Our Salvation

>Step 1: Repentance

>Step 2: Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus

>Step 3: Baptism of the Holy Ghost

STEP 2: WATER BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS

>WHO should be baptized?

>WHY should I be baptized?

>WHEN should I be baptized?

>WHAT happens at baptism?

>HOW should I be baptized?

WATER BAPTISM is the second step that God requires in obedience to His salvation plan. Repentance must always precede baptism, for they work together to accomplish the forgiveness of sins. In the same way, repentance without baptism is incomplete. God’s Word teaches that water baptism is ESSENTIAL for salvation, and gives us very specific requirements as to the MODE (what is DONE) and the FORMULA (what is SAID) of baptism. For the purposes of our study, we are referring to baptism as a “second step,” but it should be remembered that there is only one NEW BIRTH. The Bible commands baptism in the same strong terms that it commands repentance – they are inseparable.

 1.      Who should be baptized?

·      Every person who has believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and repented of their sins.

“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 … Then they that gladly received his word were baptized …”  (Acts 2:38, 41)

 “But when they believed what Philip was saying about God’s kingdom and about the name of Jesus Christ, they were all baptized.”  (Acts 8:12)

·      Those who are old enough to believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and understand the meaning of repentance.

At First UPC, we wait until our children are old enough to understand the meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice the baptism of infants, but this custom did not begin until about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism that is taught in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe and repent. Instead of baptizing infants, we dedicate them to God in a ceremony intended to be a covenant between the parents and God. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until he is old enough to make his own personal decision to obey the Word of God.

·      Those who have been baptized previously in a different way  than the baptism specified by the Apostles for the New Testament church.

“‘Then what beliefs did you acknowledge at your baptism?’ [Paul] asked. And they replied, ‘What John the Baptist taught.’ Then Paul pointed out to them that John’s baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin to God and that those receiving his baptism must then go on to believe in Jesus, the one John said would come later. As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  (Acts 19:3-5, TLB)

 “On hearing this they were baptized [again, this time] in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  (Acts 19:5, AMP)

2.      Why should I be baptized?

·        To follow the example set by Christ.

“At that time Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan, and came to John to be baptized by him. But John tried to make him change his mind. ‘I ought to be baptized by you,’ John said, ‘yet you come to me!’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.’ So John agreed.”  (Matthew 3:13-15)

·        Because Christ commanded it.

“And [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”  (Mark 16:15-16)

·        Because the Apostles preached it and the New Testament church practiced it.

 “And [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord …”  (Acts 10:48)

“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)

3.      When should I be baptized?

·        As soon as you have believed and repented.

“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)

“So Philip began at this place in the Scriptures and explained the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to a place where there was some water. The official said, ‘Look! Here is some water. Why can’t I be baptized?’ Philip replied, ‘You can, if you believe with all your heart.’ The official answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ He ordered the chariot to stop. Then they both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”  (Acts 8:35-38)

“That same hour the jailer … and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.”  (Acts 16:33)

“And now, why delay? Get up and be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on the name of the Lord.”  (Acts 22:16)

·      Before you “straighten your life out,” “achieve perfection,” or “feel good enough.”

We don’t get good to get God, we get God to get good! If you wait around until you perfect yourself, get everything “fixed up” in your life, or feel worthy enough to be baptized, you will never do it. If you have truly repented, and are ready to leave your sin behind (with God’s help), you are ready to be baptized – NOW! There is no reason to delay your obedience.

·        Promptly, without delaying for other people.

While it is a wonderful thing for family members to witness your baptism, or be baptized together at the same time, it is not wise to delay your obedience to the Word of God on their account. Baptism is a Bible command, not a family tradition.

4.      What happens at baptism?

·      My sins are washed away or remitted, accomplishing God’s full work of forgiveness.

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”  (Luke 24:47)

 “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)

 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”    (Acts 22:16)

Some people try to understand repentance APART from baptism, but the New Testament never divides them. For the sake of our study, we could say that at REPENTANCE God removes the PRESENT CONSEQUENCES of sin (the barrier that prevents a relationship with Him), and at BAPTISM God removes the FUTURE CONSEQUENCES of sin (the legal record of our sinful acts and eternal penalty of death). However, this is really an unnecessary distinction, as they are to be experienced TOGETHER, accomplishing God’s full work of forgiveness in the heart of the believer.

·      My conscience is washed and cleansed, so I can be free from my past way of thinking.

“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”  (1 Peter 3:21, NAS)

 “And baptism, which is a figure [of their deliverance], does now also save you [from inward questionings and fears], not by the removing of outward body filth [bathing], but by [providing you with] the answer of a good and clear conscience (inward cleanness and peace) before God [because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21, AMP)

·      My body is buried in a “grave of water,” portraying the death of my old life.

“Have you forgotten that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were, by that very action, sharing in his death?”  (Romans 6:3)

 “And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death.”  (Colossians 2:12)

·      I am born again “of the water,” portraying the birth of my new life.

“Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God … The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.’”  (John 3:3, 5)

 “He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.”  (Titus 3:5)

·      I am brought into God’s covenant of New Testament salvation, portraying the “cutting off” of my fleshly desires.

