DOCTRINES

BAPTISM IS A COMMAND

1-INTRODUCTION
2-CONFUSION REGARDING BAPTISM
3-THE AUTHORITY MUST BE GOD’S WORD
4-THERE IS NO GRACE WITHOUT BELIEVING ON JESUS; THERE IS NO GRACE WITHOUT
    REPENTANCE
5-FAITH DOES NOT SAVE, IF TRUE REPENTANCE DOES NOT TAKE PLACE
6-BAPTISM IS BY FULL IMMERSION
7-BAPTISM IS TO BE DONE IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF
   THE HOLY GHOST
8-BAPTISM IS A COMMAND, A MATTER OF OBEDIENCE,  FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE
9-WE ARE COMMANDED TO BE BAPTIZED, BUT REPENTANCE MUST COME FIRST
10-INFANT BAPTISM FORBIDDEN
11-JESUS PLACED GREAT IMPORTANCE ON WATER BAPTISM
12-WATER BAPTISM IS ALSO A COMMAND  FOR THOSE THAT SPEAK IN TONGUES
13-CONFUSION IS NOT FROM GOD
14-IS WATER BAPTISM NECESSARY? WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM’S RELATIONSHIP TO
      SALVATION, IF ANY?
15-DOES THE BIBLE SAY—BY REJECTING WATER BAPTISM, WE HAVE REJECTED JESUS?
16-WHY ARE WE TO GET BAPTIZED?
17-WERE BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST (Ro 6:3)
18-THE RESULTS AFTER WATER BAPTISM SHOULD BE (IF WE BELIEVE ON JESUS AND HAVE REPENTED)
19-THE EVIDENCE OF SALVATION IS FRUIT
20-WHEN DOES A PERSON RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
21-SAVED BY WATER: BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US.  WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
22-CAN OR SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED A SECOND TIME?
23-TO CONSIDER
24-BAPTISM IS NOT
25-THE CONCLUSION
26-THE FINAL PROOF

   The word "baptize" appears in the Bible 9 times.
   The word "baptized" appears in the Bible 61 times.
    The word "baptizest" appears in the Bible 1 time.
    The word "baptizeth" appears in the Bible 2 times.
    The word "baptizing" appears in the Bible 4 times.
    This totals 77 times.
    In addition, there are many other verses related to being baptized in which these actual words do not appear.

    Some churches today believe a person does not have to be baptized, while others believe it is required for salvation. Some baptize by total immersion, and others believe this is not necessary.  Some baptize infants while others believe this is wrong.  There are even some that speak against water baptism.  There are some that speak against being baptized a second time, yet they themselves, if they would travel to Israel and have the chance to be baptized in the Jordan River, may run to be baptized a second or even a third time.
    The answer lies not in a denomination, not in the traditions of men, but in God’s Word only. Jesus warned us that the traditions of men make God’s Word of none effect. In other words, Jesus was saying, the traditions that you are doing are not from God’s Word, but are only of men; and being only of men, you are causing people to perish by your traditions.
    Why are there people that claim to be a Christian, but have never been baptized in the manner that God's Word commands?  
    Reasons to consider:
    1.    Ignorant of what the Bible teaches about water baptism.  They may not have been biblically instructed.
    2.    Their church does not teach or practice water baptism correctly; however, their allegiance to their church is such that they choose not to depart.
    3.    Indifference, continue to put off making a decision.
    4.    Pride, a lack of humbleness.
    5.    Stubbornness, rebellion against the authority of God's Word.  No one is going to tell them what to do.
    6.    Fear.  They know they should, but are afraid to go forward publicly.    

    The authority we stand on MUST always be the Bible. The authority we stand on must not be made of stories we create from events of the Bible, but solely upon the Bible itself. It is only by the Word that we shall be judged; not by man’s opinion of what they think the Word indicates. Satan is the originator of causing people to say that God’s Word does not mean exactly what it says. Eve believed Satan’s word over God’s and fell into sin. God had said she would surely die, if she ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan first caused doubt in her mind and then told her directly she would not surely die by eating of the fruit. Satan put her in a position that her own emotions prompted her to eat of the fruit of the tree. She sinned by disobeying God’s Word.
    There are many fine preachers today that have fallen into the traditions of men and thus, unknowingly, have not been teaching God’s Word as they ought.

