{"kind":"clesson","id":"bbc","lang":"en","langs":["en","zh","de","es"],"courseTitle":"Basic Beliefs Curriculum","cover":"content/courses/media/3acdfce5ebfd583c.png","n":4,"m":0,"count":10,"lessonTitle":"Baptism","title":"Baptism","blocks":[{"k":"h2","t":"Teaching Guidelines: "},{"k":"oli","t":"This topic may be covered in two sessions."},{"k":"oli","t":"The goal of this class is to help truth seekers understand the relationship between baptism and salvation and the importance of baptism in the church that is established by the Holy Spirit."},{"k":"h2","t":"Presentation slides:"},{"k":"p","t":"▶️ Slides on Baptism for use in class"},{"k":"hr"},{"k":"h2","t":"Baptism’s Place in the Gospel","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:35-36)"},{"k":"p","t":"Some may say when we preach the gospel, just focus on Jesus Christ. Just preach Jesus. But as we can see from the example of Philip, and the reaction of the eunuch, when we preach Jesus to others, we would also speak about water baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"The English word “baptism” originates from the Greek word, baptisma (βάπτισμα), meaning plunging or washing in water. But what does the seemingly frivolous rite of water immersion have to do with the Lord Jesus Christ? Or with the good news of salvation? What’s the relationship? "},{"k":"h3","t":"Jesus’s Baptism by John the Baptist","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age… (Luke 3:21-23a)"},{"k":"p","t":"An immediate connection we see between Jesus and water baptism is at the start of His earthly ministry. Jesus began preaching about the kingdom of God at around age 30. This ministry was inaugurated when Jesus Christ Himself received water baptism from John the Baptist. Scripture tells us that even though John the Baptist expressed his unworthiness to baptize Jesus Christ, Jesus insisted, “in order to fulfill all righteousness.” In other words, the baptism of Jesus Christ was part of fulfilling the salvation plan God."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Jesus’s Words and Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Another way we can gain insight into the connection between belief in Jesus and baptism is through Jesus’s words themselves. During His earthly ministry, along with many other teachings, the Lord Jesus Himself made reference to the importance of receiving water baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"On one occasion, Jesus was conversing with a man named Nicodemus and telling him of the necessity of spiritual birth in order to see the kingdom of heaven. Jesus later specified what He meant:"},{"k":"q","t":"“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)"},{"k":"p","t":"Essentially, Jesus tells Nicodemus that receiving water baptism is necessary for salvation. Some interpret “water” here to be speaking of natural birth, or even referring to the Holy Spirit. But both interpretations would make Jesus’s words “of water” redundant and add confusion to Jesus’s statement. On the other hand, there is strong biblical evidence that the “water” spoken here refers to baptism. John had already made that association clear in the first chapter of his gospel, and baptism is the most straightforward interpretation within this context. Furthermore Titus 3:5, which states we are saved “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” has a remarkable correlation to what Jesus said to Nicodemus."},{"k":"p","t":"The point here is that Jesus Christ spoke of the necessity of baptism early in His ministry. All who seek to enter the kingdom of God should receive water baptism. If we believe in Jesus, we believe also in His words."},{"k":"p","t":"On another occasion, Jesus Christ had resurrected and was giving His followers some final instructions before He ascended to heaven. He said:"},{"k":"q","t":"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20a)"},{"k":"p","t":"Again, we see Jesus Christ speaking about baptism. In this case, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples by baptizing them and teaching them to observe His commandments. Clearly baptism is a core component of discipleship and belief in the Lord Jesus. It is all tied together."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Jesus’s Death and Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Now that we have seen a couple of Jesus’s statements regarding baptism, let us delve deeper into the connection between Jesus Christ and water baptism—namely, in His death. Jesus’s death is a vital part of the gospel message—truly, He died so that we may live—but it also ties intimately with water baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"True to His mission, Jesus Christ came into this world, taught about the kingdom of God, and brought to us grace and truth. However, He was eventually betrayed by one of His own and died in the most horrific way at that time—through crucifixion. This was the capital punishment of Ancient Rome in which a person was nailed to a crossbar and wooden stake shaped like a T or cross. Typically, death came not because of blood loss but by slow asphyxiation due to the difficulty of breathing with the arms fully extended. If one had not died in a timely fashion, Roman soldiers would break the person’s legs to make the breathing even harder, since he could no longer push up on them to relax his arms."