Lesson 2 - Why must a person be baptized?
If you understand the thought process behind this argument and know the book, chapter and verse where they are "based," you will be prepared to rightly divide the word of God with them (2 Timothy 2:15).
1. The Blood - All people who call themselves Christians believe that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses sin, and of course this is correct. The question then is when a person comes in contact, and clothed with, His blood. Have them open their Bible and read the following verses together:
Acts 2:38
Romans 6:3
Galatians 3:27
Discuss how these verses show clearly that baptism is the point at which sins are forgiven through contact with the death (blood) of Christ to cloth us in Him. It is the forgiveness of sins that moves a soul from a lost state to one of salvation. Also discuss that the "sinner's prayer" is not found, in any form, in the scriptures.
2. Example - Biblical example is a powerful testimony as to how we should conduct ourselves today. If first century Christians, under the watchful eye of the Apostles, did things a certain way, then it stands to reason we should follow their example. Every single Biblical account of a conversion to Christianity required baptism. There is never an example of a person receiving Christ through prayer or by faith alone.
3. The "works" argument - Some will declare that "works" that cannot save us. There argument is partially true in that God's grace is what does the saving but we are commanded to obey, which is by definition a necessary work (James 2:14-25 eph 24). The Romans obedience chain is useful in showing this. Note: It is interesting to note that the faith only doctrine has its roots in a rebellion from the Catholic Church who require MANY works (most of which were not scripturally based) and this is why "works" has such a bad name in Christendom.
4. "Faith only" argument - The "faith only" argument is grounded primarily in the following passages. Most people will know only a little about the verses and be able to only quote bits, pieces and general thoughts. If you know where the verses are found and know the background on them, you will establish creditability with the prospect.
John 1:12
John 3:16
John's book was written to establish faith in Christ among nonbelievers. He focuses on Christ's rightful place in the Godhood and establishes He was indeed the promised Messiah. Although John doesn't deal with Jesus' baptism extensively he by no means teaches faith is all that is needed (see John 3:5). His gospel focuses on an audience that needed to understand and grasp the first step toward become a Christian. The remainder of the Bible contains other steps. John's goal was not to overwhelm his readers, but instead lead them to the truth.
Acts 3:19
This verse is used to suggest that a person is converted and becomes saved at the point of repentance. Notice, however, that the verse does not say "repent and you are converted," it says "repent and be converted." This is a substantial difference. Looking at these verses alone, the act of "being converted" is actually quite vague since we are not instructed on how this is completed. Since the verse is vague we must find a parallel verse that more clearly teaches us how to be converted. Acts 2:38 is the perfect companion verse:
The teaching in Acts 2:38 is absolutely parallel to Acts 3:19 and fills in the details. We must always use the clearest passages to help learn from those that are less clear.
Potential "Objection" Passages
Romans 10:8-13
Here Paul makes a powerful statement "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." This verse has three parts. 1). A person must believe in their heart, 2) This belief results in justification (righteousness), 3) Confession is necessary to be saved. The belief and confession (In Acts 8:37 we see a wonderful example of this) parts of the verse are self explanatory but the justification portion begs a little further study. Reading this verse in its proper context we see one must call on the name of the Lord (v13) to receive this justification. One must ask if Paul himself ever "calls on the name of the Lord?" The answer is found in Acts 22:16 where you will notice that this calling was the very act of baptism.
Ephesians 2:8-9
You'll see this verse on signs in the yards of many denominational minded people. Paul, of course, wrote the book to the saints at Ephesus (v.1). Ask the prospect, who, or what, are saints? Of course the answer is Christians. If the book was written to Christians, why would Paul be telling them how to become Christians? Clearly this passage cannot be instructional in the process of becoming a Christian. Instead Paul is imparting a Christian principle of truth, that God saves us through Hid grace and we don't "earn" our way to heaven.
This entire book only mentions baptism once (4:5). The lack of emphasis on baptism is clearly because the audience members were already Christians and didn't need to be instructed about what they had already done.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Paul here sternly admonishes the church at Corinth because they are placing emphasis on who baptized them and not on Christ. He expresses gladness that he didn't baptize any of them (except the few he mentions) because he did not want any glory attributed to himself. Paul was a preacher who would come into town (or write a letter) and boldly lay down the law. He didn't spend a lot of time with the "details" and therefore declares he wasn't spent to baptize but preach. He doesn't say baptism is not necessary, just that it wasn't his primary focus. The same is true today when missionaries go into foreign fields. Many will not baptize the locals for fear that those they immerse will have an allegiance to them when instead they should be wholly devoted to the Lord.
Luke 18:9-14
In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector Jesus is drawing comparison between two attitudes regarding humility. The tax collectors humble prayer left him "justified" while the Pharisee's did not. It must be noted, however, that both men Jews and therefore within God "family" before they even came to the temple. They had come to further their relationship with God, not establish one. Furthermore these events occured when the old Law was still in effect when sin was removed in a different way than it is under the New Testament (although the New Testament does require prayer for forgiveness once a person is a baptized Christian - see Acts 8:22 and context).
5. Plain Teaching - After establishing points 1 - 4 it is time to let the Bible speak plainly. The scriptures flat out declare that baptism saves:
A. Mark 16:16
Discuss the five views of Mark 16:16
1. He who believes and baptized will NOT be saved.
a. Atheist
b. Non-Christian religion (Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc).