    In Eph 2:8, we are told, FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.
    Gal 3:2-RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, OR BY THE HEARING OF FAITH?
    Gal 3:14-THAT THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM MIGHT COME ON THE GENTILES THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH.
    Eph 3:17-THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH.
    We are saved by faith. Does this mean we are saved by faith without repentance? Not at all. We must repent of our sins, or there is no salvation. For it is written, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH-Lk 13:3. Does this mean that we are saved by faith only, and we never need to confess Jesus publicly? Not at all. We should confess that Jesus is the only Hope of our salvation to everyone that asks us. If we are ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of us at the judgment.

    The Greek word for "baptize" in the New Testament is "baptizo" (bap-tid-zo). This  means to make whelmed or to submerge, i.e. "fully wet;" technique of the ordinance of Christian baptism; to immerse or dip under water. Jesus was baptized fully wet. The disciples were baptized fully wet. It is safe to say, if you have not been baptized by full immersion, you have not been baptized by the technique of the ordinance of Christian baptism. In baptism, we are identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection.
    Note the words in Ro 6:4-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.
    Note the words: "BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM," or "BURIED…BY BAPTISM." Most preachers would agree that baptism and water go hand in hand. The word "water" may also be correctly substituted in place of the word "baptism." Note the meaning that comes forth when read this way: "buried…by water." The word "by" indicates the method whereby we identify with Christ. How? - by baptism.
    Col 2:12 gives us an almost identical wording. 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.
    Note the words: "BURIED…IN BAPTISM" or "buried…in water." Biblical baptism is by being "buried" in water. In other words, baptism is by going into the water and being immersed. The word "in" distinguishes the point in time that we are identifying with Christ. When?—in baptism.
   Sprinkling baptism is no baptism at all. It is Satan’s counterfeit. 
    Acts 8:38, 39-AND HE (Philip) COMMANDED THE CHARIOT TO STAND STILL: AND THEY WENT DOWN INTO THE WATER, BOTH PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH; AND HE BAPTIZED HIM.  Note, they both went down into the water.  There was no pouring water upon the eunuch's head.
    Mt 3:5-6-THEN WENT OUT TO HIM JERUSALEM, AND ALL JUDEA,...AND WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS.  Note, baptized in the Jordan, not sprinkled from a basin of water.
    Jn 3:23-AND JOHN ALSO WAS BAPTIZING IN AENON NEAR TO SALIM, BECAUSE THERE WAS MUCH WATER THERE: AND THEY CAME, AND WERE BAPTIZED.  Note, there was MUCH water there.  It was not shallow.
    Mt 3:16-17-AND JESUS, WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, WENT UP STRAIGHTWAY OUT OF THE WATER:...AND LO A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.  Jesus was baptized in the Jordan and came up out of the water.  Have you likewise obeyed God by submitting to the ordinance of baptism?  Is God well pleased with you?
    Every time water baptism was done in the New Testament, it was done by immersion. There is no other biblical way.

    Not only are you under commandment to be baptized, but Jesus said these words as He was about to go to be with His Father. Mt 28:19,20-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 (obey) ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.  Note the word "and," identifying the Trinity.
    By this commandment from Jesus to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, the believer is identifying with the ONE GOD manifested in three, eternally existing Persons. FOR THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR RECORD IN HEAVEN, THE FATHER, THE WORD (Jesus), AND THE HOLY GHOST: AND THESE THREE ARE ONE (or united in one accord)-1 Jn 5:7.
    In these last days, many new, false doctrines have come along. One of them is the belief that there is no Trinity. This teaching denies there are three, eternally existing Persons of the Trinity. The Apostolic or United Pentecostals expound this doctrine and are usually identified in that they baptize in the name of Jesus only. Beware. Do not be led away with the error of these new doctrines that are springing up in this blind, Laodicean church age. More information regarding this false doctrine and the Trinity is available. See the Trinity and Cults.

