Text - I Peter 3:21

Introduction: Is this statement true? “There is complete agreement 
today on the subject of baptism”. If you answered “Yes”, I have a 
bridge up in Brooklyn that I would love to sell you! The exact 
opposite is true about baptism. There is much serious disagreement 
among the denominational world on this subject. It is extremely 
damaging to the truth. These four points in the body of this lesson 
are battlegrounds of baptism. While this lesson is elementary, its 
spiritual value is priceless. If you are interested in the truth, 
then this lesson is for you.  

Discussion:

  I. The meaning of baptism - [What is baptism?].
     A. Thayer’s definition - Page 94 - “Immersion; submersion”.

     B. Baptism is a transliterated term for the Greek word 
        “baptizo”. A Greek word given an English sound.

     C. This immersion (dipping or plunging) is confirmed by the 
        term burial in the scripture Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 
        2:12.

     D. This burial immersion is pictured in the conversion of 
        the Eunuch in Acts 8:38-39.

 II. The candidates for baptism - [Who is to be baptized?].
     A. Nationality-wise, anybody -  Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 
        16:15-16, Luke 24:46-47.

     B. Conviction-wise, believers - Acts 8:36.

     C. What kind of believers? Repentant believers - Acts 2:38 
        

     D. What kind of repentant believers? Faith confessing 
        believers – Acts 8:36, Romans 10:9-10.

III. The purpose of baptism - [Why be baptized?].
     A. It is not “an outward sign of an inward grace” as some 
        teach - Roman 6:1-17.

     B. Baptism is for (in the direction of) the remission of sin 
        - Acts 2:38.

     C.   Baptism is for the “washing away of our sins” - Acts 
          22:16, Paul - I Timothy 1:16.
     D.  Those who are baptized “shall be saved” (from past sin) 
         - Mark 16:16, I Peter 3:21.

 IV. The place of baptism - [Where be baptized?].
     A. Rivers are acceptable - Matthew 3:13. Lakes that they 
        empty into.

     B. Pools are acceptable - (two named in scripture in 
        Jerusalem - John 5:2,9:7, Acts 2:41).

     C. By-way streams or creeks - Acts 8:36. Marrowbone Creek, 
        Pitman Creek etc.

     D. There is only one requirement - enough - John 3:23, Acts 
        8:38.

Conclusion: Baptism is the submission of a believing sinner to the 
authority of Christ and by such obedience entering into a relationship 
with Him - Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38, 22:16. “In the name of Christ" 
is not a verbal formula, but the authority for the action of baptism. 
If you believe in and are willing to confess the divinity of Jesus, 
you can be baptized. Won’t you submit yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ 
and be saved today?

Raymond Castillo

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