Water Baptism

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Act 2:38

Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." -

Elisabeth Elliot

What is Water Baptism?

Water baptism is based on obedience to the direction of Jesus Christ and His Apostles (Matthew 28:18 & 19, Acts 2:38 &39). Water baptism is an external and visible sacrament symbolizing an internal and invisible experience. It is an outward, tangible, symbolic act which signified and manifests dedication to the Kingdom of God (Kingdom of Heaven). It is an act not just of obedience but one that will lead us to submission to Jesus Christ.

Immersion in water is for someone who has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) and/or a person who has already acknowledged the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Christian Baptism is administered upon the authority of a New Testament believer under the authority of Jesus Christ. The Gospel, according to Mark, introduces the public work of Jesus with the statement, “In those days Jesus came from

Nazareth to Galilee and was Baptized by John in the Jordan (River).”

16

John as we know, was a remarkable man, a new prophet after there had been no prophet for a long time. John appeared in the wilderness, declared that the kingdom of God was near and dipped beneath the waters of the Jordan River all who wished to prepare for the Kingdom of God. And so, it was that Jesus himself too, came and was baptized by John.

Evidently, those who became followers of Jesus also were baptized. For this we have the statement of John 3:22, “After this Jesus and his

disciples went into the land of Judea and there, he remained with them and baptized.

The Authority for the Observance of Water Baptism

✓ 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). In giving this “Great

Commission” to the disciples, Jesus Christ commanded they go into all the world and make disciples of the nations and that such as become disciples should be baptized. Here we have the prescription given to the Disciples by

Jesus Christ.

Enjoined by an Apostle. The Apostles who received the prescription from Jesus Christ then filled the script in this manner, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”17 Not only did Apostle Peter give this command but he did so in the presence of all the other Apostles.18

16 Mark 1:9 NKJV. 17 Acts Chapter 2. Verses 38 and 39. 18 See Acts Chapters 1 & 2.

✓ Doctrine. Remember: Doctrine is Truth lifted from Scripture and dedicated to purpose. Acts Chapter 2 verses 38 & 39 are companion verses to Matthew 28:18-19. Neither can stand alone. You need both to establish Bible doctrine.

Practiced by the Apostolic (New Testament) church. As Philip went out in his ministry of evangelizing the people who believed his message were baptized. “But when they believed Philip preaching the things

concerning the Kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,

they were baptized, both men and women.”19

When Philip had dealt with the Ethiopian, the eunuch saw the fitness of baptism. “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. And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.”20

19 Acts 8:12 NKJV. 20 Acts 8:36-39. NKJV

Ananias, who was sent to Saul after the Lord appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, baptized Saul.21

When the middle wall of partition was broken down between Jews and Gentiles, Peter and Cornelius having been providentially brought together, the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household as He had come at Pentecost. Peter, therefore, issued, the command and Cornelius and his household should be baptized.22

Who Ought to Be Water Baptized?

Everyone who has really been forgiven of his sins should be baptized. We must confess Christ before the World!23

The Significance of Water Baptism

Baptism typifies death, burial, and resurrection. Apostle Paul in his letters to the Romans, said in plain language, “We are buried with him by

baptism into death: that like 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.”24

21 Acts 9:18. NKJV. 22 Acts 10:47-48. NKJV. 23 Matthew 10:32-33. 24 Romans 6:4-5. NKJV.

Water baptism signifies the inner experience of the believer in relation to Jesus Christ the Redeemer and Savior made effective by the Holy Spirit.

This inner experience includes:

o Union with Christ. By the act of faith, the believer is engrafted into Christ (submission).25 By virtue of this vital and organic union the very life of the Son of God flows into the believer. Christ is the true Vine. Believers are the branches. The life and fruitfulness of the branches are dependent upon the life of the Vine flowing into the branch. John 15:4-5. Separation of the branch from the Vine issues in death. John 15:6. Union with Christ is eternal life. John 17:3. This foundational truth makes clear the reason why the Believer is to be baptized when he believes. Baptism becomes to him the sign and seal of his vital union with Jesus Christ.

o The removal of the believer’s sins through the sacrifice of Christ’s death. Romans 6:4-5. Christ took the place of the sinner in bearing the penalty of God’s broken Law (man broke God’s law). Galatians 3:13; 4:4.

o So complete is the believer’s identification with Jesus Christ that when Christ died on the cross, the believer’s submission signifies that he or she died with him. Galatians 2:20. Romans 8:1. Baptism to the believer therefore symbolizes the cancellation of our guilt. This is the absolute and complete removal of the penalty of his sins through the blood of Christ.

o Identification with Christ in the reality and power of His resurrection life. Romans 6:4-5. The believer is free from the penalty of sin and united with Christ in His resurrection life, possesses the dynamic which issues in the overcoming victorious life.

