sent forth by
God to baptize.   Jesus stated by inference in Mark 11:30
that the baptism of John was from heaven.
   John the Baptist was the first voice from God for
almost 400 years.   He came to "Prepare...the way of the
LORD
[.]"
  (Isa. 40:3.)   He was the "voice of one crying in the
wilderness"
(Matt. 3:3.)

5

6       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   John the Baptist ushered in the Christian era.

"The law and the prophets were until John: since that time
the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth
into it."
  --Luke 16:16

ALL TWELVE OF THE DISCIPLES WERE BAPTIZED
BY JOHN THE BAPTIST

   It is evident, from the Bible, that all twelve of the dis-
ciples were baptized by John the Baptist.

"Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all
the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that
same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained
to be a witness with us of his resurrection."
--Acts 1:21, 22

   This is the record of the selection of one to take the
place of Judas Iscariot, the one who had betrayed his Lord
with a kiss and then committed suicide.   The new disciple
had to be one who had been with the disciples "all the time
that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, BEGINNING
WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN."
  The fact that the suc-
cessor to Judas must have been baptized by John certainly
indicates that all the other disciples were baptized by John.
   John 1:35-45 clearly states that some of the original
twelve had first been disciples of John and had thus been
baptized by John.   It is clearly taught that all the disciples
were baptized by John the Baptist.

JOHN THE BAPTIST BAPTIZED JESUS CHRIST

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be
baptized of him."
  --Matt. 3:13
"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from
Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan."

   --Mark 1:9

   Jesus Christ walked sixty miles to be baptized by John
the Baptist in the river Jordan.

JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES
BAPTIZED THEIR FOLLOWERS

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       7

of Judea; and THERE HE TARRIED WITH THEM, AND
BAPTIZED."
  --John 3:22
"When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had
heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than
John,
"(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples.)"

   --John 4:1, 2

   From these two Scriptures we find that the baptizing of
converts continued in the ministry of Jesus and the disciples.
It would seem from these two verses that Jesus probably
baptized early in His ministry but later delegated this
authority to His disciples.
   Before the close of the Gospels Christ had given the
command that baptism was to continue.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, BAPTIZING THEM
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON,
AND OF THE HOLY GHOST."
  --Matt. 28:19

   After the ascension of Christ the practice of baptism
continues in the Book of Acts.

THE CONVERTS ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST
WERE BAPTIZED

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and
the same day there were added unto them about three thou-
sand souls."
  --Acts 2:41

THE CONVERTS IN THE REVIVAL
AT SAMARIA WERE BAPTIZED

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things con-
cerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,
THEY WERE BAPTIZED, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN."

   --Acts 8:12

THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS BAPTIZED

"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been
scales: and he received sight forthwith, AND AROSE AND
WAS BAPTIZED."
  --Acts 9:18

THE GENTILE CONVERTS WERE BAPTIZED

"Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized,
which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

8       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the
Lord."
  --Acts 10:47, 48

PAUL'S CONVERTS WERE BAPTIZED
   Lydia was baptized (Acts 16:14, 15.)   The Philippian
Jailor was baptized (Acts 16:33).   Crispus was baptized
(Acts 18:8.)
   Throughout the entire Book of Acts we find that all
those who embraced Christianity were baptized.
   Throughout the Epistles we find that the early churches
practiced baptism.

   The practice of New Testament baptism has continued
to this day.
   Then, briefly, this is the history of baptism:

  1. God sent John the Baptist to baptize.
  2. John the Baptist baptized all his followers and the
    twelve disciples.
  3. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.
  4. Jesus Christ and His disciples baptized their fol-
    lowers.
  5. Jesus Christ commanded that baptism was to con-
    tinue.
  6. After the ascension of Christ the practice of bap-
    tism continued with the Apostles and early churches.
  7. The practice of baptism was continued down through
    the ages until today.

CHAPTER TWO

DEFINITION OF BAPTISM

   What is baptism?   In view of today's conflicting claims,
this is certainly a legitimate question.   We will try, God
being our helper, to let the Bible answer this question as
simply and clearly as possible.

JOHN WAS SENT OF GOD TO BAPTIZE WITH WATER

"And I knew him not: BUT HE THAT SENT ME TO BAP-
TIZE WITH WATER, the same said unto me, Upon whom
thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him,
the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."

   --John 1:33

   The fact that water was used in baptism is declared
many times in the Scripture.

"And were BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN...."
   --Matt. 3:6
"...were all baptized of him IN THE RIVER JORDAN."
   --Mark 1:5
"I indeed baptize you with WATER..."
   --Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:26
"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, BE-
CAUSE THERE WAS MUCH WATER THERE: ..."

   --John 3:23

BAPTISM IS BURIAL IN WATER
   The Bible plainly describes baptism as burial in water.
This is true at the baptism of Jesus.

"...and Jesus, when he was baptized, WENT UP
STRAIGHTWAY OUT OF THE WATER..."
--Matt. 3:16
"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from
Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John IN JORDAN.
"AND STRAIGHTWAY COMING UP OUT OF THE
WATER, he saw the heavens opened..."
--Mark 1:9, 10

   This language, describing the baptism of Jesus, if taken
for its intended meaning, pictures Jesus being buried in
water.

9

10       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   The expression, "went up straightway out of the
water,"
pictures one who had been down into the water and
brought up out of the water.
   The expression, "baptized of John IN JORDAN," can
have only one intended meaning.   This language could not
possibly be describing sprinkling or pouring but complete
immersion.
   In every instance where baptism is described it is
always a complete burial in water.
   Notice the language that describes the baptism of the
Ethiopian Eunuch.