    In Acts 22:16 we read-AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.  Here, it is clear--water baptism after believing on Jesus is a command.
    Jesus began His earthly ministry by being baptized. Mt 3:13-15-THEN COMETH JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JORDAN UNTO JOHN, TO BE BAPTIZED OF HIM. BUT JOHN FORBADE HIM, SAYING, I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED OF THEE, AND COMEST THOU TO ME? AND JESUS ANSWERING SAID UNTO HIM, SUFFER IT TO BE SO NOW: FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Note, John the Baptist made the statement, "I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED." All who believe on Jesus have a need to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
    We see in Acts 16:30-33 that as soon as they believed, HE TOOK THEM THE SAME HOUR OF THE NIGHT... AND WAS BAPTIZED. You are not to be baptized unless you believe on Jesus and repent; but as soon as you do, you are to be baptized.
    The Bible tells us of Saul (also known as Paul) in Acts 9:18-HE RECEIVED SIGHT FORTHWITH, AND AROSE, AND WAS BAPTIZED. He did not delay, but got baptized as soon as he was able.
    We see a great baptism, in Acts 2:41, as-THEY THAT GLADLY RECEIVED HIS WORD WERE BAPTIZED: AND THE SAME DAY THERE WERE ADDED UNTO THEM ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS. Again, we note there was no delay. Once they believed, they got baptized.

    God’s Word gives us the example of Philip and the eunuch. Philip would only baptize him if he confessed he believed on Jesus with all his heart. Some people believe on Jesus with a head knowledge, but faith or trust is not present. Believing with all your heart is necessary before water baptism means anything.
    Acts 8:35-38-THEN PHILIP OPENED HIS MOUTH, AND BEGAN AT THE SAME SCRIPTURE, AND PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS.
    AND AS THEY WENT ON THEIR WAY, THEY CAME UNTO A CERTAIN WATER: AND THE EUNUCH SAID, SEE, HERE IS WATER; WHAT DOTH HINDER (or prevents) ME TO BE BAPTIZED? He was asking, what was preventing him from being baptized.
    AND PHILIP SAID, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. Philip shows clearly, believing with all his heart was an absolute necessity before he would allow him to be baptized. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.
    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…HE WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING. We see the words WENT DOWN BOTH INTO THE WATER, and COME UP OUT, clearly depict immersion baptism. Again, it may be noted there was no delay. The eunuch believed and immediately baptism followed.
    Many people go to be baptized, but they have so little knowledge of the Bible and of Jesus that they cannot understand or believe on Jesus with all their heart. In some countries, people may gather in great numbers to be baptized; yet when each one is questioned, "Who is Jesus?", many do not understand Who He really is. To many, He is nothing more than a name and a person they sing about. They have no saving knowledge or faith. They are not ready for baptism.
    Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Note, "BELIEVING" must be in place before water baptism is done; and "believing" is to be WITH ALL THINE HEART. A person cannot believe on or be baptized into One in whom they know nothing about. This is the reason the word "baptism" does not appear a second time after the words BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT.  There is no baptism, if one does not believe on Jesus Christ.  Many preachers and elders wrongly baptize these people without discerning if they believe on Jesus and understand who He is and what He did.
    A person that is baptized must understand and believe with all their heart.  If they do not, then the baptism has no meaning.  They have, in effect, not been baptized.

    God’s Word tells us we are saved by grace through faith, yet we are under commandment to be baptized; as we read Peter’s words in Acts 2:38-REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU. This verse is addressing people that, after having heard God’s Word, believe on Jesus and are under conviction for their sins. They now want to know what to do. They are told first to repent. Then following repentance, baptism is to take place. Also note the verse tells us that EVERY ONE is to do this.
    John the Baptist was baptizing by full immersion in the water. The disciples of Jesus baptized when they were with Him. After Jesus went to be with His Father, they continued to baptize believers. As we should see from God’s Word, a person was not considered a follower of Christ, if they would not get baptized after believing.  If a person refuses baptism, then there is no reason to think they truly believe on Christ and have repented.  
    True faith in Jesus and true repentance should lead to being baptized in accordance with the Scriptures. A wrong attitude may lead a person to argue and contend with the Scriptures.