},{"k":"p","t":"When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the two criminals beside Him had not yet died, so the soldiers broke their legs. But when the soldiers got to Jesus Christ, seeing that He was already dead, they thrust a spear through His side instead. What followed was miraculous—blood and water came out. The apostle John, who witnessed the scene, emphasized over and over that what he saw was true ."},{"k":"q","t":"But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. (John 19:34-35)"},{"k":"p","t":"What is the significance of the blood of Jesus and water flowing out? This miraculous mingling of blood and water is also what occurs when the church administers water baptism. The same apostle John who witnessed the blood and water at the cross also wrote the following passage:"},{"k":"q","t":"This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. (1 John 5:6-8)"},{"k":"p","t":"The parallels between these verses and the crucifixion scene that he witnessed earlier are striking. It explains that whenever the church conducts water baptism, the Holy Spirit testifies that the blood of Christ is in the baptismal waters—for the Spirit and the water and the blood, these three agree and testify."},{"k":"p","t":"What an intimate relationship indeed! No wonder when Philip “preached Jesus” to the eunuch, he preached about water baptism. Not only did Jesus Christ receive baptism and command baptism when He was on Earth, but His death and bloodshed is connected to the very baptism that He commanded. The finished work of Jesus Christ is therefore so intertwined with baptism we cannot but talk about baptism when we share the gospel of Jesus Christ."}]}]},{"k":"h2","t":"Baptism and the Forgiveness of Sins","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Why is it that Jesus told us that unless we are born of water and Spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven? What does Jesus’s blood in the baptismal water mean for me? Now, we will look into what Jesus Christ accomplishes through water baptism, namely the forgiveness of sins."},{"k":"h3","t":"Sin, Blood, and Atonement","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Scripture tells us that because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world. Sin alienated and continues to alienate humankind from God. In this fallen state, by default, no one can enter the kingdom of heaven."},{"k":"p","t":"However, God was not without compassion. He eventually codified a priestly and sacrificial system in order for Jews to atone for their sins. This involved the killing of animals and the shedding of blood."},{"k":"p","t":"The Bible summarizes this in the book of Hebrews:"},{"k":"q","t":"Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Hebrews 9:22)"},{"k":"p","t":"What God established in this old covenant with the Jews was that blood was required to atone for sins. This imperfect priestly system served as a prefiguration of what was to come—the perfect sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our sins can be forgiven, our shame and alienation removed, but it requires blood."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Our Sins Are Cleansed in Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"As we mentioned previously, Jesus’s death is intimately tied with water baptism. When Jesus’s side was pierced on the cross, blood and water flowed out. The blood that flowed was for the cleansing of our sins, just like the blood of the sacrificed animals for the Jews."},{"k":"p","t":"That blood was spilled nearly two thousand years ago. How are we able to access that blood today? The answer lies in water baptism. As is mentioned in 1 John 5:6-8:"},{"k":"q","t":"This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree."},{"k":"p","t":"The Holy Spirit testifies that the washing of water in baptism is effective for the forgiveness of sins through the precious blood of Jesus. Once connected with the spiritual principle that blood is necessary for atonement, we understand that water baptism is the means by which we can receive the forgiveness of sins today. Many Bible passages confirm this truth:"},{"k":"q","t":"And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)"},{"k":"p","t":"The Apostle Peter had just preached to a large crowd of devout Jews. When the crowd realized they had crucified not only an innocent man, but the Lord and the Christ, they were cut to the heart and ready to turn to the true way of God. They asked Peter for a solution. Peter told them to repent and be baptized. What was the baptism for? He specifically mentions the purpose of baptism—“for the forgiveness of your sins.” Truly, the blood of Jesus atones for sins. It is accessed through water baptism. The result is that our sins are forgiven."