"...and the eunuch said, See here is water; what doth
hinder me to be baptized?"
--Acts 8:36
"And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and THEY
WENT DOWN BOTH INTO THE WATER, both Philip and
the eunuch; and he baptized him.
"AND WHEN THEY WERE COME UP OUT OF THE
WATER, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip..."

   --Acts 8:38, 39

   Certainly it is obvious, even to the casual reader, that
this language describes burial in water as baptism.   Note the
following things:
   1. The eunuch understood that baptism was immer-
sion in water.   They came unto a certain water and the
eunuch said, "See here is water."   If sprinkling or pouring
was to be used, why would he have stopped at this water?
The water they had in canteens would have been enough.
The Scripture reveals that because of the teaching of Philip
the eunuch understood that baptism was burial in water.
   2. "They went down both into the water" . . . "they...
come up out of the water."
  This language describes bap-
tism as burial in water.

BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF A BURIAL
AND RESURRECTION

   The Bible reveals that baptism in water is a picture
of a burial and resurrection.   Sprinkling or pouring cannot,

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       11

in the wildest stretch of imagination, picture a burial and
resurrection.

"...we are BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM..."
   --Col. 2:12
"For if we have been PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE
LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH, we shall be also in the LIKE-
NESS OF HIS RESURRECTION."
  --Rom. 6:5
"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."
  --Rom. 6:4

   Let us allow the Bible to speak for itself and mean what
it was intended to mean.   Notice the language that describes
baptism.
   "BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM."   Sprinkling or
pouring could not possibly be meant.   Only burial in water
fulfills the meaning.
   Baptism is to be, "Planted together in the likeness of
his death"
and to be raised "in the likeness of his resurrec-
tion."
  Baptism is to be like Christ's death, burial and res-
urrection.   Buried beneath the water is like His death and
being brought up from the water is like His resurrection.
   In the entire Bible the only baptism described is burial
and resurrection in water.   THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE
INDICATION OF SPRINKLING OR POURING EVER
BEING USED AS BAPTISM.

   The Bible is God's holy, inspired, word.   Each individual
has the divine God-given right to come to God's word.   Isn't
it the logical thing to accept and abide by a "thus saith the
Lord"
?   It is a tragedy to be deceived by man's teaching.

CHAPTER THREE

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

   Who should be baptized?
   The major divisions in Christianity are caused by dif-
ferences of man's opinion concerning an answer to this
question.
   Again we ask just one thing . . . LET THE BIBLE
SPEAK FOR ITSELF AND MEAN WHAT IT WAS IN-
TENDED TO MEAN.

   To get an answer to our question and for purposes of
clarity we would like to look at the New Testament in four
divisions.
   1. Who did John the Baptist baptize?
   2. Who did Christ and the disciples baptize?
   3. Who was baptized in the Book of Acts?
   4. What do the Epistles say about this question?

JOHN THE BAPTIST DEMANDED
REPENTANCE AND FAITH BEFORE BAPTISM

   The Scriptures clearly teach that John the Baptist
demanded repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ as conditions for baptism.
   Listen to the message of John the Baptist.

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wil-
derness of Judea,
"And saying, REPENT YE: FOR THE KINGDOM OF
HEAVEN IS AT HAND."
  --Matt. 3:1, 2
"But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
come to his baptism, He said unto them...Bring forth
therefore FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE."

   --Matt. 3:8

   The baptism of John the Baptist was called the "BAP-
TISM OF REPENTANCE."
  (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3.)

"I indeed BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER UNTO REPENT-
ANCE..."
--Matt. 3:11

12

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       13

   There is an extremely important verse in Acts that is
largely overlooked when speaking of the baptism of John
the Baptist.   Let us look at it.

"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."
--Acts 19:4

   In this verse the Apostle Paul sums up the ministry of
John the Baptist.   Notice the following facts from these
Scriptures:

  1. John the Baptist came forth, sent from God, to call
    the people to repentance.
  2. John the Baptist instructed those who came to him
    that they should believe "on him which should come
    after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

  3. It is plainly taught that John only baptized those
    who repented of their sins and believed in Jesus
    Christ.

IN THE GOSPELS, CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES
ONLY BAPTIZED THOSE WHO HAD
REPENTED AND BELIEVED

   In the manner of John the Baptist, Christ and His dis-
ciples only baptized those who had repented and believed.

"Go ye therefore, and teach [disciple] all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: ..."
--Matt. 28:19

   In this great commission to the church Christ gave the
divine order.   "Go ye therefore and teach all nations."   In
this expression the word "teach" literally means to "disci-
ple,"
that is, to make disciples.   The disciples were to be
made . . . then baptized.   This is borne out in another
Scripture.

"When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard
that Jesus MADE and BAPTIZED more disciples than
John."
  --John 4:1

14       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   Jesus MADE THE DISCIPLES, THEN BAPTIZED
THEM.
  Only those who had repented and believed were
baptized.

"He that BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned."
--Mark 16:16

   Only those who had believed were baptized.

IN THE BOOK OF ACTS ONLY THOSE WHO HAD
REPENTED AND BELIEVED WERE BAPTIZED

   Throughout the entire Book of Acts only those who
had repented and believed were baptized.

"Then Peter said unto them, REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remis-
sion of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

   --Acts 2:38

   Repentance and then baptism . . . this was the order
preached in the Book of Acts.

"Then THEY THAT GLADLY RECEIVED HIS WORD
WERE BAPTIZED: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls."
  --Acts 2:41

   Only those that "gladly received his word" were bap-
tized.