o It is the very life of the Son of God expressing himself through the believer. He is, therefore, no longer held down and dragged under by the power of his old nature but lives the overcoming life in resurrection power of Jesus Christ.26

25 Galatians 3:26-27. 26 Galatians 3:27. NKJV.

o Baptism signifies the Enthronement of Jesus Christ as the Lord of the believer’s life (total submission). Christ’s commission was to the effect that the disciples, which were made through the preaching of the Gospel, were to be, baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Christ who holds ALL POWER in heaven and earth!27 This clearly implies that they were to be brought under the authority of God by invoking the name of Jesus Christ.

o Those thus brought under the divine authority were to be taught the things which Christ had commanded. Matthew 28:20.

o Because of ignorance of the meaning of water baptism, many Christians have been deprived of the blessings of this ordinance.

27 Matthew 28:18.

CHAPTER THREE - LESSON TWO

1. Water baptism is a _____________ and ____________ rite symbolizing a _____________ and ______________ experience. It is an outward, tangible, symbolic act which signifies and manifest dedication to the Kingdom of God. 2. Water Baptism is ________________ in _______________ of a person who has already accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, and is administered upon the authority of a New Testament church. 3. The Gospel, according to Mark, introduces the public work of Jesus with the statement, “In those days _____________ came from Nazareth to Galilee and was ____________________ by John in the Jordan (river).” 4. John (the Baptist), as we know, was a remarkable man, a new prophet after there had been no prophet for a long time, who appeared in the wilderness, declared that the kingdom of God was near, and _________________ the ________________ of the Jordan River all who wished to prepare for the Kingdom of God. And so, it was that Jesus also came and was baptized. 5. Those who became ______________ of Jesus also were baptized. We have the statement in John 3:22, “After this _____________ and his ____________ went into the land of Judea; there He remained with them and ____________. 6. The Authority for the Observance of Baptism is __________________ by __________________. 7. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing the in the name of the _____________, and of the ___________ and of the ___________________.” Matthew 28:19. 8. In giving the great commission to the disciples, Jesus Christ commanded that they go into all the world and make disciples of the nations and that such as become disciples should be ________________. 9. Enjoined by a ______________________. 10. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized everyone one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the _______ _______. (Acts. 2:39). 11. _________________ by the Apostolic church. As Philip went out of his ministry of evangelizing, the people who believed his message were baptized. “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, ____________ were ________________, both men and women.” Acts 8:12.

12. When Philip had dealt with the Ethiopian, the Eunuch saw the fitness of baptism. “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain _____________: and the ___________ said, See here is water; what doth ____________ me to be baptized? 13. And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and _____________ went ________________ the ____________, both Philip and the Eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come _____________ of the _________________, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the Eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:36-39. 14. Ananias, who was sent to Saul after the Lord appeared to him, ___________ Saul. Acts 9:18. 15. Who Ought to Be Baptized? _________________ who has really been forgiven of his sins should be _______________. We must profess Christ before the World! Matthew 10:32-33. 16. The Significance of Water Baptism _______________ typifies __________________, ________________, and _______________________. 17. Paul in his letter to the Romans, said in plain language, “We are buried with him by _____________________ into death: that like as Christ as 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 6:4-5. 18. Water baptism signifies the inner experience of the believer in relation to Jesus Christ the Redeemer and Savior made effective by the Holy ____ .

SPIRIT BAPTISM

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided (individualized) tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them

utterance. (Acts 2:1-4).

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

At the writing of this (2020), Brandon Lake has a popular song called, I Need a Ghost. Brandon has rightly captured the very essence of the heart of God toward us. We must have Him! He wants relationship with us! His Spirit (his Ghost) needs to take up residence in our lives. Those who question the need of the Holy Spirit miss the whole imprimatur of the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth.

From the Beginning it is evident that God knew that we needed help. John writes that to meet that need the Word (God) became Flesh (speaking of Jesus Christ).28 God’s plan to bring us hope is foretold in a plethora of Scriptures from what we call the Old Testament. The Prophet Malachi foretold of the coming of Jesus Christ as the Father turning His heart toward his children.29 God planned to come to our rescue and restore the intimacy of relationship with Him. A relationship that was lost due to sin in

28 The Gospel of John Chapter 1. 29 Malachi Chapter 4.

the Garden of Eden. Jesus Christ makes it noticeably clear that the purpose of His mission was to send the Comforter (Holy Ghost) to us. In the Gospel of John, we can read that Jesus Christ foretold of the coming of the Holy Ghost and that this comforter would not be an “it” but a “HE”. He would send the Comforter in His name (Jesus Christ). We must realize that the promise of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) is a life changing promise to bring us comfort. Jesus said:

“But the Helper (Comforter), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Who is the Holy Ghost (Spirit)?