},{"k":"q","t":"“’And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” (Acts 22:16)"},{"k":"p","t":"This is another verse that plainly tells us the purpose of baptism—to “wash away your sins.” In this passage, the apostle Paul was retelling his conversion story. There was a man named Ananias that accepted him, prayed for him, and instructed him. After receiving healing from his temporary blindness, Ananias encouraged Paul to quickly receive baptism to wash away his sins."},{"k":"q","t":"Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, (1 Peter 3:21a)"},{"k":"p","t":"On the surface, it doesn’t seem like immersing someone in water would have any spiritual impact. It is just a physical action. Here, the apostle Peter explains this mysterious saving effect in baptism. It’s not a removal of dirt. Rather, it is so that we can face God with a good and clear conscience. The only way we can do that is if our sins and spiritual offenses are removed."},{"k":"p","t":"Many Christian denominations minimize the importance of baptism, relegating it merely to a ceremonious public confession of belief in Jesus Christ. But as we have explained, it is so much more. Belief in the salvation of the Lord Jesus entails belief in His death for us. Bound to the belief in Jesus’s death is the shedding of His atoning blood, which we can obtain through baptism in His name. Once baptized our sins are cleansed by His blood."},{"k":"p","t":"Since now we understand water baptism is such an important part of salvation, in our next segment, we will examine the biblical mode of baptism."}]}]},{"k":"h2","t":"The Biblical Administration of Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"We have established that the main purpose of water baptism is to forgive one’s sins. The reason it has this saving effect is because the Spirit testifies that the atoning blood of Christ washes away sins through the baptismal water."},{"k":"h3","t":"By the Church with the Holy Spirit","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)"},{"k":"p","t":"Paul explains to the believers of his day, “in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” The Holy Spirit is the means by which we are baptized into the body of Christ. Therefore, for baptism to bring about a saving effect, the Holy Spirit must be present."},{"k":"q","t":"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (John 20:21–23)"},{"k":"p","t":"In His commission to the disciples, the Lord Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit and through the Holy Spirit grants them the authority to forgive sins. As we can see, the presence of the Holy Spirit is crucial to the remission of sins in baptism. When the church that is established by the Holy Spirit administers baptism, the blood of Jesus washes away the sins of the sinner during baptism. This is why the followers of Jesus must wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit before they baptize converts for the remission of their sins. It is the Holy Spirit who acts to effect the remission of sins in baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"Today, only the church established by God through His Holy Spirit is given the commission to baptize people for the remission of their sins. Through this one baptism, we are brought into the body of Christ."}]},{"k":"p","t":"Now that we have established that baptism must be performed by the one true church, what is the proper way for the church to administer baptism? Let’s see how baptism was administered by the early church in the Bible."},{"k":"h3","t":"One Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)"},{"k":"p","t":"Scripture speaks of the unity of the church—that these are several qualities that unite the church as one. Amongst these qualities is that there is “one baptism.” What this tells us is that during apostolic times, the church had a uniform way to conduct water baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"There isn’t a Bible passage that neatly and conveniently lists out the proper mode of water baptism. However, when we look at the entirety of Scripture, the biblical administration of water baptism can be fully pieced together."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"In the Name of Jesus Christ","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"First, the church must administer water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."},{"k":"p","t":"It is true that Jesus commanded His disciples to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” However, in the book of Acts—which records the major events in the church’s first few decades—most recordings of baptism strictly indicate that it was conducted in the name of Jesus Christ."},{"k":"q","t":"And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)"},{"k":"q","t":"Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 8:14-16)"},{"k":"q","t":"“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. (Acts 10:47-48)"},{"k":"q","t":"And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5)"},{"k":"p","t":"As you can see, many passages specifically note that the converts were baptized in the name of Jesus. Yes, there are others in which the baptism did not specify this pronouncement. However, there is no biblical record of a baptism announcing “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The apostles’ actions teach us that the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is Jesus and baptisms should be conducted in this name. Like Peter once said, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12)."