"BUT WHEN THEY BELIEVED Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, THEY WERE BAPTIZED, BOTH MEN AND
WOMEN."
  --Acts 8:12

   "...when they believed...they were baptized."   This
is the divine, God-given order.

"Then SIMON HIMSELF BELIEVED also: and WHEN HE
WAS BAPTIZED, HE CONTINUED with Philip..."

   --Acts 8:13

   Simon was baptized after he had believed.

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain
water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; WHAT
DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?
"And Philip said, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL
THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST."
  --Acts 8:36, 37

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       15

   Language could not be plainer than this.   In answer to
the direct question, "WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE
BAPTIZED?"
the direct answer was, "If thou believest with
all thine heart thou mayest."
  He had to believe before he
was baptized.
   In Acts 16:14, 15 it tells how Lydia "attended unto the
things which were spoken of Paul"
and then was baptized.
   In Acts 16:30-33 the jailor believed and then was bap-
tized.

"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on
the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians
HEARING BELIEVED, AND WERE BAPTIZED."

   --Acts 18:8

   Hearing . . . believed . . . baptized, this has always been
the divine order.

THE EPISTLES TEACH THAT ONLY THOSE WHO
HAD REPENTED AND BELIEVED WERE BAPTIZED

   Romans 6:1-10, Gal. 3:26, 27, etc. all teach that only
those who had repented and believed were baptized.
   Who should be baptized?
   John the Baptist only baptized those who had repented
and believed.
   Jesus and the disciples only baptized those who had
repented and believed.
   The apostles and early churches only baptized those
who had repented and believed.
   The Epistles teach that only those who had repented
and believed were to be baptized.

THE ESTABLISHED BIBLE FACT THAT ONLY THOSE
WHO HAD REPENTED AND BELIEVED
WERE BAPTIZED EXPOSES A LOT OF ERROR
IN MAN'S IDEAS CONCERNING BAPTISM

   For instance, since repentance and faith must come
before baptism this makes infant baptism a little ridiculous.
More will be said about this in a later chapter, but it is

16       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

easily seen that an infant cannot meet the requirements for
baptism.
   Since repentance and faith must come before baptism,
it is a little ridiculous to get baptized to get saved.   One who
has repented and believed is already saved.   Another error
is exposed.   More will be said about this later.

   THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE INSTANCE IN ALL
THE BIBLE WHERE ANY BUT THOSE WHO HAD RE-
PENTED AND BELIEVED WERE BAPTIZED.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE ESSENTIALS OF SALVATION

   The object of this message will be to establish from
God's Word that from the standpoint of human responsi-
bility there are only two essentials to salvation.   These
essentials are REPENTANCE AND FAITH.   They are vital,
indispensable and absolutely necessary.   As far as human
responsibility goes REPENTANCE AND FAITH ARE THE
ONLY ESSENTIALS IN SALVATION
.

   As we have already established, only those who had
repented and believed were baptized.   This chapter will
establish that repentance and faith are the only two essen-
tials to salvation.   The conclusion is obvious--Only those
who were saved were baptized.
   Let us take two texts.

"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God
is at hand: REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL."

   --Mark 1:15
"Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, RE-
PENTANCE TOWARD GOD AND FAITH TOWARD OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST."
  --Acts 20:21

   Notice these expressions . . . "REPENT YE, AND BE-
LIEVE THE GOSPEL"
. . . "REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD
AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."

   Repentance and faith are the only essentials to salva-
tion.   The Bible teaches that when a sinner repents of his
sin and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ he is saved.
THERE IS NOTHING ELSE NECESSARY.   Let us estab-
lish this fact.

REPENTANCE
   The Word of God calls for sinners to repent.

"And they went out and preached THAT MEN SHOULD
REPENT."
  --Mark 1:15

17

18       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; BUT NOW
COMMANDETH ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO RE-
PENT."
  --Acts 17:30
"...for I am not come to call the righteous, but SINNERS
TO REPENTANCE."
  --Matt. 9:13

   In our text the command is, "REPENT YE, and believe
the Gospel."

   Beginning with John the Baptist the gospel message
has called sinners to repentance.   The preachers of the New
Testament, "went out and preached that men should repent."
Jesus Christ said, "I came...to call...sinners to repent-
ance."
  (Luke 5:32.)
   God commands all men to repent.
   It is easily established that the Word of God plainly
teaches that sinners should repent.

REPENTANCE IS AN ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL
   The Bible teaches that if the sinner does not repent he
is lost.   Regardless of what else he does HE MUST RE-
PENT.   THE SINNER CANNOT BE SAVED WITHOUT
REPENTANCE.

"I tell you, Nay: but, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL
ALL LIKEWISE PERISH."
  --Luke 13:3, 5

   The phrase, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise per-
ish,"
establishes the fact that repentance is essential to sal-
vation.   It is an absolute necessity.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing
that any should perish, but THAT ALL SHOULD COME
TO REPENTANCE."
  --II Peter 3:9

   This verse plainly teaches that to fail to come to repent-
ance would be to perish, that is, to be eternally lost.   Again it
is revealed that repentance is absolutely essential to sal-
vation.

"For godly sorrow worketh REPENTANCE TO SALVA-
TION not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world
worketh death."
  --II Cor. 7:10

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       19

   The phrase "repentance to salvation" reveals that re-
pentance is essential to salvation.
   THE GOSPEL MESSAGE CALLS SINNERS TO RE-
PENTANCE.   WITHOUT REPENTANCE THERE CAN
BE NO SALVATION.

