Faith Journey

In 313AD, the new Roman Emperor, Constantine, had a vision. He saw a fiery cross with words, “By this thou shalt conquer.”  To him this vision meant he could achieve world domination through a marriage of Roman Empire and Christianity.   As a result, the Roman Catholic Church was born.  It soon became law to become a Christian.  In the thinking of Constantine, becoming a Christian was achieved through baptism. Because baptism was that mystical experience that brought salvation, babies were to be baptized as well.  As you visit the ancient Roman Cathedrals in Rome you will still see baptismal tanks that were used for the immersion of individuals unto salvation.

It is interesting that Constantine rejected baptism until just before His death. His logic was that if baptism washes our sins away, he would then wait until the moments before his death.  All through time, true Christians, those that followed the teachings of the Apostles, opposed the mindset and teaching of Constantine.

Throughout the centuries, most in the Christian community have held to a Biblical view of baptism.  This brief study highlights our position.

1. Why should we go through the effort of inviting people to be baptized?

Because it’s as close as we can get to what the Bible talks about and what Jesus commanded. In Jesus day they baptized believers by immersion as a testimony of their faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  That’s how it started.

We believe the Bible teaches that there is only one sacrament, Jesus Christ.  You are fully accepted by God, with or without all the sacraments the world has to offer.

Conclusion: Baptism is not a sacrament, it is a first act of obedience.

2. Is Baptism for me?

a. A government official asked Philip, “Why shouldn’t I be baptized?”  Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may.”  Acts 8:37

b. Peter was preaching. “Those that accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

c. Paul & Silas were in prison. In the middle of the night an earthquake hit the...the doors were ripped open. When the jailer woke, seeing the doors open, was ready to commit suicide.  Paul called out, “Don’t kill yourself, we’re all here!”  The jailer recognized that their faith was real.  “What do I need to do to be saved?”  “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved -- you and your household.” Acts 16:31

The jailer woke up the family sat them down and they were explained the way of salvation...they believed -- the jailer and all his household.  The family then cleaned up Paul & Silas’ wounds, went out and were baptized.  Tradition says that in the courtyard of the prison there was a large fountain.

Conclusion:  Baptism is for believers only.

3. Why Should I be Baptized?

a. Commanded by Christ. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19-20

b. Christ is our example. “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” Matthew 3:13

c. Believers’ Baptism shows obedience.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

Conclusion: We are baptized to obey the command of Jesus Christ.

4. How Should I Be Baptized?

Baptism by immersion pictures our union and belief in Christ.  We believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that we are now united with Christ, part of God’s family.

a. Baptism is with water. “John answered them, saying, I baptize with water.” John 1:26

b. Baptism is by immersion.

“Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan. And straightway coming out of the water.” Mark 1:9,10

“Both Peter and the official went down into the water.” Acts 8:38

Conclusion: Only baptism by immersion pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

5. When Should I Be Baptized?

a. Following Salvation “When they believed...they were baptized...” Acts 8:12

“The official said, ‘Look here is water.  Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’” Acts 8:36-37

“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

Conclusion: Baptism follows salvation, as soon as possible.

The Bible says that if “anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins”  James 4:17
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”  John 8:31
Jesus also said, “You are my friends, if you do what I command.”  John 15:14