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Head Bowed Down","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Secondly, water baptism must be conducted with the candidate’s head bowed down. This is not just a sign of humility or a sinner’s expression of his guilt and shame. This is consistent with what Scripture tells us regarding the form of baptism."},{"k":"q","t":"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:3-5)"},{"k":"p","t":"When Paul speaks of baptism here, on the one hand he speaks of baptism’s various spiritual effects. On the hand, he mentions in passing that our baptism is being “united with him in a death like his.” This is an insightful clue into the biblical mode of water baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"Paul tells us that baptism is to be conducted in the likeness of Jesus’s death. In the gospel of John, John tells us that when Jesus was about to die on the cross, He bowed His head, and then He gave up His spirit."},{"k":"q","t":"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30) "},{"k":"p","t":"So, what was the likeness of Jesus’s death? Jesus purposely bowed His head and then He breathed His last. Therefore, when the church conducts baptism, we also should unite ourselves with the likeness of Jesus death. We ought to bow our heads."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Fully Immersed","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Thirdly, the Bible teaches us that baptism should be a complete immersion in water."},{"k":"p","t":"The word itself, “baptize,” which comes from the Greek baptizō (βαπτίζω), meaning plunging, dipping, connotes an action in which one is immersed in water."},{"k":"p","t":"Furthermore, Scripture also tells us that baptisms were conducted in locations where there was much water."},{"k":"q","t":"John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (John 3:23)"},{"k":"p","t":"Logically, much water was needed, because one had to be completely immersed into it."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"In Living Water","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Finally, the Bible tells us that the church administered baptisms in natural, flowing, living water."},{"k":"p","t":"The most direct support for this is seen in the example Jesus left for us."},{"k":"q","t":"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. (Mark 1:9)"},{"k":"p","t":"This verse hints that Jesus was immersed during His baptism—since “in the Jordan” can also be translated as “into the Jordan.” But not only is immersion in view here. The body of water and the type of water into which He was immersed is specified. It wasn’t a man-made pool, or water from a vessel, but it was the Jordan River—a natural, flowing body of water."},{"k":"p","t":"Furthermore, the Old Testament contains prophecies which refer to water baptism for the forgiveness of sins."},{"k":"q","t":"He will again have compassion on us;\nhe will tread our iniquities underfoot.\nYou will cast all our sins\ninto the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19) "},{"k":"p","t":"And also:"},{"k":"q","t":"“On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.” (Zechariah 13:1)"},{"k":"p","t":"Both “sea” and “fountain” refer to natural water sources that flow."},{"k":"p","t":"Since we know that water baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, it behooves us to make sure it is administered according to the Bible. As we conclude this segment, it is worth emphasizing that just following this precise form of baptism isn’t enough because an effective baptism is intimately connected with the church. The forgiveness of sins comes from the Holy Spirit that abides with the true church and sends the true church to baptize."}]}]},{"k":"h2","t":"A New Life after Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"The Bible makes it clear that in water baptism our sins are washed away by the blood of Christ. This is the main purpose and effect of baptism. However, that is not all. After baptism, since our sins have been removed, we obtain a new status before God. It is therefore a call to walk in a new manner of life. In this segment, let us explore these other spiritual effects that result through baptism."},{"k":"h3","t":"Resurrection and Rebirth","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"In the previous segment, we mentioned that when one receives water baptism, he should bow his head corresponding to Jesus’s likeness at His death. Scripture tells us that the bowing therefore unites the baptismal candidate with the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Spiritually, baptism is therefore a death—the death of the person’s sinful past. His old self is spiritually and symbolically crucified with Jesus. As the baptism proceeds, he is immersed in water, indicating a burial with Christ. And finally he emerges from the baptismal water, indicating a resurrection with Christ. As Scripture says:"},{"k":"q","t":"having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, (Colossians 2:12-13)"},{"k":"p","t":"This passage confirms not only that our trespasses are forgiven by God, but that water baptism results in a spiritual death and birth. New life is given to us."