Notes on Baptism

Water baptism is a testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ, identifying ourselves with His death, burial, and resurrection, and is a scriptural requirement for membership with the local church.

• Identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ – A personal profession of faith.

• Identifying us as Christians – A public profession of faith.

• Identifying with a local church – A public profession of unity with other believers in a local church.

1. The Commandment to Baptize - Matthew 28:19

   1. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost

   2. By Immersion

   3. Upon our confession of faith in Christ

   4. Into membership in the church.

2. Of the early church - Acts 2:37-41

   1. Added to church as were saved & baptized

   2. Baptized into a local, new testament church.

      1. Salvation before baptism - Acts 8:35-39

      2. Baptism's relevance to membership

3. To identity with Christ - Colossians 2:11-13, Romans 6:3-11, II Corinthians 5:17

   1. Death, burial, resurrection of Christ & of the believer.

   2. Old life exchange for new life in Christ.

   3. Identifying us as a renewed member of the church.

4. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

   1. Indwelling upon salvation. - Romans 8:9

   2. Identifies us as Christians. - I Corinthians 12:13

Memory Verse: II Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature; old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.