    The Bible commands that all men should repent. The baptism of John is called the baptism of repentance in Acts 13:24,and 19:4.
    The Scripture tells us in Mt 3:6-AND WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS. Verse 8-BRING FORTH THEREFORE FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE. Infant or baby baptism, or any baptism that is done prior to the person believing on Jesus and repenting, is contrary to God’s Word and of no meaning. A baby or a very young child cannot be baptized according to God’s Word, as we read, Acts 8:36,37-WHAT DOTH HINDER (or prevents) ME TO BE BAPTIZED? Philip had preached unto him Jesus and it appears also about baptism. The eunuch wanted to be baptized, but Philip refused unless one condition was met. Look at Philip’s reply. AND PHILIP SAID, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. The eunuch then said in verse 37-I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD. The Scriptures are clear.
    A baby cannot repent. A baby cannot believe. A baby is not to be baptized. Baby baptism means nothing. It is a deception created by the adversary.  It nurtures a false assurance as one grows up that they are going to heaven. 

    We seem to have a picture that the disciples of Jesus spent much time baptizing, as we read in Jn 4:1,2-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). This shows the importance Jesus placed on baptism.

    Baptism is a command for every person. Those, in Acts 10:45-48, that had received the gift of speaking in tongues were also commanded to be baptized in water; as we read-AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Note the word "commanded." In Acts 2:38, we are told, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU.

    It is written, GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION-1 Cor 14:33.
    There are many religions and traditions that contradict God’s Word. It was the same in the days of Jesus. Do not place your hope in a religion, but place it in the Bible. Do not follow stories that some people tell, which may cause you to err from the truth.
    Some say that you do not have to be baptized, because the prisoner that hung on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. We note the command to be baptized, given in Mk 16:16 and Acts 2:38 and others, came after Jesus rose from the dead. The prisoner died before Jesus rose from the grave. How could he have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus, when Jesus had not yet been buried or risen from the dead? He also died before the Holy Ghost was given. It is written: THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN-Jn 7:39; ref 20:22.
    Some say that Paul was not sent to baptize, and this is true; but his followers did the baptizing. Some might say because Mk 16:16 does not repeat the word baptize in the second part of the verse that it means it is not mandatory. Let’s read Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Some have asked why Jesus did not say, "He that believeth not and is baptized not?" The answer is, because we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus. You cannot be baptized into One in whom you do not believe. Thus, to say HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT, "and is baptized not" would be incorrect. For if you do not believe on Jesus, it is not possible to be baptized into His death and resurrection. Therefore, if a person does not believe, no biblical baptism exists.
    Some churches, such as the Quakers, Salvation Army and others believe the ordinance of baptism is not part of the church today.  Still others, such as the Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and the Christian Church, believe you are saved by water.  They teach baptismal regeneration.  The Mormons baptize for the dead.  The Roman Catholic Church sprinkles its infants and has infant baptismal regeneration.  The Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Reformed Churches, traditionally say that sprinkling baptism is OK. The Scriptures very clearly show that what they do is wrong.
   Some would say that water baptism is symbolic only; thus, it is not necessary. It is far more than symbolic as the Scriptures are showing us. This is why Satan fights so hard against baptism. This is why Satan tries to cause so much confusion about water baptism and is succeeding.
   Some say that water baptism is not necessary as it is a form of works. The next heading should cover this topic.
    Satan is a liar. Do not let him deceive you. Obey God’s Word.

    We have already seen that believing on Jesus is an absolute essential for salvation.
    We have already seen that repentance is an absolute essential for salvation.
    Now the question, "What about water baptism?"
    There is much debate on this subject.
    One of the main subjects to be considered in this discussion is that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ apart from all works. This statement is absolutely true.
   It is written, Eph 2:8,9-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.
    Now the questions arise: "Is calling on the name of the Lord classified as works?" "Is repentance classified as works?" "Is water baptism classified as works?"
    The answer to all three of these questions is no. No where in the Bible is calling on Jesus, repentance, water baptism, or reading the Bible classified as a form of works or the works of the Law.
    One might say that repentance can certainly be very hard work, or very difficult. There are certain  areas in each of our lives where the flesh does not want to repent, but the Bible does not classify repentance as works.  It is an act of faith.
    It is the same for baptism. Water baptism is a command for all that repent and believe. It is not classified as "works."
    Hearing or reading the Bible might be considered as work or a chore by some, yet it is not classified as "works" in relation to working or earning your way into heaven. We need to hear and read God’s Word to learn more about God. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word.
    However, it needs to be emphasized again—water baptism prior to repenting and believing on Jesus means absolutely nothing at all.