},{"k":"p","t":"This spiritual effect helps us to understand Jesus’s statement to Nicodemus even more clearly. Recall that Jesus said to him:"},{"k":"q","t":"Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)"},{"k":"p","t":"And expanded on that by saying:"},{"k":"q","t":"Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)"},{"k":"p","t":"As we already explained, Jesus Christ was referring to the necessity of water baptism. Hopefully we now get an even fuller picture—in water baptism, there truly is a spiritual birth that takes place. We are “born again.” We have died, resurrected, and now have new life in Christ. We are no longer slaves of sin, but now use this new life to live as instruments of righteousness for the Lord Jesus Christ."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Sanctification and Justification","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)"},{"k":"p","t":"This verse speaks of the conversion of the members of the Corinthian church. Before Christ some of them had committed grave sins against God. But then Paul begins to speak of their dramatic transformation upon believing in Christ. It began when they were washed (this is a clear reference to their water baptism) and a reference to the primary purpose of baptism. But additional spiritual effects are supplemented—namely, that baptism sanctified and justified the Corinthians. There was a change in their status before God."},{"k":"p","t":"To sanctify means “to make holy.” The Bible refers to sanctification as a divine act to separate the holy from the common or profane. It tells us that after baptism, since the sins of the Corinthian members had been cleansed by Jesus’s blood, they were set apart by God."},{"k":"p","t":"To justify means “to declare as righteous.” After the Corinthians turned to Christ and were baptized, God declared them as righteous. They were freed from their guilt and culpability from their past sins."},{"k":"p","t":"What God graciously imparted to the Corinthians is also the grace that God affords us when we receive water baptism. We will be washed, sanctified, and justified. We should not take this new status for granted though. We need to avoid evil and preserve this new-found holiness."},{"k":"p","t":"It is analogous to a guilty man who is suddenly acquitted from all criminal accusations against him. With a new lease on life, he would be wise separate himself from his sinful past and maintain his new uncontaminated status before the law."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Put on Christ","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"[F]or in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28)"},{"k":"p","t":"Another spiritual effect of water baptism is that we put on Christ. What does that mean?"},{"k":"p","t":"When Paul uses the phrase “put on,” this is similar to how we “put on” articles of clothing. So, to put on Christ can initially be thought of as putting on Christ like a garment. The perfect righteousness of Christ covers us via water baptism. Therefore, when God looks upon us, instead of seeing a sinful person He sees the righteousness of Christ."},{"k":"p","t":"Not only are we cloaked with the righteousness of Christ, but putting on Christ means that we now belong to Christ and that we all become members of Christ’s body, regardless of earthly status. All in all, it means we obtain a new identity that is inseparable from Christ. Since our new identity is now intimately attached to Christ, we must live in a godly way, worthy of this new status."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Sons of God","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:29)"},{"k":"q","t":"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (Galatians 4:6-7)"},{"k":"p","t":"Paul’s concluding point from the previous passage adds another spiritual effect resulting from baptism. He essentially says that after baptism we obtain a new spiritual status as the sons of God."},{"k":"p","t":"Originally, as non-Jews, we were strangers and outsiders to God’s covenant and promise with Abraham. However, through baptism we belong to Christ, receiving a spiritual adopted as sons. Since we are sons, we have a right to the inheritance of Abraham’s descendants. In the book of Hebrews, Scripture explains that this is ultimately referring to the heavenly kingdom."},{"k":"p","t":"Those who receive baptism are also promised the Holy Spirit. This Spirit of Jesus Christ is given to us and cries out “Abba, Father!” reflecting our newly gained status as sons and rightful heirs through Christ."},{"k":"p","t":"Again, since we receive such a glorious status after baptism, it requires us to truly live a new life worthy of it. Those who are baptized and led by the Spirt are called to live righteously and blamelessly, yielding not to sin but to the Spirit."