Years ago a poet said,

“I wish that there were some wonderful place,
Called the land of Beginning Again,
Where all my mistakes and all my heartaches,
And all my poor selfish grief,
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,
And never put on again.”

All of us have at times desperately wished for an opportunity to start all over again with a new, clean record. The book of Revelation repeatedly refers to the privilege of beginning anew.

For example, Revelation 1:5, tells us that Jesus washes evil from our lives so we can start over. Revelation 3:8 sets before us an open door to a new life. Revelation 10:8-11 explains that after bitter disappointment we must begin afresh, and Revelation 21:5 promises that Jesus will make everything new.

Did you know that Jesus has lovingly provided for us a public ceremony in which the past is officially buried, and a marvelous new life begins? Nothing in all the world compares with this great event for joy, satisfaction, peace and relief. It is priceless.

Jesus says that this momentous and meaningful experience is absolutely imperative for any who would enter His new kingdom. This magnificent event is called baptism. Let’s see what Jesus says about this vital matter.

 

JESUS COMMANDED BAPTISM

1. What is the Gospel Commission? Matthew 28:18

Ans: “Go … and ___________ all nations, ________________ them.

2. How important is baptism? Mark 16:16

Ans: “He that _____________ and is _____________ shall be ____________; but he that ________________ shall be ________________”.

3. What are some forms of baptism used today?

Ans: a. Immersion (entire body submerged backwards in water).

Ans: b. Trine immersion (entire body submerged face forward three times).

Ans: c. Aspersion (being sprinkled with water).

Ans: d. Infusion (having water poured on you).

Ans: e. Having rose petals or salt sprinkled on you.

Ans: f.  Being anointed with oil.

Ans: g. Having wine poured on you.

Ans: h. Dry cleaning method (no water).

Ans: i. Words spoken over the phone or sent by mail.

Ans: j. The Holy Spirit in the life.

Ans: k. Symbolic or figurative.

4. At least fifteen ceremonies are called baptism today. Most people believe that any style or type of baptism is acceptable as long as a person is sincere. What does the Bible say about this? Ephesians 4:5

Ans: “One _______________, one ________________, one _________________”.   

NOTE: God recognizes only one true form of baptism. All other forms are not really baptism at all.

5. What does the word baptize mean?

Ans: ______________________________________________________________

NOTE: Baptize comes from the Greek word “baptize” which means “to dip, submerge or immerse”.

 

JESUS’ PERFECT EXAMPLE

6. Who is my example in everything, including baptism? 1 Peter 2:21

Ans: ________________________________________________________

7. What form of baptism did John use when he baptized Jesus? Mark 1:9-11

Ans: _________________________________________________________

NOTE: Please note that John baptized Jesus “in” the Jordan river, not on its banks. Notice, also, that Jesus came “up out of the water”, which indicates He had been down into the water. Virtually all churches agree that Jesus was baptized by immersion.

8. When John at first refused to baptize Jesus, what did Jesus tell him? Matthew 3:13-15

Ans: “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it ___________ us to _________ all __________”.

NOTE: Jesus did not need baptism, but He explained to John that all of US do. So, to set us a perfect example for righteous living it was necessary that He be baptized. His baptism also serves for all who, like the thief on the cross, cannot be baptized.

9. Why did John baptize in Aenon? John 3:23

Ans: “_________________ there was much ________________ there”.

NOTE: Immersion demands deep water. For sprinkling (aspersion) or pouring (infusion) a 50-gallon drum would baptize a small army.

10. Some say that the disciples changed the method of baptism. What did Paul say about even angels who try to teach something different from what Jesus taught? Galatians 1:11-12,8-9

Ans: “Let him be _________________________________”.

NOTE: Paul made it too clear to misunderstand: the curse of heaven would rest upon man or angel who attempted to change any teaching of Jesus.

11. Philip, an evangelist who preached after the ascension of Jesus, baptized the treasurer of Ethiopia. What method of baptism did he use? Acts 8:27-39, especially verses 38-39.

Ans: ________________________________________________

NOTE: Philip baptized the treasurer the same way Jesus was baptized.

BAPTISM IS IMPORTANT

12. According to Jesus, how important is baptism? John 3:5

Ans: “___________ a man be _____________ of __________ and of the __________, he ___________________ into the _____________ of _______________”.

NOTE: Jesus said water baptism is essential for salvation. Jesus’ cross, which all realize is of inestimable importance, is mentioned 28 times in the New Testament. On the other hand, baptism is mentioned over 100 times. Let none treat it as a non-essential. At conversion, the change in a person is so radical and the turning point so crucial in a life that Jesus said the event must be officialized by the great ceremony of baptism. To demonstrate its importance, He Himself, was baptized. Then He included baptism as part of His great commission to His church, Matthew 28:18-20.

