** WATER BAPTISM **
Is one of the first steps of obedience to the LORD JESUS. There are over 85 verses in the Bible referring to Baptism. It is the primary responsibility of the Baptism Instructor to Teach and Direct the New Believer into all that is required. How so ? First and foremost, to determine if the person understands the obligations. Secondly, to lay out the progression of Instruction. Very few “churches” do little more than assemble new recruits on a given Sunday with minimal Instruction or explanation as to the profound meaning of of being “Born Again”. The reason for the review of 85 Verses, the depth of Instruction as well as understanding the importance of being fully equipped with the Gospel of Salvation, is to be able to go forth and make Disciples of all Nations, Baptizing them in the Name of the FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. Joining with the LORD JESUS in Baptism creates within us the Drive and Determination to go forth as HIS Servant(s), doing of HIS will as it is written in the Book of James 1:22, “But be ye doers of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”
We are “All” supposed to participate in our new found Relationship with JESUS as HIS Disciples and go forth and be Fruitful unto the Kingdom (John 15:4-5). We can no longer sit on the sidelines that we have become accustomed to, being in that false comfort zone. It is up to us to participate in our “Own Rescue” by willingly helping others that are lost to receive the “LIGHT” of the Gospel of Salvation.
There is a lot of communication that needs to occur to set the record straight. All 85 Verses need to be read in a one on one setting, over a previously discussed time frame, with questions asked at the end of each verse to make sure that there is a building of understanding to the implications of the journey that is going to be undertaken. In most religions, the Baptism is a quick process, no study, no depth or deeper understanding, the end all is usually a dead end. It stops at the Baptism, you are on your own.The newly Baptized is unaware that the Baptism is but just a step albeit a most Important one. The Instructor must be “Anointed by the HOLY SPIRIT” (1 John 2:27) in order to process every necessary requirement to a complete and immersive experience. How can you lead someone to a direct relationship with JESUS if the basic fundamentals are not firmly ingrained !
Water baptism symbolizes the believer’s total trust in and total reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as a commitment to live obediently to HIM. It also expresses unity with all the saints (Ephesians 2:19), that is, with every person in every nation on earth who is a member of the Body of JESUS the Christ (Galatians 3:27–28). Water baptism conveys this and more, but it is not what saves us. Instead, we are saved by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9). We are baptized because the LORD our GOD commanded it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT” (Matthew 28:19).
Water baptism is for TRUE believers. Before we are baptized, we must come to believe that we are sinners in need of Salvation (Romans 3:23). We must also believe that JESUS the Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, that He was buried, and that HE rose again on the 3rd Day according to the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). When we turn to JESUS, asking HIM to forgive our sins and be our Savior, we are born again (John 3:3) by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. To be perfectly Clear, One must be of “Full Age” to make the conscious decision to accept JESUS CHRIST as LORD. In specifically the Catholic religion, Baptizing a newborn or young child totally denies the “One must be BORN AGAIN”. WE begin to die to ourselves and live for JESUS (1 Peter 1:3–5). At that time we are scripturally qualified to be baptized.
Water baptism is a beautiful picture of what our LORD has done for us. As we are completely immersed in the water, we symbolize burial with our LORD; we are baptized into HIS death on the cross and are no longer slaves to self or sin (Romans 6:3–7). When we are raised out of the water, we are symbolically resurrected—raised to new life in Christ JESUS, hopefully to be with HIM forever, born into the family of our loving GOD (Romans 8:16). Water baptism also illustrates the spiritual cleansing we require, to be those New Creatures in Christ JESUS (2 Corinthians 5:17). Just as water cleanses the flesh, so the HOLY SPIRIT cleanses our hearts when we trust in JESUS.
Christians must be baptized out of Love and Obedience for our LORD JESUS (John 14:15). Water baptism by immersion is the biblical method of baptism because of its symbolic representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of JESUS the Christ.
In JESUS name, Amen…..