   Now let us look at the other essential to salvation.

FAITH
   The Word of God calls for sinners to believe.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
Son, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should
not perish, but have everlasting life."
  --John 3:16

   "Whosoever believeth" . . . this is the gospel invitation.

"HE THAT BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned..."
   --John 3:18

   "He that believeth" . . . this is the gospel requirement.

"He that BELIEVETH ON THE SON hath everlasting
life: ..."
--John 3:36

   To have everlasting life is to have salvation and this
is a present reality to all that believe.

"He that heareth my word AND BELIEVETH ON HIM
THAT SENT ME hath everlasting life..."
--John 5:24

   In answer to the question, "what must I do to be
saved?"
the Bible answers,

"And they said, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
  --Acts 16:31

   From these Scriptures, and hundreds like them, it is
easily established that the Bible invites men to believe and
be saved.   THE CALL IS ALWAYS TO FAITH.

FAITH IS AN ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION
   The Bible teaches that if a sinner does not believe he
is lost.   THE SINNER CANNOT BE SAVED WITHOUT
FAITH.   HE MUST BELIEVE.

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: BUT HE THAT
BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BE-

20       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

CAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF
THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD."
  --John 3:18

   "He that believeth not is condemned."   To fail to believe
is to be eternally condemned.   It is to be lost . . . forever.
BELIEVING IS AN ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL TO SAL-
VATION.

   The reason for condemnation is also given in this verse
in the phrase, "because he hath not believed."   A sinner is
lost "because he hath not believed."

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: AND
HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE
LIFE: BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM."

   --John 3:36

   Let the Bible say what it obviously intended to say.
"He that believeth not the Son shall not see life."   The only
way that an individual can see life, that is, be saved, is to
believe.   There can be no eternal life without faith.

"THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO BE-
LIEVED NOT THE TRUTH..."
--II Thess. 2:12

   THE GOSPEL MESSAGE CALLS MEN TO BELIEVE.
WITHOUT FAITH THERE IS NO SALVATION.

   "Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ."
  As has now been established, repentance and
faith are essential to salvation.   Repentance and faith are
the human responsibility in salvation.   They are inseparable.
True repentance cannot exist apart from faith, nor can
there be faith without repentance.
   In repentance the sinner turns from sin and in faith
he turns to God.
  They are both parts of the same move.
TRUE REPENTANCE INVOLVES FAITH AND TRUE
FAITH INVOLVES REPENTANCE.

   As pertaining to salvation the terms, repentance and
faith, are used almost interchangeably.
   When it is said that Christ came to call sinners to
repentance (Matt. 9:13) it is certainly understood that
those sinners were also called to believe.

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       21

   When it is said, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish,"
the repentance involves faith because he also said,
"he that believeth not is condemned."
   When it is said that God would have all men to come to
repentance it certainly includes faith.
   In some instances faith, by itself, is pictured as the
means of salvation.

"He that believeth on him is not condemned..."--John 3:18

   In other instances repentance, by itself, is pictured as
the means of salvation.

"I came...to call...sinners to repentance."--Luke 5:32

   IT HAS TO BE ACCEPTED THAT REPENTANCE
AND FAITH ARE ESSENTIALS TO SALVATION.
   REPENTANCE AND FAITH ARE THE ONLY ES-
SENTIALS TO SALVATION.
   BAPTISM IS NOT AN ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION.

   It is not stated in the Bible in a single verse that unless
you are baptized you will be lost.   It is never stated that if
you are baptized you will be saved.

   Every time that baptism is spoken of in relation to sal-
vation it is always with the acceptance of the fact that there
already has been repentance and faith.
   Let us look at a couple of examples.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned."
  --Mark 16:16

   "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
Many have hung their immortal souls upon a false interpre-
tation of this one verse by believing that it makes baptism
essential to salvation.
   As has already been established believing is essential
to salvation.   "He that believeth on him is not condemned."
Accepting this fact shows that the believing brought the sal-
vation, not baptism.   It could truthfully be said, "He that
believeth and has red hair shall be saved."
  As believing
brings salvation every redheaded person who has believed

22       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

is saved.   This doesn't make being redheaded an essential
to salvation.
   It can also be truthfully said, "He that believeth and is
not baptized shall be saved."

   That it is the believing and not the baptizing that brings
salvation is established in this verse.   It says, "he that be-
lieveth not shall be damned."
  THIS REVEALS THAT
FAITH AND NOT BAPTISM WAS THE ESSENTIAL TO
SALVATION.

   Probably one of the most misused verses in the Bible
is Acts 2:38.
   It has been used to try and prove the false idea that it
is necessary to be baptized in order to be saved.   Let us
look at it.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of
sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

   --Acts 2:38

   As we have established, repentance and faith are essen-
tial to salvation.   WE HAVE STATED THAT EVERY
TIME BAPTISM IS SPOKEN OF IN RELATION TO SAL-
VATION IT IS ALWAYS WITH THE ACCEPTANCE OF
THE FACT THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPENT-
ANCE AND FAITH.

   It is so here.
   Peter said, "REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED."   If they
had genuinely repented their repentance involved faith and
they were saved . . . before they were baptized.   THIS SAME
PASSAGE BEARS THIS OUT.   It tells us who were baptized.

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized..."
   --Acts 2:41

   Who was baptized on the day of Pentecost?   Those who
had repented and gladly received his word.   There you have
the essentials to salvation, repentance and faith.   These
folks were saved and then baptized.
   NOT ONE SINGLE TIME IS THE WORD "BAP-

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       23

TIZED" USED BY ITSELF AS AN ESSENTIAL TO SAL-
VATION.   REPENTANCE IS USED THIS WAY.   FAITH
IS USED THIS WAY.   BUT NOT BAPTISM.

