NEW LIFE  BIBLE STUDY                     Water Baptism                   Lesson C

    The Commandment of Baptism: Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to baptize (immerse, submerge in water) all nations in his Great Commission to the Church (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16).  On the day of Pentecost, Peter commanded all of those who had repented from their sins to be baptized in water (Acts 2:38).  He did not leave water baptism as an optional thing to the Christians.

    The Example of Baptism: The Lord Jesus Himself gave every Christian an example of obedience and righteousness by being baptized in water by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17).  The early church also set a good example for us in gladly obeying God in the waters of baptism:  the three thousand at Pentecost (Acts 2:41); the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-16); the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38); Paul the apostles (Acts 9:18; 22:16); Cornelius and his house (Acts 18:47-48); Lydia and her household (Acts 16:15); and the Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:33).

    The Name in Baptism: In water baptism, we receive the invocation of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ upon us and publicly declare our submission to Him (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38).  We are called Christians and receive the protection, strength, covering, seal, privileges, and responsibilities of the name of the Lord.  This is just like a wife who receives the last name and identification of her husband in marriage.

    The Power of Baptism: When we are immersed in the waters of baptism, our old man (the selfish, proud, lustful, sinful (Adamic) nature with which we were born) is buried in the waters and left behind us as we rise to newness of Christ's resurrection life (Romans 6:3-7).  Our sins are remitted, i.e., forgiven, released, delivered, liberated, sent away, and let go from our nature and basic life-inclination.  We are made free to walk in the liberty of the Spirit as we continue to obey God's Word.

    Diagramming:  Explain this diagram using Romans 6:1-11.  Memorize Galatians 3:27. "For as many of you as were baptized into (the name of) Christ have put on (or clothed yourself with) Christ."
 
 

1.  Read Ephesians 1:3.  What does it say that we have received from Christ?
 
 
 

2.  What are some of these blessings according to Colossians 1:4 and 2:12?
 
 
 
 
 

3.  We know that we have received spiritual blessings from Christ.  Now what must we do to be placed

into, or to be clothed with Christ?   Galatians3:27
 

4. Who places us into Christ?  I Corinthians 1:30
 

5. Read Matthew 3:13-17.  Who is baptized in these verses?
 

6.  What is the revealed name of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Acts 2:36;

Colossians 2:6,9?

7.  How great is the authority and power of the name of God, the Lord Jesus Christ?  Philippians 2:9-11;

Luke 10:17;  Mark 16:17,18?
 
 
 

8. Read Matthew 3:5, 6, 11 and Mark 1:4, 5.  Why is John baptizing all who come to him?
 
 

9. By the authority of what name are we baptized into Christ?  Matthew 28:17-20
 
 
 

10.  What are we commanded to do? A.  I John 1:9
 

B.  Acts 2:38
 

11. Read Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15, 16.  What does it say believers in Jesus Christ must do?
 
 

12.  What does it say has been destroyed?  Romans 6:4-6

What do we stop serving?

13. Write out Galatians 3:27 from memory.
 
 

14.  What is the most important truth you have learned from this lesson?
 
 

15. If you have any questions or comments you would like to discuss, write them here.