What is Water Baptism?
Water Baptism is an ordinance of the church and a command of Christ.
"ordinance"- something ordained by God.
Water baptism is a work men do; therefore, it is not required for eternal life (Eph. 2:8-9), but is nevertheless commanded by Jesus, and is important for each believer to do. Salvation doesn't come by being baptized in water. (Mk 16:16)
Matthew 28: 19-20 The Great Commission.
Matthew 3: 13-15 Jesus Himself was baptized, showing it's importance.
John 4: 1-2 Jesus released His disciples to baptize.
Acts 2: 38-39 The apostles and early disciples taught water baptism.
Acts 19: 3-5 Paul re-baptized believers who had undergone the baptism of John the Baptist.
The Meaning of Water Baptism
It signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:3-7 ; Colossians 2:12
It is a public declaration to the world that we are identifying with Jesus Christ.
It is an outward sign of an inward grace.
It is symbolic of being dead with Christ, buried with Christ, and raised with Christ.
Romans 6:2-10
Note: The baptism of John was that of repentance, where this is a baptism of identification with Christ and "newness of life."
The Mode of Water Baptism
"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19-20) or "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38)
This is not some magic formula but that of identification.
By Immersion (to plunge into something that surrounds or covers)
Acts 8: 38 "went down into the water"
Matthew 3: 16 Jesus was down under the water.
For Believers Only
Acts 8: 36-38 (vs 37: "If you believe with all your heart...")
Additional Reading: Acts 8:12, 16; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 16:15, 33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:5; Galatians 3:27