   Never does it say, "except ye be baptized ye shall per-
ish."
  Never does it say, "be baptized and be saved."
   WHAT HAS BEEN SAID OF BAPTISM CAN BE
SAID OF THE LORD'S SUPPER, CHURCH MEMBER-
SHIP, REFORMATION, OBEDIENCE, LAW KEEPING,
ETC.
  None of them are essentials to salvation.
   The Gospel message to lost sinners is . . .

"REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL"

CHAPTER FIVE

THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM

   So far we have learned that those who had repented
and believed were baptized by burial in water picturing a
death, burial, and resurrection.
   Now we would like to look at the purpose of baptism,
that is, why those who repent and believe are to be baptized.

BAPTISM IS A PUBLIC CONFESSION
OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH IN CHRIST

   Throughout the New Testament those who repented
and believed made a public confession of this fact by sub-
mitting to baptism.   Sinners would publicly show their re-
pentance and faith by submission to baptism.
   Those who repented and believed the message of John,
Christ, the disciples, etc. demonstrated this by baptism.
   We have already established that only those who had
repented and believed were baptized.   Baptism was a public
confession of this fact.
   The New Testament preachers called sinners to repent-
ance and faith and sinners answered this call by submitting
to baptism.   This was the way they publicly identified them-
selves with the redeemed.

BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF THE DEATH,
BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

   By baptism the sinner publicly confesses his faith in
the gospel story of the death, burial and resurrection of
Jesus Christ.   Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus Christ and exhibits the sinner's faith
in that Christ as Saviour.
   Let us look again at the Sixth Chapter of Romans.

24

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       25

"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."

   --Rom. 6:4, 5

   Baptism is "like as Christ was raised up from the
dead."
  Baptism is the "likeness of his death" and the "like-
ness of his resurrection."

   The gospel is the good news that Christ died for our
sins and was buried and arose.   (I Cor. 15:1-4.)   When the
sinner hears the gospel story of the death, burial and resur-
rection, repents of his sin, and believes, he demonstrates this
publicly by baptism.

BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF THE CHANGE
THAT TAKES PLACE IN THE SINNER
AT THE TIME OF SALVATION

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to BE DEAD INDEED
UNTO SIN, BUT ALIVE UNTO GOD through Jesus Christ
our Lord."
  --Rom. 6:11

   "Dead indeed unto sin...alive unto God."   This is
what happens when a sinner is saved.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live..."
   --Gal. 2:20

   In salvation the old sinner is reckoned dead, crucified
with Christ, and the believer has been made alive unto God.
He has been made a new creature (II Cor. 5:17).
   Baptism pictures this salvation that has occurred in
the believer.
   The old, condemned, sinner is dead . . . crucified with
Christ.   This is pictured by being "buried with him by bap-
tism."
  (Rom. 6:4.)
   The believer is "alive unto God" and is a new creature.
This is pictured in baptism, "that like as Christ was raised

26       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we
also should walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE."
  (Rom. 6:4.)
   The believer is baptized to picture the salvation he
already has, not to get salvation.
   BY BURIAL IN WATER THE BELIEVER PUBLICLY
CONFESSES HIS FAITH IN CHRIST WHO DIED FOR
HIS SINS, WAS BURIED, AND AROSE AND THE BE-
LIEVER DEMONSTRATES THAT HE HAS DIED TO
THE OLD LIFE AND HAS BEEN RAISED TO WALK IN
THE NEWNESS OF LIFE.

CHAPTER SIX

THE RESULTS OF BAPTISM

   What are the results of baptism?   What does it accom-
plish?
  We will now look at the answer to these questions.
   Baptism is the means that God has provided for the
repentant believer to publicly identify himself as a Chris-
tian.   By baptism he declares to the world that he is saved
and a child of God.
   As we have already seen in the New Testament, sinners
answered the call to repentance and faith by submitting to
baptism.   By baptism the repentant believer identified him-
self with God's people.

THE CHURCH IS THE PUBLIC ORGANIZATION
OF CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS

   The only organization of Christians mentioned in the
New Testament is the local church.   In the New Testament
all repentant believers were expected to be baptized and
identified with a church.
   BAPTIZED BELIEVERS WERE SPOKEN OF AS
BEING "IN THE CHURCH."

   Believers were identified with particular local churches
and were spoken of as being "in" these churches.

"Now there were IN THE CHURCH THAT WAS AT ANTI-
OCH certain prophets and teachers..."
--Acts 13:1

   "In the church that was at Antioch."   This is the way
that Christians were spoken of in the New Testament.   They
were identified with individual, local, churches and were
spoken of as being "in the church."

"And when they had ordained them elders IN EVERY
CHURCH..."
--Acts 14:23

   Each church had its own organization and its own mem-
bership.   (I Cor. 12:28.)

27

28       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   A church member could be excluded from membership
in the church.   (III John 10, Matt. 18:17, II Thess. 3:6, Titus
3:10, etc.)
   From these Scriptures, it is easy to see that church
membership was a recognized position in the New Testa-
ment.   Individual Christians were identified with local
churches.

THE LOCAL CHURCH IS CALLED
THE "BODY OF CHRIST"

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be
head over all things to the CHURCH,
"WHICH IS HIS BODY, the fulness of him that filleth all in
all."
  --Eph. 1:22, 23

   "...the church which is his body, ..."   Several times
in the New Testament the church is spoken of as the body
of Christ.