    One might ask the question, "Does the Bible actually say we have rejected Jesus by refusing to be baptized by water?"
    It is written, Lk 7:29,30-AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HEARD HIM, AND THE PUBLICANS, JUSTIFIED GOD (or acknowledged God’s justice, or God’s way was right), BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD (or God’s purpose or God’s plan) AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM (or by not letting themselves be immersed by him-JNT).
    The first part clearly states that ALL THE PEOPLE… ACKNOWLEDGED…GOD’S WAY WAS RIGHT (NIV) BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN-KJV.
    The second part clearly states, THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD. What is the "counsel of God?" It is the Word. It is the Bible. What is God’s Word? The Bible clearly tells us in Jn 1:1 and 1:14 that Jesus is the Word.
    Thus, the verse very clearly states, that the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the Word, which is Jesus. They rejected God.
    The next question arises, "How did they reject Jesus?" The verse clearly states, by BEING NOT BAPTIZED.
    Note carefully—JUSTIFIED GOD (or acknowledged God’s way was right), BEING BAPTIZED. REJECTED…Jesus…BEING NOT BAPTIZED.
    By their refusal to be baptized by going into the water, they rejected Jesus. It was proof they did not believe in their heart or repent. They rejected God. They REJECTED God’s Word…BEING NOT BAPTIZED.  This clearly indicates that if a person truly believes on Christ and repents, they will be scripturally baptized.  Again, it must be emphasized that water baptism, by itself, means nothing.  One must first come to Christ through trust and repent.
    Lk 18:17-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD (or we might say, God’s Word) AS A LITTLE CHILD SHALL IN NO WISE ENTER THEREIN.

    We read in Ro 6:3-6,8-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 (born-again). FOR IF (please note the word "if") WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH, WE SHALL BE ALSO IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION. Note the words, IF…PLANTED TOGETHER. How are we planted together with Him? It says, BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM. If we have not been buried with Him through baptism, how can we expect to be in the likeness of His resurrection? KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM (as Jesus went into the grave, we go into the water), THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED....NOW IF WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST (this is through being buried with Him in baptism, by going into the water), WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM.
    Please note Acts 2:38 again—REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE. Note, the word "repent" precedes baptism. The verse goes on, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus; thus, we must believe first. The verse goes on, FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Jesus took our sins upon Him); AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. The Holy Ghost descended and lighted upon Jesus like a dove as He went up out of the water.
    Ro 6:9-11-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 LIVETH, HE LIVETH UNTO GOD.
    LIKEWISE RECKON YE ALSO YOURSELVES TO BE DEAD INDEED UNTO SIN, BUT ALIVE UNTO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
    What might be a good definition of being "born-again?" It might be said that being born-again involves putting off the old man and putting on the new man: our "old man is crucified;" we "are dead with Christ;" and we begin to walk in the newness of life.
    These things are exactly what Romans 6:3-11 has told us occurs in relation to being baptized.
    Note the following items from Romans chapter six and other verses.

• WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH-Ro 6:3

• ARE BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM-Ro 6:4

• IF WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH-Ro 6:5

• OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED-Ro 6:6

• THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED-Ro 6:6

• IF WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST-Ro 6:8

• DIED UNTO SIN-Ro 6:10

• WASH AWAY THY SINS-Acts 22:16

• TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt 3:15

• THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE-Mk 1:4
  All of these above things are related to water baptism, but they also relate to being born-again.

18-THE RESULTS AFTER WATER BAPTISM SHOULD BE:
   (IF WE BELIEVE ON JESUS AND HAVE REPENTED) 

• WE...SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE-Ro 6:4

• WE SHALL BE…IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION-Ro 6:5

• HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN-Ro 6:6

• IS FREED FROM SIN-Ro 6:7  (under grace, sin no longer has authority over us unless we yield to it)

• WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM-Ro 6:8

• DEATH HATH NO MORE DOMINION OVER HIM-Ro 6:9

• LIVETH UNTO GOD-Ro 6:10

• RECKON (or consider)…YOURSELVES TO BE DEAD…UNTO SIN-Ro 6:11

• We are ALIVE UNTO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD-Ro 6:11

• EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST-1 Pe 3:21

    Very clearly, these Scriptures are showing us the relationship of baptism to being born-again. Once again, it must be emphasized that water baptism means absolutely nothing if a person does not have faith in Jesus Christ and has not repented of their sins.
    Twice the word "if" appears in these verses (Ro 6:5,8). In other words, "if" a person has not been baptized then none of these things are in place.
    He has not been planted together in the likeness of the death of Jesus. The old man has not been crucified, neither is reckoned to be dead unto to sin.
    If a person has not been baptized after believing and repenting, then he is not walking in the newness of life after baptism as stated in Ro 6:4.
    Jesus paid our sin debt in full at Calvary.
    Our salvation was completely and totally accomplished at the cross and by His resurrection. Without Jesus, there is absolutely no salvation. Apart from Jesus, we are dead in our sins.
    Jesus sacrificed Himself to put away our sins-ref Heb 9:26.
    Jesus was offered to bear the sins of many-ref Heb 9:28.
    Jesus bore our sins in His body-ref 1 Pe 2:24.
    He died for our sins-ref 1 Cor 15:3.
    His blood was shed for the remission of sins-ref Mt 26:28.
    We are washed from our sins in His blood-ref Rev 1:5.
    We are cleansed from all sin by the blood-ref 1 Jn 1:7.
    We are saved by His life-Ro 5:10; and saved through Him-ref Ro 5:9.
   
    As a result of what Jesus did, we having believed on Jesus as our only possible hope of salvation; and having by faith responded to His call by repenting of our sins, we are then to obey God by being baptized afterward as He commanded. Once we come out of the water, we should be dead unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Henceforth, we should not serve sin. We should walk in newness of life by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
    In Acts 22:16 we read-AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
   Acts 2:38 tells us: REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU…AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST?
    It is written, FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt 3:15.
    We note the words for John’s baptism (being baptized by water) was the "baptism of repentance" or baptism as a result of repentance. 
    It is written, Mk 1:4-JOHN DID BAPTIZE IN THE WILDERNESS, AND PREACH THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.
    Lk 3:3-AND HE CAME INTO ALL THE COUNTRY ABOUT JORDAN, PREACHING THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.
    Acts 13:24-WHEN JOHN HAD FIRST PREACHED BEFORE HIS COMING THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.
    Acts 19:4-THEN SAID PAUL, JOHN VERILY BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE.

    Once we say a sinner’s prayer, we may appear to be saved, but are we?
    Once we believe on Jesus, we may appear to be saved, but are we?
    Once we have repented, we may appear to be saved, but are we?
    Many preachers throughout the world would answer yes to these questions.
    There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only saying a prayer will save us.
    There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only believing will save us.
    There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only repenting will save us.
    There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only being baptized will save us.
    There is even a Scripture that could lead us to believe that only hoping will save us. It is written, Ro 8:24-WE ARE SAVED BY HOPE.
    Do the Scriptures show us that a person could be biblically born-again at the time of coming out of the water of baptism by immersion, but only IF a person has repented and only IF a person has put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible?
    This needs to be stressed, as many CULTS believe and attempt to portray that Jesus is not the Messiah come in the flesh. They believe that He is not Deity. They say and believe that Jesus is something that is not in accordance with God’s Word. They teach baptismal regeneration.
    Jesus Christ is THE WORD. JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH. Jesus Christ is LORD. FOR BY HIM (and for Him) WERE ALL THINGS CREATED. Jesus Christ is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
    True water baptism comes as a result of believing on Jesus. True baptism is a result of repentance.  It is the correct and biblical response, prompted by faith, which follows believing on Jesus and turning from sin.

    But even then, whether or not a person is truly converted cannot be determined until the evidence of his fruit comes forth. For it is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20.
    Nevertheless, be not deceived. Satan’s ministers look like the ministers of righteousness-ref 2 Cor 11:15 and deceive many. They look like they are of God, but they are not. Many Pharisees and religious leaders in the days of Jesus looked like they were of God, and many people thought they were; but Jesus clearly showed they were not saved.
    Yes, a person may believe on Jesus. He may repent. He may call on the name of the Lord. He may thereafter go forth and witness, and through the WORD, others may come to Jesus. The Scriptures have also shown us clearly that by rejecting water baptism, we reject God’s Word which is Jesus.

