Water Baptism Print
Scripture: John 3 By: Pastor Roger White  
Date: 1/4/2009 Series: Abundand Life Study Number: 004 Duration:
John 3:1-6 Jesus spoke to Nicodemus and told him that he must be born again. When asked how this was done, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born of the water and of the spirit. Notice that Jesus said he must be. There was no room for argument. Baptism is not an option, it is a must.

Definition:  BAPTIZO - Greek word meaning to dip, immerse, or to bury.

In Acts 2, Peter answered the question, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" with "be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ."
In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized, the same shall be saved."

How Must We Be Baptized

Mode:  Immersion.  We must be baptized by immersion into water, for the remission of sins.
Acts 8, The Ethiopian eunuch said "Here is water", indicating much water.  Phillip and he went down into the water and came up out of the water.  Signifying that they went and stood in the water.
John 3:23, When John the Baptist baptized in Aenon, he did so because "there was much water there".  Much water was required because he dipped, immersed, or buried them in the water.

Why Must We Be Baptized

There are many scriptural reasons for baptism, let's look at the six listed below:

1)  Baptism is for the remission of sin

     Jesus said that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in his name beginning at Jerusalem.  There is a difference in forgiveness of sin and remission of sin.  We are forgiven at repentance.  Our sins are remitted (washed away) at water baptism.
     Acts 2, At Jerusalem, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost".

2)  Baptism is for the washing away of sin

     Paul was commanded by Ananias, "arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord".  Acts 22:16.
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