"And he is the head of THE BODY, THE CHURCH..."
   --Col. 1:18
"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that
which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh FOR
HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH."

   --Col. 1:24

   To the local church at Corinth Paul wrote these words.

"Now YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND MEMBERS
IN PARTICULAR."
  --I Cor. 12:27

   The local church at Corinth was called the "body of
Christ."

   To the local church at Ephesus Paul wrote these words.

"For we are MEMBERS OF HIS BODY, of his flesh, and of
his bones."
  --Eph. 5:30

   The members of the local church at Ephesus were
spoken of as being "members of his body."
   To the local church at Colosse Paul wrote these words.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which
also ye are called IN ONE BODY, and be ye thankful."

   --Col. 3:15

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       29

   Several important things have now been established
from these Scriptures.

  1. Baptized believers were spoken of as being "in the
    church"
    and were identified as members of particu-
    lar, local churches.
  2. The local churches were called "the body of Christ."
  3. The church members were spoken of as being "mem-
    bers of his body"
    and "members in particular" of
    the "body of Christ."

JESUS CHRIST IDENTIFIED HIMSELF WITH THE CHURCH
AND CALLED IT HIS BODY

   We can see the close relationship of Christ and the
churches in the experiences of Paul.   Before his conversion,
Paul persecuted the church.

"As for Saul, HE MADE HAVOCK OF THE CHURCH..."
   --Acts 8:3
"...I persecuted the church of God..." --I Cor. 15:9

   Saul made havoc of the church.   He persecuted the
church
.   When Christ met Saul on the road to Damascus
He spoke these words:

"...Saul, Saul, WHY PERSECUTEST THOU ME? ... I
AM JESUS WHOM THOU PERSECUTEST."
--Acts 9:4, 5

   Saul had been persecuting the church yet Jesus asked,
"why persecutest thou me?"   TO PERSECUTE THE
CHURCH WAS TO PERSECUTE CHRIST!
  This reveals
how Christ identified Himself with the church.

HOW DOES THE REPENTANT BELIEVER BECOME
A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
AND BE "IN THE CHURCH"?

   The Scriptures give us the answer.

"For by one Spirit are we all BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

   --I Cor. 12:13

30       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   "...baptized into one body..."   When the repentant
believer is baptized he is "baptized into one body" the local
church.   He becomes a member of the body of Christ and
is placed in the church by baptism.
   We need to look at two other verses.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as WERE BAPTIZED
INTO JESUS CHRIST were baptized into his death?"

   --Romans 6:3
"For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO
CHRIST have put on Christ."
  --Gal. 3:27

   "Baptized into Jesus Christ!"   "Baptized into Christ."
What can these expressions mean?
   It has been established that the body of Christ is the
local church.   The Scriptures teach that we are baptized
into the body.   This is the meaning in these expressions
about being "baptized into Christ."   It means we were bap-
tized into the church, the body of Christ.   Christ and the
church are so closely identified that it was proper to speak
of baptism as being "baptized into Christ."
   Notice the expression, "as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ HAVE PUT ON CHRIST."
  "Put on
Christ"
. . . this is publicly identifying with Christ.   For
instance, the civilian becomes a soldier when he is sworn
in and he publicly is identified as a soldier when he puts on
the uniform.   A sinner becomes a child of God by repentance
and faith and he publicly is identified as such when he "puts
on Christ"
by baptism.

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE AUTHORITY TO BAPTIZE

   Where should the repentant believer go to receive bap-
tism?   Who has the authority to baptize?
  These questions
must be answered.
   First, we must again review what has already been
established about baptism.

  1. The entire New Testament speaks of the same bap-
    tism.   John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, the Apostles,
    and the early churches all administered the same
    kind of baptism.
  2. Baptism is a burial and resurrection in water.
  3. Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection
    of Jesus Christ.
  4. Baptism pictures the gospel.
  5. Only repentant believers were baptized.
  6. Baptism pictures salvation by grace.

   IT IS AN OBVIOUS FACT THAT ONLY THOSE WHO
ACCEPT THIS KIND OF BAPTISM CAN ADMINISTER
THIS KIND OF BAPTISM.
  Let us look at those this would
eliminate.
   Those who would substitute sprinkling or pouring for
burial in water are not administering scriptural baptism
and thus would have no authority to baptize.
   Those who would baptize babies certainly have no scrip-
tural concept of baptism and thus could not administer
scriptural baptism.
   Those who would make baptism essential to salvation
have departed from Bible truth and are not administering
scriptural baptism.
   Those who would make man's works part of salvation
are not picturing salvation by grace in their baptism and,
thus, are not administering scriptural baptism.

31

32       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   ONLY THOSE WHO ARE BAPTIZING REPENTANT
BELIEVERS BY A BURIAL AND RESURRECTION IN
WATER TO PICTURE SALVATION BY GRACE
THROUGH THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURREC-
TION OF JESUS CHRIST ARE ADMINISTERING SCRIP-
TURAL BAPTISM.
   THE REPENTANT BELIEVER MUST GO TO THOSE
WHO ARE ADMINISTERING SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM
TO RECEIVE SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM.

   Who has the authority to baptize?
   It is a matter of cold logic that the authority to baptize
has to rest somewhere.   It has to be administered some way.

THE AUTHORITY TO BAPTIZE COULD NOT
REST IN EACH CHRISTIAN

   Each individual Christian has personal responsibilities
that are his alone.   For instance, each Christian is expected
to lead a clean, separated life, to be a witness, to win souls,
to tithe, to pray, to study God's Word, etc.   All these are his
personal responsibilities that he, and he alone, can meet.