    Mt 3:16,17-AND JESUS, WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, WENT UP STRAIGHTWAY OUT OF THE WATER: AND, LO, THE HEAVENS WERE OPENED UNTO HIM, AND HE SAW THE SPIRIT OF GOD DESCENDING LIKE A DOVE, AND LIGHTING UPON HIM: AND LO A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. The Holy Ghost descended upon Jesus in bodily form like a dove, when He came up out of the water after baptism.
    This is in harmony with Acts 2:38. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU…AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. Note what it did not say. It did not say one would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost upon repenting. Rather, two things are mentioned together. First repenting, and then baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost would be received.
    In Gal 3:2 we read-RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT BY...FAITH? The Holy Spirit is received and dwells in us by faith. Thus, when we are baptized, if we do not have faith in Jesus Christ, water baptism means absolutely nothing. We cannot be baptized into Jesus Christ, if we do not believe in Jesus Christ.
   When does Acts 2:38 say we receive the Holy Spirit? When does Mk 16:16 say we are saved? It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. The word "baptized" does not follow "believeth not" because there is no baptism if a person does not believe.
    Are we biblically born-again when we come out of the water?  Are our sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb at the time we come out of the water? 
    In 2 Kings chapter 5, when Naaman the leper was told by the prophet Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times and he would be healed of his leprosy; there was no special power in the water to heal. Rather, it was his obedience to what the Lord had said to do. And so it is with water baptism. There is no power in the water or in the act alone.

    Now that the Bible has shown us both how to be baptized and why, the following Scriptures should be more easily understood.
    The Bible tells us in 1 Pe 3:20,21-THE LONG-SUFFERING OF GOD WAITED IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, WHILE THE ARK WAS A PREPARING, WHEREIN FEW, THAT IS, EIGHT SOULS WERE SAVED BY WATER. THE LIKE FIGURE WHEREUNTO EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. Note, baptism does not put away the filth of the flesh; however, it does give us the answer of a good conscience toward God--by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Remember, baptism apart from first believing on Jesus and repentance means absolutely nothing.

    It is written, 1 Jn 5:8-AND THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, THE SPIRIT, AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE. The Spirit is that which God gives. You must have His Spirit, or you are none of His. The water is the water of baptism that you as a believer are under commandment to do after you believe on the name of Jesus. The blood is that which Jesus shed for you at Calvary, which redeems you through your faith. These three bear witness as a testimony in earth. There are also other opinions as to what the water represents.

    There are some that speak in hostility against being baptized a second time, yet they themselves, if they travel to Israel and have the chance to be baptized in the Jordan River may run to be baptized a second time or even a third.
    If a person was baptized by sprinkling, he was never baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized God’s way.
    If a person was baptized before repentance, then he was not baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized God’s way.
    If a person was baptized as a baby, then he was not baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized God’s way.
    If a person was baptized before believing on Jesus, he was not baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized God’s way.
    If a person was baptized

• by a cult,

• or by any church or organization that does not believe that Jesus Christ is the Word, Who became flesh,

• or by any that does not believe in ONE GOD manifested in three, eternally existing Persons of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

• or by any who believe that salvation is by works rather than by grace through faith alone; yes, that person needs to get baptized God’s way.

    If a person was baptized correctly, however, afterward loses his faith in Jesus and rebels against God (some might say he fell, but others might say he was never really saved); if he later repents and returns to Jesus, he needs to again be baptized correctly. It is written, BY FAITH YE STAND-2 Cor 1:24. Should our faith be overthrown and we depart from the faith, then we are no longer standing by faith. In such cases, yes, we have need to be baptized, if we repent and return to faith in Jesus.

