It is not often the case that there are so many different views regarding a biblical theme as the subject of baptism. Is baptism important, and if it is, how should it be carried out? Due to the fact that the opinions vary so greatly in regards to this question, we want to let the Bible answer for itself:
1. Is baptism necessary for salvation?
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned, (Mark 16,16)
The like figure where unto even baptism doth also now save us. (1 Peter 3,21)
2. Is it possible to baptize in different ways?
One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Eph 4,5)
3. What happens before and after water baptism?
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. (Acts 2,38)
(Repentance, water baptism, baptism of the Spirit)
4. Can you receive the baptism of the Spirit before water baptism?
...also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost... and he commanded them to be baptized... (Acts 10,45 and 48)
5. Are both water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit necessary?
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, (John 3,3)
Also see question 4.
6. Does water baptism take place by sprinkling?
...and they went down both into the water... (Acts 8,38)
Also see Romans 6,4 and 1 Peter 3,20 and 21
The greek word baptizo means "immerse".
7. Is the baptism of babies biblical?
Repent and be baptized every one of you... (Acts 2,38)
...even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God,... (1 Peter 3,21)
8. In whose name should a person be baptized?
...be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ... (Acts 2,38)
...only they were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 8,16)
...when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 19,5)
9. What is the outward sign for the baptism of the Spirit?
...because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues...(Acts 10, 46)
See also Acts 2,4 and 19,6.
10. What is the deeper meaning of the water baptism?
...be baptized, and wash away the sins.(Acts 22,16)
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death... (Rom 6,4)
11. What is the deeper meaning of the spirit?
...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. (Ro.6,4)
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3,3)
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body... (1. Cor 12,13).
12. Have YOU been baptized in water in the name of JESUS Christ for the remission of YOUR sins and have YOU already received the Holy Ghost?
???
(J.F.)
The Form of Baptism