No one else can do them for him . . . they are his personal
responsibilities.
   There are responsibilities that Christians have collec-
tively . . . as a group.   God only left one organization of
Christians on earth and that is the local church.   As a
church, God's people are to receive and dispense the tithes
and offerings of God's people as God directs.   As a church,
they are to call and ordain pastors and deacons.   As a church,
they are to send missionaries around the world.   As a
church, they are to exercise discipline.   As a church, they
are to maintain facilities for teaching and preaching God's
Word.   They are to glorify God in all ages.
   IT IS RIDICULOUS TO THINK OF AN INDIVIDUAL
ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHURCH.

   Does each Christian have the right to receive the tithes
and offerings of God's people?

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       33

   Does each Christian call and ordain his own pastor and
deacons?
   Does each Christian have the right to administer dis-
cipline?
   Of course not!
   On the other hand, it is just as ridiculous to think of
the church assuming the responsibilities of the individual
Christian.   Can the church do the Christian's praying?   His
tithing?   His studying?   His living?   Of course not!

   IT IS OBVIOUS THAT EACH CHRISTIAN HAS HIS
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES INVOLVING THOSE
THINGS THAT ARE INDIVIDUALLY HIS AND THAT
ANY BUSINESS INVOLVING CHRISTIANS COLLEC-
TIVELY IS CHURCH RESPONSIBILITY.

   Into which if these classes does baptism belong?   Each
Christian cannot assume to speak for Christians collectively
in accepting candidates for baptism.   This would result in
wild confusion.   The authority must rest in the church.   This
is the only organization that God left on earth to carry out
His work.   It is a logical thing, after accepting this fact, to
understand that this organization, the local church, is the
only vehicle on earth that has the authority to speak for
Christians collectively.   THIS HAS TO BE THE ORGANI-
ZATION THAT POSSESSES THE AUTHORITY TO BAP-
TIZE . . . THERE IS NO PLACE ELSE!

CHRIST GAVE THE COMMISSION
TO BAPTIZE TO THE CHURCH

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, BAPTIZING THEM
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON,
AND OF THE HOLY GHOST:

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto
the end of the world."
  --Matt. 28:19, 20

34       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   Christ had called the disciples together and delivered
this great commission.   I Cor. 12:28 reveals that these men
had been first set in the church and it was in this capacity
that they assembled.   It was to the church that Christ gave
the commission to go forth and baptize.

PAUL TEACHES THIS TRUTH IN A
LITTLE UNDERSTOOD SCRIPTURE

"Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were
ye baptized in the name of Paul
?
"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and
Gaius;
"Lest any should say that I had baptized in
mine own name
.
"And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I
know not whether I baptized any other.
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to
preach the gospel
: not with wisdom of words, lest
the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."

   --I Cor. 1:12-17

   Paul is denouncing the divisions that existed in the
church at Corinth.   They were divided into cliques and fac-
tions.   They were following human leaders.
   Paul asked, "were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
He was asking if they thought they were baptized by his
authority.   He repeats this in words, "Lest any should say
that I baptized in mine own name."
  PAUL WAS FEARFUL
THAT SOMEONE WOULD THINK THAT HE WAS BAP-
TIZING ON HIS OWN AUTHORITY.
   Paul wrote, "CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE"
yet names those he had baptized!   Paul is emphasizing that
Christ had not sent him to baptize, that is, he did not in
himself, possess the authority to baptize.

GOD SENT THE CHURCH, NOT PAUL NOR
ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL, TO BAPTIZE

   Paul was sent to preach.   When he administered bap-

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       35

tism he did so by the authority of the church . . . not Paul.
   Where should the repentant believer go to receive bap-
tism?   Who has the authority to baptize?

   Now the questions have been answered.
   1. The church has the authority to baptize.
   2. ONLY THOSE CHURCHES THAT ARE BAPTIZ-
ING REPENTANT BELIEVERS BY A BURIAL AND
RESURRECTION IN WATER TO PICTURE SALVATION
BY GRACE THROUGH THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RES-
URRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST CAN ADMINISTER
SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM.

   3. Churches that substitute sprinkling or pouring for
burial in water cannot administer baptism.
   4. Churches that baptize babies cannot administer
scriptural baptism.
   5. Churches that teach that baptism is essential to sal-
vation cannot administer scriptural baptism.
   6. CHURCHES THAT RECOGNIZE AND ACCEPT
THE BAPTISM FROM CHURCHES SUCH AS DE-
SCRIBED CANNOT ADMINISTER SCRIPTURAL BAP-
TISM.
  By accepting false baptism, a church loses its au-
thority to administer scriptural baptism.

CHAPTER EIGHT

INFANT BAPTISM

   S. E. Anderson states in his book, "The First Baptist,"
this amazing fact, "Over seven hundred millions of people
in Christian churches are taught the deadening doctrine
that baptism brings salvation to an infant."

   This is an amazing thing!
   Seven hundred million people are being taught in [...]
churches that infants should be baptized, YET THE
BIBLE DOES NOT SAY ONE SINGLE SOLITARY WORD
ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM.

   This is fantastic!
   More people have been deceived by this error than all
other errors combined.

INFANTS SHOULD NOT BE BAPTIZED!

   Let us look at some of the reasons why infants should
not be baptized.   These reasons should be obvious to those
who have read this far in these lessons.
   THE BIBLE DOES NOT TEACH INFANT BAPTISM.
IT DOES NOT SAY ONE WORD ABOUT INFANT BAP-
TISM.