    If a person was baptized correctly, but he went back into intentional, willful wickedness, such as sex outside of marriage, fornication, or total rebellion against God; yes, he needs to be rebaptized. It is written, Ezek 3:20-AGAIN, WHEN A RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMIT INIQUITY,…HE SHALL DIE IN HIS SIN, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED. If he was baptized (baptism, which is to fulfill all righteousness-ref Mt 3:15), it shall not be remembered.
    Ezek 18:21-22-BUT IF THE WICKED WILL TURN FROM ALL HIS SINS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED,…AND DO THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL SURELY LIVE, HE SHALL NOT DIE.
    ALL HIS TRANSGRESSIONS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, THEY SHALL NOT BE MENTIONED UNTO HIM:…HE SHALL LIVE.
    Again, in Ezek 18:24, we see the same thing. When a person turns FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, AND DOETH ACCORDING TO ALL THE ABOMINATIONS THAT THE WICKED MAN DOETH, SHALL HE LIVE? ALL HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE MENTIONED. The only righteousness we have is Jesus. When a person turns from Jesus, all his righteousness shall not be remembered. This includes water baptism.
    Ezek 18:25-YET YE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL. HEAR NOW, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL; IS NOT MY WAY EQUAL? ARE NOT YOUR WAYS UNEQUAL?
    Ezek 18:27,28-AGAIN, WHEN THE WICKED MAN TURNETH AWAY FROM HIS WICKEDNESS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, AND DOETH THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL SAVE HIS SOUL ALIVE.
    BECAUSE HE CONSIDERETH, AND TURNETH AWAY FROM ALL HIS TRANSGRESSIONS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, HE SHALL SURELY LIVE, HE SHALL NOT DIE.
    This is again repeated in Ezek 33:13,14,16-20. These subjects are dealt with in much more depth under the topic,  Salvation: Can It Be Lost?
    Some may say, if a person appears to be saved or claims to be saved, but loses his faith and turns his back on God, he was never saved in the first place.  Regardless of what you believe--if this person turns from his sins again to Jesus, he needs to be baptized again.

    It is a very common thing among people in this blind generation to make a comment such as, "I saved ten people" or "ten people got saved when I led them in a sinner’s prayer." This statement is neither correct or biblical as the Scriptures have clearly shown us.
    The correct way is to say the truth of what actually happened. "I led ten people in a sinner’s prayer." Many people say a sinner’s prayer because it just seems like the right thing to do, or because of fear, or some other feeling; but there is no faith, no repentance, and no water baptism. To say, ten people got saved, would not be true. Sometimes these statements are made to impress people. We need to be careful of what we say.

    Though many denominations have their own traditions, baptism is not a ceremony for membership into a certain church or denomination. Biblical baptism involves being baptized into Christ; putting on Christ. We identify with Christ. We become part of His body. As it is written, AND HE (Jesus) IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH-Col 1:18; and again, THE CHURCH, WHICH IS HIS BODY-Eph 1:22,23.

    The Scriptures clearly show that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from all works.
    The Bible does not classify a sinner’s prayer, repentance, confessing Jesus, hearing and reading God’s Word, and water baptism as a form of works. Water baptism is a command to fulfill all righteousness, and as the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
    Biblical baptism is to be done by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. In the Bible, water baptism, confessing one’s sins, and calling on the name of the Lord were interwoven in Mt 3:6 and Acts 22:16.
    Sprinkling baptism and infant baptism are counterfeits. They are actually no baptism at all.
    Water baptism is a command; however, water baptism before a person repents and before a person believes with all their heart on Jesus, is no baptism at all. Water baptism comes as a result of repenting and believing on Jesus. If a person went into adultery, fornication, any sex outside of marriage, or total rebellion against God after water baptism; it may be a good indication that true repentance before water baptism was not genuine. Thus, the water baptism meant nothing.

    Some people may want to be baptized just for the sake of being baptized; yet there is no evidence of repentance or saving knowledge of Jesus from God’s Word in the person to produce faith. This is not biblical. The baptism has no meaning.
    A person is not to be baptized, if they do not believe on Jesus with all their heart and repent first.
    The Bible clearly shows that a person does reject God’s Word (or Jesus), if they refuse water baptism.
    The Scriptures clearly indicate that a person when they come up out of the water, if they truly believe on Jesus with all their heart and have repented--they come out into the newness of life.  For those that trust in Christ with all their heart, Acts 2:38 does say--REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU...AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
    The Bible also tells us that baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ-ref 1 Pe 3:21.
    And we are told, THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, THE SPIRIT, AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE.
    The Bible also gives us very clear indications regarding water baptism: when it can and if it should be done again.
    And finally, it is written, in Gal 3:27-FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST. How do we put on Christ? Note, it does not say baptized, but "baptized into Christ."

    The final proof or evidence of salvation is the fruit that comes forth in a  person’s life after repenting, believing (or trusting) on Jesus as their only hope of salvation, and obedience to the command to be scripturally baptized.