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Question: "It seems like when people share their testimonies at His House they always seem to talk about their baptism, but don't share much about asking Jesus into their heart, which seems more important. Do you think baptism is overemphasized?" Answer: I think baptism may seem to be overemphasized at His House because for many years the church has separated conversion and baptism into two very distinct events often with a lot of time in between. You are right; the core of salvation is that God saves us by grace through faith. But the idea of receiving Christ through a sinner's prayer is not found in Scripture. This is a modern invention. Biblically, when a person came to believe in Jesus they were baptized immediately as part of the process of conversion. The Biblical example shows that accepting Christ and baptism were always linked together so closely that they seem as one event rather than two.Read Romans 10:13 followed by Acts 22:16. Calling on the name of Jesus saves us; when did that happen (Acts 22:16)? We are saved by grace through faith. Faith is the means of our salvation, but it seems Biblically to be applied around this occasion of baptism (1 Peter 3:21 calls it our pledge of a good conscience.). Certainly God can save people before baptism, but it seems in His Word to be the final step in acceptance of the gospel. So when people share their testimony, sometimes they may only share about their baptism because it is assumed that when making this pledge they have already made the critical decision to follow Christ. Just as a couple may talk about their wedding day or anniversary it is assumed that they got married because they were in love. You see baptism is really not the big decision. The big decision is to fall in love with Jesus and follow him as Lord. Once this decision is made, it is only fitting to want to express that publicly in baptism. I totally understand and appreciate your question, and we want to do a better job of emphasizing that we are saved by grace through faith. What I don't understand are those who say they are following Christ, but are unwilling to confess their faith publically in the waters of baptism. For those folks, baptism is not the issue, it goes back to Lordship. If Jesus is your leader, do what he says to do. ~Matt Schantz
The studies below are provided as a tool for you to explore the Biblical meaning of Baptism. If you have further questions or desire to be baptized, please contact one of the staff.
The Meaning of Baptism, a self-directed study
A printable version of this study is available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format
Other studies available for download:
These studies are provided for you as tools to study what the Bible says about baptism. They are not intended to be the official teaching position of the ministry, to be used to cause division or dissension, nor to exclude people from fellowship.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” -Matthew 3:16 NIV
Many questions and controversies have arisen over baptism. The purpose of this study is to look solely at what the Scripture says regarding this practice. You are encouraged to put aside what other humans have said, whether they be preachers, priests or parents. Then truly study this subject with an open and obedient mind.
What should (and shouldn’t) be the Christian’s standard for life? Acts 5:29 __________________________ _______________________________ Mark 7:8, 13 __________________________ _______________________________ Proverbs 3:5-6 __________________________ _______________________________
Who is baptized in Matthew 3:13-17 and why?
What was God the Father’s reaction to this event?
What was the last thing Christ Jesus told His disciples?
What are the disciples told to do along with the baptisms they are to perform?
Acts 2 describes the first time the gospel of Jesus was ever fully communicated. As you read verses 37-41, answer these questions: What were they assured of if they sincerely took these steps? (Acts 2:38-39) When were they baptized? (Acts 2:41)
Which form of baptism do these references point toward, immersion, pouring or sprinkling? “As soon as Jesus was baptized he went up out of the water” (Matthew 3:1) “Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:38)
The word “baptism” is a trasliteration of the Greek word “baptismos.” That is, the Greek letters were simply changed into English letters. So everywhere you read “baptism” in the New Testament, it is the Greek word “baptismos,” or one of its forms. Here is what accepted Greek scholars give as the meaning of the “baptismos.”
In Galations 3:26-27 what assurance is given to those who have faith and are baptized?
In 1 Peter 3:21, it says that baptism is “not the removal of dirt from the body,” but it is what?
In every case in which a person accepted Christ, as told in the book of Acts, what was their very next step?
What was done when a group of believers did not have a proper understanding of baptism? Acts. 19:1-5
What picture does Romans 6:3-4 give you about baptism?
Verse 4 connects baptism with burial. Would you say that picture indicates a baptism by sprinkling, pouring or immersion?
From your study, give Scriptural answers to these questions. What method or form is indicated in Scripture?
When should a believer be baptized?
In light of your study and prayer, what is God telling you to do?
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” -Romans 6:4
If you have further questions, or would like to be baptized, please make an appointment to talk with one of our campus ministers. |
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