},{"k":"p","t":"If you are considering baptism in the true church, then you must be determined to live a new life befitting of all the statuses reviewed in this session. We are washed to be reborn and resurrected, sanctified and justified, putting on Christ, and becoming the sons of God. Truly, what a glorious grace and gift! What glory and riches are yet to be revealed! After our baptism, may we indeed walk in the newness of life."}]}]},{"k":"h2","t":"Household Baptism","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Thus far in this topic we have established how baptism is intimately connected with salvation in Jesus Christ. If administered biblically, the key link is that Jesus’ precious blood cleanses away our sins in the baptismal waters. We receive a glorious spiritual status that beckons us to live for Christ. In this final segment of this topic, we would like to briefly talk about household baptism."},{"k":"p","t":"We know that for us as adults we have the ability to believe in Jesus, repent for our sins, and make a decision to be baptized. But what about our children? If they are too young to believe and repent, can they receive baptism too?"},{"k":"h3","t":"An Old Testament Prefiguration","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"q","t":"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (1 Corinthians 10:1-2 (ESV))"},{"k":"p","t":"One famous event in the history of the Israelites was how God delivered them from bondage in Egypt through his servant Moses. As they were making their exodus they were obstructed by the Red Sea, but God miraculously opened a path of escape in the middle of the water. In the Corinthians passage we just read, Paul interprets these events as a prefiguration of Christians who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. In the overall context, Paul was warning the Corinthians not to displease the Lord and therefore disqualify themselves from salvation like the storied Israelites did in the wilderness."},{"k":"p","t":"Paul’s interpretation and wording here is insightful. It confirms to us that the exodus prefigures Jesus’ salvation. That entire nation is described to have been “baptized” when they passed through the sea. If God allowed the young of the Israelites to leave Egypt and cross the sea, though they didn’t have the capacity to make such a decision, wouldn’t He also accept the children of those who decide to believe in Jesus Christ and receive water baptism? They surely have the privilege to be baptized too."},{"k":"p","t":"How God graciously dealt with the wilderness generation and their children was consistent with how God saved entire households. God saved righteous Noah and his entire household. The angels saved Lot and his entire household."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"New Testament Examples","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"When the church era commenced, the apostles preached and made disciples, baptizing all of the converts just as Jesus had commanded them. Though the Bible doesn’t specifically mention the baptism of children, it does mention the baptism of entire households. The first example is the baptism of Lydia’s family:"},{"k":"q","t":"One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:14-15 (ESV))"},{"k":"p","t":"Another example is the baptism of the Philippian jailer’s entire household."},{"k":"p","t":"And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. (Acts 16:32-34 (ESV))"},{"k":"p","t":"In both cases, we can see that entire households were baptized when the head of household believed in Jesus Christ."}]},{"k":"h3","t":"Why Baptize Our Children?","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"p","t":"Having confirmed that indeed we can baptize our children let us address the question, “Why?”"},{"k":"p","t":"Why? For the same reason we would seek to get baptized—to receive the forgiveness of sins through the cleansing of Jesus’ blood. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, including infants and children."},{"k":"q","t":"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned… (Romans 5:12 (ESV))"},{"k":"p","t":"Romans also tells us the wages of sin is death. Since infants and children also die, we see that spiritually they are not innocent before God."},{"k":"p","t":"Therefore, baptizing our children would wash away their sins. They would also then be justified before God."},{"k":"p","t":"Truly God desires that all men be saved, starting from each household."}]}]},{"k":"h2","t":"FAQ","fold":true,"c":[{"k":"oli","t":"Isn’t belief enough for salvation? Why do we need baptism? "},{"k":"oli","t":"Is baptism only an expression of salvation and remission of sins? "},{"k":"oli","t":"Why did Jesus need to be baptized? "},{"k":"oli","t":"Is the mode of baptism important? "},{"k":"oli","t":"Why does baptism have to be performed in natural flowing water only? "},{"k":"oli","t":"Is infant baptism biblical? "},{"k":"p","t":" Answers"}]}],"pages":[],"prev":{"n":3,"title":"Salvation"},"next":{"n":5,"title":"Footwashing"}}