What does the Bible say about baptism? Here’s a compilation of common questions regarding the subject and the answers, according to the Scripture.
Who should be baptised?
Baptism is for believers only.
“If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.” (Acts 2:41)
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”
(Acts 16:30-33)
Why should you be baptised?
It is commanded by Christ.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19-20)
It is done by Christ as our example.
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” (Matthew 3:13)
It shows our obedience to God.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.” (Acts 2:41)
How should you be baptised?
Baptism is with water.
“John answered them, saying, I baptize with water.” (John 1:26)
Baptism should be submerged in water.
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
And straightway coming up out of the water.”
(Mark 1:9-10)
“They went down both into the water.” (Acts 8:38)
Baptism by immersion is the only acceptable manner in the Bible; as it pictures our position with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
“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.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”
(Romans 6:3-5)
When should you be baptised?
Baptism follows salvation, immediately, if possible.
“When they believed… they were baptized.” (Acts 8:12)
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.”
(Acts 8:36-37)
What if you refuse to be baptised?
You are disobedient to God’s command.
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
You will lose your testimony.
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)
You will lose your fellowship.
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14)