   This should be enough to destroy forever the practice of
infant baptism.   Infant baptism originated with man, not
with God.

INFANTS CANNOT MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM

   As we have already learned, only those who had re-
pented and believed were baptized.   An infant cannot pos-
sibly meet this requirement and thus is not to be baptized.

THE ORIGIN OF INFANT BAPTISM

   The practice of infant baptism was born in error.   It

36

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM       37

was the outcome of another error.   When people began to
depart from the faith, one of the first great errors they
embraced was what is called "baptismal regeneration."
This is the false teaching that an individual has to be bap-
tized in order to be saved.   When people began to believe
this error, the next natural step was to baptize babies in
order to guarantee their safety.   One error led to another.

THE DANGERS OF INFANT BAPTISM
   One can easily see the danger of infant baptism.   The
individual trusts in the fact that he was baptized as a baby
and never feels his need of salvation.   THIS IS A TRAGEDY.
Millions have been deceived and given a false hope of sal-
vation by infant baptism.

HOUSEHOLD BAPTISMS
   Many have tried to justify the error of infant baptism
by pointing to what is called "household baptisms" in the
Bible.   These are records where whole families were bap-
tized.   They try to reason from this that these baptisms
must have included infants.   Let us look at these Scriptures.

"And I baptized also the household of Stephanas..."
   --I Cor. 1:16

   Paul states that he baptized the household of Stepha-
nas.   IT DOES NOT SAY THERE WERE INFANTS IN
THIS HOUSEHOLD.
  Infant baptism could not be shown in
this verse.

"And when she was baptized, and her household, ..."
   --Acts 16:15

   This is the record of the baptism of Lydia, a seller of
purple.   It is another example of "household baptism."
Again notice that it does not say that there were any infants
present.
  Lydia was about 300 miles from home, on business.
It is hardly likely any infants were with her in her
household!

"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed
their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his straightway."

   --Acts 16:33

38       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

   This is the record of the conversion of the Philippian
jailor.   The verse states that he "was baptized, HE AND
ALL HIS STRAIGHTWAY."
  Those who try to justify the
error of infant baptism will state that this meant his entire
family, infants and all, were baptized.   Let us look at the
context.   In Verse 32 it says,

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, AND TO
ALL THAT WERE IN HIS HOUSE."

   "All that were in his house" were able to hear the word
of the Lord.   This does not sound like infants!   Look at
Verse 34.

"...believing in God WITH ALL HIS HOUSE."

   All that were in his house believed!   THIS IS NOT IN-
FANT BAPTISM.
  All those in the household of the jailor
heard the word, believed and then were baptized.
   THERE IS NOT A SINGLE RECORD OF AN INFANT
BEING BAPTIZED IN ALL THE ENTIRE BIBLE.

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD BE BAPTIZED?
   The scriptural answer is simple.   A child should be bap-
tized when he repents and believes.

CHAPTER NINE

YOUR BAPTISM IS IMPORTANT

   Great emphasis is given to baptism throughout the New
Testament.   It is mentioned 113 times!
   God sent John the Baptist to baptize.   John the Baptist
baptized all his followers and probably all 12 of the disciples.
   John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.
   Jesus Christ and His disciples baptized their followers.
Jesus gave the command that baptism was to continue.
   After the ascension of Christ, the practice of baptism
continued with the Apostles and early churches.
   Notice again our definition of baptism.
   BAPTISM IS THE BURIAL AND RESURRECTION
IN WATER OF A REPENTANT BELIEVER TO PICTURE
SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH THE DEATH, BURI-
AL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.   BAP-
TISM IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CHURCH.

   Our definition answers the following questions.
   What is baptism?
   Baptism is the burial and resurrection in water.
   Who should be baptized?
   Only repentant believers should be baptized.
   What is the purpose of baptism?   Why should I be
baptized?

   By baptism, the repentant believer publicly confesses
his salvation.   In baptism he presents a picture of the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and declares that
by faith in Him he has died to the old life and has been raised
to walk in the newness of life.
   Baptism publicly identifies you with God's people and
places you in the church.
   Where should I be baptized?
   Only a New Testament church can administer baptism.

39

40       BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM

YOUR BAPTISM IS IMPORTANT!
   Consider the following things:
   1. We know that baptism is important because of the
great emphasis it receives in the New Testament.
   2. ERROR CONCERNING BAPTISM IS CAUSING
MORE PEOPLE TO BE DECEIVED ABOUT ETERNAL
SALVATION THAN ALL OTHER ERRORS COMBINED.
   3. Today's tragic divisions in Christianity began with
a departure from the truth concerning baptism.
   4. Baptism is the public profession of salvation by the
repentant believer.   It is the means that God has provided
for the redeemed child of God to proclaim his salvation to
the world.
   5. Our baptism pictures to the world the death, burial,
and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
   6. OUR BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF THE GOSPEL.
It is one of the ways that God has given to declare the good
news of salvation to the world.   It is just as important that
our baptism pictures the true gospel as it is that we preach
a true gospel.
   7. Baptism is a picture of our salvation.   It publicly
confesses to the world that we were a lost, helpless, con-
demned sinner and that we are saved by the matchless
grace of God.
   8. Baptism publicly identifies the repentant believer
with God's people and places him in the church.

YOUR BAPTISM IS IMPORTANT!
   The most important question in all of God's universe
is, "HAVE YOU BEEN SAVED?"
   Second only to that is the question, "HAVE YOU BEEN
SCRIPTURALLY BAPTIZED?"

   May God bless you and guide you.

[Christian Helps Ministry (USA)] [Christian Home Bible Course]