BIBLICAL BAPTISM

                                                 WHO????

             The subject of baptism is one that generates different reactions in different people. The gamut runs all the way from those who see nothing at all in it, to those who see it as an efficacious means of salvation, and other shades between.

There are a variety of views when it comes to the questions of who is the proper subject for it, or how it is to be done, or the reason for doing it at all.

Surely, surely, God is not the author of all the divergent, disharmonious views and opinions put forth upon this important subject.

In looking into this question as in all other biblical questions we must go to the source of the subject of baptism, and that is the written word of God as contained within the Holy Scriptures. What is written there?

 WHO IS TO BE BAPTIZED?

It might surprise you to know that there is no scripture that teaches that everyone should be baptized. With that thought in mind let us take a look at what the book says.                                   Who is to be baptized?

When Jesus sent his men into the world to proclaim the message of salvation, he told them, “teach all nations, baptizing them”. (Matt.28:19)

We can readily see here that those whom have not been taught are not the proper subjects of baptism. In another recording of the same event the reading is as follows; “Preach the gospel-he that believes and is baptized”. (Mk.16:15&16) So, not only does one have to be taught, but what he is to be taught is the gospel story, not some human creed, church covenant, or catechism. Notice also that not all of those who are taught are to be baptized, only those who believe what they are taught. This would mean that faith is necessary before baptism. This would exclude any other reason for a person submitting to baptism such as; to please a husband, wife or a loved one, because of an emotional reaction to join a church, because all the other kids are doing it, etc. In these two passages we can see that baptism is for taught believers, (and consequently there are no other kinds). Rom.10:17)

Let us look just a little further at who is to be baptized.

In Acts chapter 2 there is a dynamic message delivered by the man Peter just a few weeks after Jesus had been crucified, buried, and had risen and ascended back to the Father. Peter was not ensconced in some beautiful “sanctuary” of some church house when he spoke the words found in this memorable speech. He had not studied in any seminary, nor had he been “hired” by any church to give this message.

The stammering tongue of just a few weeks ago, in the courtyard of the High Priest, in denying Jesus, stammers no more! The knees that knocked and trembled with fear knock and tremble no more! He stands before the huge crowd that contains many of those responsible for crying out, “Away with him! Crucify him” and in so doing are guilty of the murder of the Master and their Messiah.

He now speaks boldly and plainly in words that cannot be misunderstood and tells them they are guilty of the murder of Jesus. (Acts 2:23) He tells them that God has raised Jesus up from the dead. (Acts 2:24) He tells them not only has God raised him but he has made him Kurios (LORD) and CHRISTOS (CHRIST OR MESSIAH).

In what we have as verse 37, we are told that when they heard this they were convicted, or they believed the message of Jesus, the gospel story, and they cried out, “What shall we do?”

Peter does not tell them that they are ready for baptism because they believe, but rather he tells them “repent and be baptized”. (Acts 2:38)

Back to the original question; WHO IS TO BE BAPTIZED?

In conclusion I believe we can see the following:

• Only those taught the gospel are to be baptized.
• Only those who believe the gospel are to be baptized.
• Only those who repent are to be baptized.

It is when and only when these three criteria have been met that a person is to be baptized. My granddad had a saying that went like this, “I’ve seen many a person go down into the water a dry devil and come out a wet devil”. How true and how sad!

God bless your studies.

Have a great day with Jesus.

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