The Meaning Of Baptism |
Many questions and controvesies 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? |
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| | The Standard | Not the Standard |
Acts 5:29 a | | | |
Mark 7:8, 13 a | | | |
Proverbs 3:5-6 a a | | | |
Who is baptized in Matthew 3:13-17 and why?
(He walked approximately 60 miles to do so.) a |
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What was God the Father's reaction to this event? a |
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What was the last thing Christ Jesus told His disciples? (Matthew 28:18-20) a |
What are the disciples told to do along with the baptisms they are to perform? a |
| Acts 2 describes the first time the gospel of Jesus was ever fully communicated. As you read verses 37-41, answer these questions: |
- When the people were ready to accept Christ, what did Peter tell them to do? (v. 38)
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- What were they assured of if they sincerely took these steps? (v. 38-39)
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- When were they baptized? (v. 41)
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| In every case in which a person received Christ, as told in the book of Acts, what was their very next step? |
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- Acts 8:12 People in Samaria
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- Acts 8:36 The Ethiopian Eunuch
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- Acts 10:48 The First Gentiles
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- Acts 16:30-33 The Philippian Jailor
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- Acts 18:8 People at Corinth
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- Acts 22:16 The Apostle Paul
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What was done when a group of believers did not have a proper understanding of baptism? Acts 19:1-5 a |
What picture does Romans 6:3-4 give you about baptism? a |
Verse 4 connects baptism with burial. Would you say that picture indicates a baptism by sprinkling, pouring or immersion?a
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| Which form of baptism do these references point toward, immersion, pouring or sprinkling? |
- "Now John was baptizing near Aenon because there was plenty of water" (John 3:23)
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- "As soon as Jesus was baptized he went up out of the water" (Matthew 3:16)
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The word "baptism" is a transliteration 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." |
- a dipping in water Laddell and Scott
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- dipping, to dip, to immerse Arndt and Gingrich
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- the whole person was Kittel Encyclopedia
immersed in water
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- immersion Smith's Dictionary
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In Galatians 3:26-27 what assurance is given to those who have faith and are baptized? a |
In 1 Peter 3:21, it says that baptism is "not the removal of dirt from the body," but it is what? a |
| From your study, give Scriptural answers to these questions: |
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- What method or form is indicated in Scripture?
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- When should a believer be baptized?
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In light of your study and prayer, what is God telling you? a a |
"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 a |
Printed with permission: Southeast Christian Church of Jefferson County, Kentucky, Inc.
All rights reserved. |
