Some of us have been immersed. Some of us were sprinkled, and some were
"double-dipped." But no matter form it takes, most of us who are Christians
will be baptized. Today we look at some of what God's word has to say about
baptism.
Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV) Then Jesus arrived from Galilee
at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent
Him, saying, ""I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?''
But Jesus answering said to him, ""Permit it at this time; for in this way
it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.'' Then he permitted Him.
After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold,
the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove
and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "" This
is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.''
Acts 2:38-39 (NIV) Peter replied, "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. The promise is for
you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord
our God will call."
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV) There is one body and one Spirit--
just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one
faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through
all and in all.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV) The body is a unit, though
it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form
one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into
one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the
one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of
many.
Galations 3:26-28 (NIV) You are all sons of God through
faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have
clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor
free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Acts 16:32-34 (NIV) Then they spoke the word of the Lord
to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the
jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his
family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal
before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he
and his whole family.
1 Peter 3:21-22 (NIV) And this water symbolizes baptism
that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge
of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels,
authorities and powers in submission to him.