Baptism

The doctrine of baptism is not built on tradition, denominational

preference, or cultural practice. It is built on the Word of God.

From the teachings of Jesus to the preaching of the apostles, baptism is presented as a command, a

foundation, and a covenant act.

Scripture consistently places

baptism at the heart of the believer’s response to the gospel.

In this study, we simply let the Bible speak in its own words.

1 / 9 1. Baptism is a Biblical Command

Acts 22:16 (NLT)

“What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your

sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Baptism is not presented in

Scripture as an optional symbol. It is commanded as an immediate act of obedience. The language of the New Testament is direct and urgent.

Faith and repentance are essential, but Scripture does not separate

them from baptism. The gospel call consistently includes action, and baptism is part of that response. Baptism is obedience to God’s Word.

2. Repentance and Baptism

Are Foundational Doctrines

3. Baptism as Death, Burial,

2 / 9 And Resurrection

The old life dies.

The old identity is buried.

A new life begins.

Hebrews 6:1–2 (NLT)

“Let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again… You don’t need further instruction about baptisms…”

The writer of Hebrews identies repentance and baptisms as elementary principles of the Christian faith. These are not advanced doctrines reserved for later maturity. They are the foundation upon which spiritual growth is built.

The apostolic church did not debate whether baptism was necessary. It was assumed that every believer would repent and be baptized.

Romans 6:3–4 (NLT)

“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death?”

Paul teaches that baptism unites the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In baptism:

Baptism marks the end of slavery to sin and the beginning of a transformed life empowered by Christ’s resurrection.

4. Baptism as the

3 / 9 Flood: a Total Reset

Cleansing of the conscience

Separation from the old life

A new beginning in covenant with God

5. Jesus Demonstrates

4 / 9 And Commands

1 Peter 3:20–21 (NLT)

“And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you… It is the answer of a good conscience toward God.”

Peter connects baptism to the ood in Noah’s time. The ood removed corruption and marked the beginning of a new world.

Likewise, baptism represents:

Baptism is not outward washing alone, It is inward renewal.

Matthew 3:15 (NLT)

“It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” Jesus had no sin to repent of, yet He submitted to baptism to fulll righteousness. His obedience establishes baptism as part of God’s righteous plan.

Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them…”

Baptism is not optional. It is embedded in the Great Commission and commanded by Jesus Himself.

6. the Apostolic

Pattern: Immediate

Baptism in the Name of

5 / 9 Jesus

Acts 2:38 Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins Acts 8 Samaritans and the Ethiopian baptized without delay Acts 10:48 Commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Acts 19:5 Disciples rebaptized correctly in Jesus’ name

Acts 22:16 Sins washed away, calling on His name

7. What Baptism

6 / 9 Accomplishes

Throughout the Book of Acts, baptism is practiced consistently and immediately.

Every recorded apostolic baptism follows the same pattern. Scripture teaches that baptism is not empty, it accomplishes spiritual realities.

A. Remission of Sins

Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11

B. Justication and Sanctication

The blood of Jesus cleanses the believer in baptism.

C. Freedom from Bondage

Romans 6 teaches that sin loses its authority.

8. Why the Name of Jesus

Matters in Baptism

9. Baptism and the Covenant

7 / 9 Seal of the Holy Spirit

D. Sonship and Identity

Galatians 3:26–27 (NLT)

“And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ.” E. Covenant Entrance

Baptism corresponds to circumcision—a cutting away of the old nature. F. New Creation

The baptized believer is made new in Christ.

Colossians 2:9 (NLT)

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.”

Ephesians 1:21 (NLT)

“Far above any ruler or authority… not only in this world but also in the world to come.”

The name of Jesus carries all authority, power, redemption, and covenant identity. The apostles baptized in His name because they understood who He is.

The name applied in baptism is essential.

Ephesians 1:13–14 (NLT)

“After you believed, God identied you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit.”

The New Testament pattern is clear:

Repentance turns the heart.

Baptism applies the blood.

The Holy Spirit seals the covenant.

8 / 9 10. Summary

A command of Jesus

A foundational doctrine

The washing away of sins

The burial of the old life

The beginning of new life

Entrance into covenant with God

The moment the name of Jesus is applied

Essential to salvation

9 / 9 Closing Prayer

Together, they form the complete gospel response.

Baptism is:

Mark 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

1 Peter 3:21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Lord, thank You for Your Word. Give us hearts that believe and lives that obey. Help us to walk fully in the truth You have revealed. In Jesus’ name, amen.”