Tell Someone That Water Baptism Is Important for Christianity

Many Christians believe that baptism in water is an important part of Christianity, but have difficulty explaining to other Christians—and indeed to non-Christians—the reason why it is so important. This guide will help with some sound reasons for water baptism and help overcome many of the objections to, and confusion about water baptism.

Steps

  1. Find a person who is willing to have an open minded discussion about water baptism, and who is willing to use The Bible as the only source of information for this discussion topic.
  2. Set aside some time to go through some scriptures with this person.
  3. Explain to the person that water baptism is important for many reasons in The Bible which you will now look at.
  4. Show the person that one of the most compelling reasons for water baptism was that in the book of Acts when Christ was preached the people responded by being baptised in water. (See Acts 16:13-15[1], Acts 16:31-33[2], Acts 8:12[3], Acts 8:36[4], Acts 18:4-8, Acts 2:41[5]) So obviously, in Bible times water baptism was part of the message when preaching Christ.
  5. Show the person how, according to The Bible, water baptism leads to Holy Spirit baptism. (See Acts 2:38[6], Acts 19:1-6[7]) Also known as "preparing the way of the Lord" as John the Baptist's teachings of water baptism unto repentance was referred to like that... (See Matthew 3:3[8]&11[9], Luke 3:4[10]&16[11])
  6. Show the person that even if Holy Spirit baptism comes first water baptism should follow. (See Acts 10:46[12])
  7. Show the person how Jesus tells his disciples of the importance of baptism at the end of the gospels of Mark and Matthew, in His last words before He ascended into heaven. ('have 'See Matthew 28:18[13], Mark 16:16)
  8. Show the person that Peter repeats this instruction to be baptised at the beginning of the Christian Church. (See Acts 2:38[6])
  9. Show the person that Paul taught that water baptism was our way of identifying with the death of Jesus Christ. (See Romans 6:4[14], Colossians 2:12[15])
  10. Show the person that the stories of Noah and the flood and the opening of the Red sea are Old testament examples of water baptism. (See 1 Peter 3:20-21[16], 1 Corinthians 10:2[17]) symbolizing the removal of the old and the start of a new life.
  11. Show the person that Jesus' baptism was for 2 main reasons to fulfill righteousness before God -- that is it was the right thing to do, and for our example -- that we should follow at an age of understanding. (See Matthew 3:13-16[18], Luke 3:21-22[19], Mark 1:8-10[20], 1 Peter 2:21[21], 1 Thessalonians 1:6[22])
  12. Show the person that those who were baptised justified God, ie: agreed/verified that He is right -- and those who rejected baptism rejected God's plan (See Luke 7:29-30[23]):
    • "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him."
  13. Show the person the person that baptism is a public symbol of personal repentance toward God. (See Acts 2:38[6], Matthew 3:11[9], Acts 19:4[24], 1 Peter 3:21[25])
  14. Show the person that in The Bible those who gladly received His word were baptised. (See Acts 2:41[26]) Then compare to John 1:1-12[27] and see that receiving His word is synonymous with receiving Jesus.#
  15. Show the person that baptism is of enough importance that it should be done again, if it was done for the wrong reason (or in the wrong way) the first time. (See Acts 19:2-6[28])
  16. Show the person that water baptism in The Bible should be done as soon as possible after a person had repented. Faith and baptism are closely tied together. (See Acts 22:16[29])
  17. Show the person that that in The Bible water baptism was always done by full immersion. (See Matthew 3:16[30], John 3:23[31], Acts 8:38[32])
  18. Show the person that believing or repentance should precede baptism so therefore the person needs to be of an age to understand what believing and repentance is. (See Acts 2:38[6], Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19[33])
  19. Show the person from a Bible dictionary that the word baptism comes from the Greek word "baptizo" Click for original meaning. which means to dip, to immerse or to submerge; so therefore baptism done in any other way is not the same as Biblical baptism.
  20. Show the person that the words spoken at baptism are less important than what is in their heart because "People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7. If the persons heart is truly repentant, God will give that person the Holy Spirit as He has promised 
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit . The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38-39

