1. Who Should Be Baptized? 
The people who heard Peter's Pentecost sermon asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?  He answered, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for  the forgiveness of sins . . . "  -Acts 2:37,38

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."  -Acts 8:12

"Simon himself believed, and was baptized.  And he followed Philip everywhere. . ."  -Acts 8:13

Conclusion
In their records of baptism, it is indicated that the person first "repented" of sin and "believed" in Christ and then was baptized.  One must be a believer in Christ to be eligible for baptism.
  
2. Why Be Baptized?
To follow Christ's example. 
A Christian is a "follower of Christ."  "Jesus . . . was baptized by John in the Jordan."  -Mark 1:9-11

Christ commanded it.
He instructed His disciples to:  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  -Matthew 28:19

It is the pattern followed by New Testament believers. 
". . . many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized."  -Acts 18:8

It is a symbol and a pledge of your salvation. 
"Water symbolized 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. . . . "  -I Peter 3:21

Conclusion
It shows our loyalty and obedience to Christ and His Word.  "We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands."  -1 John 2:3
 
3. How Are We To Be Baptized? 
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water."  -Matthew 3:16

". . . then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water . . ."  -Acts 8:38-39

The founders of the denominations agree:
Martin Luther: "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.

John Calvin: "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse.  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

John Wesley: "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing, by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

Conclusion
These Scriptures indicate, and it has been traditionally accepted, that early believers were immersed in water.
 
4. When Are We To Be Baptized? 
The most detailed example of baptism is found in Acts 8 where Philip told the eunuch about Christ:

"Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.  As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the Eunuch said, "Look, here is water.  Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 
"Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him."  -Acts 8:35-38

Conclusion
There is no reason for delay.  As soon as a person declares his belief in Christ, he can be baptized.
 
5. What Is The Meaning Of Baptism? 
The Greek word "Bapto" means "to dip" or "to wash".  Water baptism is an external symbol of the internal washing and renewal that takes place when one believes in Christ.  ". . . He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit . . ."  -Titus 3:5

Baptism is also a symbol of one's union by faith with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection.  ". . .or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  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 6:3-5
  
Baptism is a public confession of our new life in Christ and a sign of our obedience to his Word.

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor John at john@livingspring.com or (714) 638-8765
 
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