“When you came to Christ, you were ‘circumcised,’ but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized ...” (Colossians 2:11-12, NLT)

 “In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts). [Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism …”  (Colossians 2:11-12, AMP)

·      I take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ, which is the only saving name.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”  (Galatians 3:27, KJV)

 “All of you who were baptized ‘into’ Christ have put on the family likeness of Christ.”  (Galatians 3:27, PHI)

 “Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.”  (Acts 4:12, CEV)

 “Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through him.”  (Acts 4:12, NCV)

·      I apply the burial of Christ to my life, making it effective in me.

“We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious [power] of the Father, so we too might [habitually] live and behave in newness of life.”  (Romans 6:4, AMP)

 “In other words, when we were baptized we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.”  (Romans 6:4, JER)

 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”  (Colossians 2:12)

·       I demonstrate publicly that I am beginning a new life, committing myself to Christ and to my church family.

“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church – about three thousand in all. They joined in with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching …”  (Acts 2:41-42, NLT)

 “That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles …”  (Acts 2:41-42, TM)

5.      How should I be baptized?

·        In a public service, if at all possible …

o       Because it is a testimony to others.

Your baptism is a public declaration that you have committed your life to Christ and His church. If you choose in advance when you are going to be baptized, we encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend the service. You will also be given a certificate to commemorate your baptism.

o       Because it is an encouragement to you.

At First UPC, baptisms usually take place at the end of a service. One of the pastors will lead the congregation (your new family!) in praying for you, then he will lower you briefly under the water and speak the name of Jesus over you. When you are raised from the water, you will sense God’s presence in a special way as everyone rejoices with you. Take advantage of this time to worship the Lord fervently – many people receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost as they rise from their “watery grave!”

o       Because it is practical to do so.

First UPC provides a changing room, a hair dryer, baptismal robes and towels. You may wish to bring a swimsuit to wear under your robe and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. Although it is preferred and it is most convenient for you to be baptized during a service, any of our pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.

·        By being immersed in water …

o       Because Jesus Christ was baptized by immersion.

“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water ...”  (Matthew 3:16)

o       Because every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

“He ordered the chariot to stop. Then they both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. After they had come out of the water …”  (Acts 8:38-39)

o       Because that’s precisely what the word baptism means.

The Greek word “baptizo” literally means “to immerse or submerge under water.” It also has the significance of washing or cleansing oneself.

o       Because it is the best portrayal of a burial and resurrection.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”  (Romans 6:4)

·        In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ …

o       Because every baptism in the book of Acts was performed in Jesus’ name.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST: “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)

  THE SAMARITANS: “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”  (Acts 8:15-16)

 THE HOUSE OF CORNELIUS: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”  (Acts 10:48)

 THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:5)

 PAUL’S BAPTISM: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”  (Acts 22:16)

o       Because the epistles conclusively teach baptism in the name of Jesus.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”  (Galatians 3:27)

 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”        (Romans 6:3)

 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”  (Colossians 1:12)

 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  (Colossians 3:17)

o       Because Jesus is the only name that has the power to save us.

“Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”  (Hebrews 1:4)

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”  (Matthew 28:18)

 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  (Phil. 2:9-11)

 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12)

o       Because Jesus is Almighty God!

The most important reason for us to be baptized in the name of Jesus is that He is God! The Scripture emphatically teaches that God is ONE. This central revelation is referred to by Bible theologians as “monotheism,” and also “the oneness of God.”  God’s people have ALWAYS been “Oneness Believers.” To the Jews in the Old Testament and the Christians in the New Testament, this understanding of God was fundamental to their faith, and separated them from the pagan, polytheistic (“many gods”) religions.

 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”  (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

 “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:29-30)

Neither the Old nor the New Testament uses the word "TRINITY" or associates the words "three" or "persons" in any significant way with God. No passage says that God is a holy two, holy three, or holy trinity, but over 50 verses call God the "HOLY ONE."

“As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.”  (Isaiah 47:4)

 “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.”  (Mark 1:23-26)

However, one thing that has always separated Jews and Christians is this REVELATION that the Almighty God came to earth in a body of flesh to save us.  Because the Jews refused to understand this, they rejected their own Messiah, Jesus Christ.

 “But the people’s minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away.”  (2 Corinthians 3:14-16)

 The fact that God became flesh is one of the most wonderful and yet one of the most incomprehensible things about God.  Jesus is like no other man!  He has two natures – He is fully God and fully man.  Most problems in people’s minds concerning the Godhead come from this great mystery. They cannot understand the DUAL NATURE OF CHRIST and cannot correctly separate His two roles.

 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”            (1 Timothy 3:16)

The Dual Nature of Jesus Christ

Chart by David Bernard

When Jesus speaks of Himself, or when we read a statement in the Scripture about Him, we must determine whether it is describing Jesus as a man or as God. Whenever we see a description of two natures with respect to Jesus, we should not think of two persons, but of Spirit and flesh.

Jesus Is Jehovah

Chart by David Bernard