Tips

  • Although important, water baptism alone is not salvation. "Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'" (John 3:5-6). And, Jesus also said that the Holy Spirit shall "baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire" (Matthew 3:11). Every man and woman must receive and be changed by the Holy Spirit. And, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5)
  • It's not as important what the baptism looks like (eg: the ceremony, location, etc.), as is the right attitude of the heart of the person being baptised. (See 1 Samuel 16:7)
  • Don't put it off; you never know what may happen tomorrow.
  • Baptism can be done anywhere that there is sufficient water to submerge a person - River, lake, ocean, bathtub, swimming pool, etc.
  • No special study is necessary to be baptised, just a desire to do what Jesus and Paul and Peter said to do, as part of repentance and believing and in preparing to receive the Holy Spirit.
  • You don't have to be saved to be baptised. Baptism is usually part of the path towards salvation (See Acts 2:38, Acts 19:4-6, Acts 6:15-17, Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16) (see Acts 10:46)
  • No special clothing is needed. Just wear modest clothing or modest swimwear.
  • If you're not sure about water baptism, search the Scriptures but you won't find a verse that says that water baptism has a use by date or is no longer necessary. (See Hebrews 13:8)
  • From the time of Acts forward water baptism was done by believers who were baptised and filled with the Holy Spirit. It's probably a good idea to follow this pattern.
  • Baptism is something that you can do as part of your approach toward the Lord. If you are genuine in your desire to find and be right with God, He will respond with the personal miracle of receiving the Holy Spirit. (see Acts 2:38, Luke 11:8-13) Not as a reward for being baptised but because you asked according to His word.
  • Everyone who decides to accept and follow Him must follow Jesus commands to be baptized, and remember, it is only Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire (John 1:33) and gives you a new Spirit to be born again to be able to enter the Kingdom of God.

    If you do not repent (change-your-mind) you shall all likewise perish.
  • Scripture tells us that Salvation is by grace, through faith, not of works Grace is something that we receive after repentance Water baptism is a public sign of repentance. Jesus said "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved... "Mark 16:16a Jesus showed the way by being an example Himself of baptism for repentance and was baptized by John; so be baptized, as Jesus commanded (John 3:1-8).
    • John explained: "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matthew 3:11)
    • When you get baptized it's a sign to other believers of your obedience to God.

Warnings

  • Grace is not an excuse to not get baptised. Paul instructed the Ephesians to be baptised again and later told them they were saved by grace. (See Acts 19:4, Ephesians 2:8)
  • Although many preachers and Christian authors speak against water baptism or treat it as an optional extra. Jesus, Peter and Paul are all united on it's importance. You must choose who you will follow. (See Galatians 1:6-12, 1 Timothy 3:18, Titus 1:9, Jude 3.)
  • The Bible warns against wrestling with words (See Psalm 56:5, 2 Peter 3:16) Rather that you should choose to do what Jesus says. (See John 14:21)
  • The sinner's prayer is not a replacement for baptism in fact it's not mentioned in the Bible at all. Baptism is closely knitted with Faith, but baptism doesn't replace the need to ask God for forgiveness for your sins. (See Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21). When you receive the Holy Spirit you're sins will be forgiven Matthew 3:11-12
  • Scriptures like Romans 10:9 are not an excuse not to get baptised. If you believe Jesus Christ you will get baptised as He said. (See Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:18) Also this scripture was written to the Romans who were already saved, (See Romans 1:7-8) and had therefore followed the instructions on how to get saved. (See John 3:5, Acts 2:38)
  • In Acts 2:22-36, Peter explains to the people about Jesus: who He is, and how He had been crucified and risen again. In verse 37, people were cut to the heart and asked what to do.

    In verse 38, Peter tells them to repent and be baptised every one of you. In verse 41, we are told that those who gladly received His word (God's) were baptised.

    Those who were not baptised may fall into these categories:

    1) They weren't cut to the heart (they didn't care);

    2) They didn't repent;

    3) They didn't believe Peter;

    4) They didn't obey Peter;

    5) They rebelled against what Peter said.

    Not caring, non-repentance, unbelief, disobedience, and rebellion are all things which go against what Jesus wants. Why would anyone choose one of these options?
  • Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ, (Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19) hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9

Things You'll Need

  • Water, lots of it--sufficient to immerse a person
  • A person who is already baptised in water and with the Holy Spirit will help immerse you in the water
  • Modest clothing

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  • Bible
  1. ↑ "Acts 16:13-15"
  2. ↑ "Acts16:31-33"
  3. ↑ "Acts 8:12"
  4. ↑ "Acts 8:36"
  5. ↑ "Acts 2:41"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Acts 2:38"
  7. ↑ "Acts 19:1-6"
  8. ↑ "Matthew 3:3"
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Matthew 3:11"
  10. ↑ "Luke 3:4"
  11. ↑ "Luke 3:16"
  12. ↑ "Acts 10:46"
  13. ↑ "Matthew28:18"
  14. ↑ "Romans 6:4"
  15. ↑ "Colossians 2:12"
  16. ↑ "1Peter3:20-21"
  17. ↑ "1 Corinthians10:2"
  18. ↑ "Matthew 3:13-16"
  19. ↑ "Luke 3:21-22"
  20. ↑ "Mark 1:8-10"
  21. ↑ "1 Peter 2:21"
  22. ↑ "1 Thessalonians 1:6"
  23. ↑ "Luke 7:29-30"
  24. ↑ "Acts 19:4"
  25. ↑ "1 Peter 3:21"
  26. ↑ "Acts2:41"
  27. ↑ "John 1:1-12"
  28. ↑ "Acts 19:2-6"
  29. ↑ "Acts 22:16"
  30. ↑ "Matthew 3:16"
  31. ↑ "John 3:23"
  32. ↑ "Acts 8:38"
  33. ↑ "Matthew 28:19"
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