13. Since Jesus instituted only immersion, where did these other forms of baptism come from? Matthew 15:9

Ans: “In vain they do worship me, ________ for _________ the _________ of __________”.

NOTE: Misguided men have introduced these other forms of baptism with no approval whatever from heaven. History is clear, that for centuries after the cross, baptism by immersion was the ordinary mode of baptism. Many of the ancient churches of Europe still have great baptistries for immersion though they are no longer used. The leaning tower of Pisa is the bell tower for a great church which still has a baptistry fourteen feet in diameter and four feet deep. Other forms of baptism were added because they are more convenient. Thus a God-given, sacred ceremony has been shoved aside by human hands.

Baptism and marriage symbolize entry into a new family relationship.

14. Some say that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is all that God requires. Is this true? Acts 10:44-48

Ans: ________________________________________________________

According to the Bible, before baptism a person:

a. Must be taught and must accept all of Jesus’ teachings. – Matthew 28:18-20.
b. Must believe these teachings from his heart. – Mark 16:16.
c. Must repent (seven times Revelation commands repentance) Revelation 2:5,16,21,22;3:3,19. – Acts 2:38.
d. Must turn away from sin. – Romans 5:5-6, Matthew 3:7-8.
e. Accepts Christ as personal Savior. – 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:3,5.

15. In light of the preceding, should infants be baptized?

Ans: _______________________________________________

NOTE: Since infants cannot comply with the above requirements of God no minister has a right to baptize them. Sin is not counted against a child until he is old enough to understand and be accountable, John 9:41; James 4:17, at which time the youngster should prepare for baptism.

BAPTISM AND SALVATION

16. In Noah’s day the people were saved by getting into the ark. What does God provide today in place of the ark? 1 Peter 3:20-21

Ans: “The like _______________ whereunto even ___________ doth also now _____________ us”.

NOTE: The ARK in the water symbolized safety in Noah’s day and a PERSON in the waters of baptism symbolizes the same today. In both cases, the heart must be right first. But a person whose heart is right and understands Bible baptism will be baptized even as Noah and his family not only believed but entered into the ark of safety.

17. With whom is a person united at baptism? Galatians 3:27

Ans: As many of you as have been ________________ … have put on _______________”.

NOTE: Baptism is as essential to a Christian as the wedding is to a marriage. Both ceremonies must be based on deep-seated love and full understanding, if they are to be meaningful. To refuse baptism is to refuse to be united with Christ.

“Baptize” means “submerge” UNDER water.

18. Baptism is a public declaration of our relationship TO JESUS. What is the experience of the person who is “IN CHRIST”? 2 Corinthians 5:17

Ans: He is a new _________________________________________

19. Some people worship on Sunday in honor of the resurrection. What did Jesus ask us to do in honor of His death, burial, and resurrection? Romans 6:4-6

Ans: ____________________________________________________

NOTE: Salvation centers in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Baptism by immersion incorporates all three. There is a DEATH to sin. Next a BURIAL beneath the water. Then a RESURRECTION from the water to an entirely new life. No other form of baptism fits this symbolism. Thank God there is a grave between the Christian and his old life. Baptism is as important to my life as Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection are to salvation, John 3:5.

20. The Bible is clear that those who are to be saved must become members of God’s church, Acts 2:47. What public ceremony makes entrance into the church official? 1 Corinthians 12:13

Ans: “For by one _________________ we are all _____________ into one ____________”.

NOTE: Baptism is the official act which makes one a member of Christ’s body. His body is His church, Colossians 1:18. Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance into His true church.

21. Is rebaptism ever proper? Acts 19:2-5

Ans: ___________________________________________

NOTE: Rebaptism is proper when major, new light is received.

BAPTISM PLEASES JESUS

22. Once a person has met Jesus’ conditions for baptism, how soon should he be baptized? Acts 22:16

Ans: _____________________________________________

 23. When I refuse baptism, whose counsel am I rejecting? Luke 7:30

Ans: I am rejecting the “counsel of _________________________”.

24. When Jesus was baptized, what did the Father in heaven say? Mark 1:11

Ans: “Thou art my ________ ________, in whom I am __________ __________”.

25. When people follow Jesus in baptism by immersion today, He still says, “I am pleased with you.” Wouldn’t you like to prepare for this sacred ceremony so Jesus can be pleased with your baptism?

Ans: __________________________________________________________