Some may ask ‘What is the Holy Spirit’, but the Holy Spirit is not a what it is a who. So then, Who is the Holy Ghost? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. It is not all of God but just the part that manifests presence in your life. Just as Jesus Christ was the manifestation of God, the Holy Spirit is how God manifests His presence in and through us.

The Holy Spirit has feelings. He can become sad or angry and others can insult him. 30 The Holy Spirit has intentions, shows willfulness and discretion, loves, communicates, testifies, teaches, and prays.31

How Do I Get the Holy Ghost?

Some are confused about receiving the Holy Spirit because they are don’t understand that the Spirit of God is a promise to those who are obedient. Apostle Peter’s commission to Repent, be baptized also included the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit!32 Amazing. God has promised if you obey this commission (we call it the Great Commission) He will come and take residence in your life!

30 See Is. 63:10, Mt. 12:31, Acts 7:51, Eph 4:30 and Hebrews 10:29 31 Neh. 9:20, Jn. 15:26, Acts 13:2, Rm. 8:26, 27 & 15:30, I Co. 12:11. 32 Acts. Chapter 2. Also See Matthew Chapter 28.

There is no scriptural reason saying that receiving the Holy Spirit can't be immediate. Simply ensure that you are practicing repentance and are baptized, and then receiving the Holy Spirit is guaranteed by God.

What Is Receiving the Holy Ghost Like?

One person described his experience, “Before I received the Holy Ghost, I had tried alcohol and nearly every drug imaginable. I found nothing but despair. I was so despondent and depressed that I just wanted to die. When I got the Holy Ghost, I found something that I cannot even describe. I found joy that even 20 years later I cannot explain!”

The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers. Sometimes we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans and words that we cannot express. The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt. The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of affliction and hardship. The Holy Spirit cleanses, sanctifies and justifies us. The Holy Spirit restrains evil. The Holy Spirit refreshes us daily with hope and love. The Holy Spirit reminds us of important things we forget.

Will I Speak in Tongues When I Receive the Holy Ghost?

As one minister explained, “It comes with the package!” Speaking in tongues is not the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it is what happens when as you are baptized in the Spirit and the Holy Spirit becomes an important resource to help you continue, as Apostle Paul says, . . . “keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).33

Speaking in tongues is the Spirit of God manifesting His presence in you. He is not to be feared – He is to be desired.

33 The Holy Spirit and You by Dennis and Rita Bennet. Pages 64–65

The Holy Spirit:

Shows you things to come and is our teacher (Jn 14:26). Will help you see where you are at in life, your seasons of life, etc. 34 Brings conviction, restores hope, and heals. Guides you to your destiny and purpose. Gives you peace, joy, hope, self-control, power, strength (Gal 5:22). Gives you comfort and understanding (John 14:16-17). Will teach you all things.” Jn. 14:26. Equips us.35for supernatural ministry.36 Empowers us and gives us authority. Acts 1:8 Removes the hindrances (past and present) from our lives so we may be free. Then we can be all God has called us to be. Sin imprisons us, but if we live by the Holy Spirit we are freed from sin. (Gal. 5: 16). Unifies us. 1 Cor. 12:13. Eph. 4. Sends us. Acts 13:2 Prays for us. Romans 8:26, 27. Adopts us as children of God.

“Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. You received the Spirit of adoption. by him we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies that we

are God’s children.” Rom. 8: 14-16

Some people ask if they NEED the Holy Spirit (Ghost). It seems like the wrong question. The better question seems to be, “Why you would want

to live without it!? Look at the benefits!

34 Acts 11: 11,12 “Paul and companions tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit would not allow them.” Acts 16: 6,7 “Jesus was led by the Spirit.” Lk. 4: 1

35

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. young men will see visions, old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2: 17,18 “I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven.” Rev. 4: 2 36 “To one is given through the Spirit - wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing of spirits, to another speaking in tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All of these are the work of the Spirit.” 1Cor. 12: 8-11

CHAPTER THREE - LESSON THREE

1. The Holy Spirit is the ______ of God.

2.

Speaking in tongues is the _______ of God ___________ His presence. 3.

Jesus was led by the _________. (Luke 4:1).

4. God _______ us as _________ of God.

5. The _____ ______ shows you things to come and is our teacher.

6.

The Holy Spirit will help you see where you are at in life, your ________ of life, etc. 7. The _______ _______ brings conviction, restores hope, and heals.

8. 9.

The _______ _______ guides you to your destiny and purpose. The Holy Spirit gives you peace, joy, hope, self- _______, power, strength (Gal 5:22).’ 10. The Holy Spirit gives _______ and understanding (John 14).

11. The ____ _____ will teach you all things.” Jn. 14:26.

12.

The Holy Spirit removes the __________ (past and present) from our lives so we may be _____. 13. Sin _________ us, but if we live by the _____ ______ we are freed from sin. (Gal. 5: 16).