2. He who does NOT believe and is NOT baptized will be saved.
a. Universalist
3. He who does NOT believe and is baptized will be saved.
a. Infant baptism
4. He who believes and is NOT baptized will be saved.
a. Faith only salvation
5. He who believes and is baptized will be saved.
a. The only view not in need of further explanation
B. 1 Peter 3:21
Print
If you understand the thought process behind this argument and know the book, chapter and verse where they are "based," you will be prepared to rightly divide the word of God with them (2 Timothy 2:15).
1. The Blood - All people who call themselves Christians believe that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses sin, and of course this is correct. The question then is when a person comes in contact, and clothed with, His blood. Have them open their Bible and read the following verses together:
Acts 2:38
Romans 6:3
Galatians 3:27
Discuss how these verses show clearly that baptism is the point at which sins are forgiven through contact with the death (blood) of Christ to cloth us in Him. It is the forgiveness of sins that moves a soul from a lost state to one of salvation. Also discuss that the "sinner's prayer" is not found, in any form, in the scriptures.
2. Example - Biblical example is a powerful testimony as to how we should conduct ourselves today. If first century Christians, under the watchful eye of the Apostles, did things a certain way, then it stands to reason we should follow their example. Every single Biblical account of a conversion to Christianity required baptism. There is never an example of a person receiving Christ through prayer or by faith alone.
| Acts 2:41 |
Acts 16:30-33 |
| Acts 8:12-13 |
Acts 18:8 |
| Acts 8:35-39 |
Acts 19:3-5 |
| Acts 10:47-48 |
Acts 22:1-16 |
| Acts 16:14-15 |
3. The "works" argument - Some will declare that "works" that cannot save us. There argument is partially true in that God's grace is what does the saving but we are commanded to obey, which is by definition a necessary work (James 2:14-25 eph 24). The Romans obedience chain is useful in showing this. Note: It is interesting to note that the faith only doctrine has its roots in a rebellion from the Catholic Church who require MANY works (most of which were not scripturally based) and this is why "works" has such a bad name in Christendom.
| Romans 1:5 |
Romans 10:16 |
| Romans 2:8 |
Romans 15:18 |
| Romans 5:19 |
Romans 16:19 |
| Romans 6:17 |
Romans 16:26 |
4. "Faith only" argument - The "faith only" argument is grounded primarily in the following passages. Most people will know only a little about the verses and be able to only quote bits, pieces and general thoughts. If you know where the verses are found and know the background on them, you will establish creditability with the prospect.
John 1:12
John 3:16
John's book was written to establish faith in Christ among nonbelievers. He focuses on Christ's rightful place in the Godhood and establishes He was indeed the promised Messiah. Although John doesn't deal with Jesus' baptism extensively he by no means teaches faith is all that is needed (see John 3:5). His gospel focuses on an audience that needed to understand and grasp the first step toward become a Christian. The remainder of the Bible contains other steps. John's goal was not to overwhelm his readers, but instead lead them to the truth.
Acts 3:19
This verse is used to suggest that a person is converted and becomes saved at the point of repentance. Notice, however, that the verse does not say "repent and you are converted," it says "repent and be converted." This is a substantial difference. Looking at these verses alone, the act of "being converted" is actually quite vague since we are not instructed on how this is completed. Since the verse is vague we must find a parallel verse that more clearly teaches us how to be converted. Acts 2:38 is the perfect companion verse:
| Acts 2:38 |
Acts 3:19 |
| Repent |
Repent therefore |
| and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ |
and be converted |
| for the remission of sins |
that your sins may be blotted out |
| and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit |
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord |
The teaching in Acts 2:38 is absolutely parallel to Acts 3:19 and fills in the details. We must always use the clearest passages to help learn from those that are less clear.
Potential "Objection" Passages
Romans 10:8-13
Here Paul makes a powerful statement "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." This verse has three parts. 1). A person must believe in their heart, 2) This belief results in justification (righteousness), 3) Confession is necessary to be saved. The belief and confession (In Acts 8:37 we see a wonderful example of this) parts of the verse are self explanatory but the justification portion begs a little further study. Reading this verse in its proper context we see one must call on the name of the Lord (v13) to receive this justification. One must ask if Paul himself ever "calls on the name of the Lord?" The answer is found in Acts 22:16 where you will notice that this calling was the very act of baptism.
Ephesians 2:8-9
You'll see this verse on signs in the yards of many denominational minded people. Paul, of course, wrote the book to the saints at Ephesus (v.1). Ask the prospect, who, or what, are saints? Of course the answer is Christians. If the book was written to Christians, why would Paul be telling them how to become Christians? Clearly this passage cannot be instructional in the process of becoming a Christian. Instead Paul is imparting a Christian principle of truth, that God saves us through Hid grace and we don't "earn" our way to heaven.
This entire book only mentions baptism once (4:5). The lack of emphasis on baptism is clearly because the audience members were already Christians and didn't need to be instructed about what they had already done.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Paul here sternly admonishes the church at Corinth because they are placing emphasis on who baptized them and not on Christ. He expresses gladness that he didn't baptize any of them (except the few he mentions) because he did not want any glory attributed to himself. Paul was a preacher who would come into town (or write a letter) and boldly lay down the law. He didn't spend a lot of time with the "details" and therefore declares he wasn't spent to baptize but preach. He doesn't say baptism is not necessary, just that it wasn't his primary focus. The same is true today when missionaries go into foreign fields. Many will not baptize the locals for fear that those they immerse will have an allegiance to them when instead they should be wholly devoted to the Lord.
Luke 18:9-14
In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector Jesus is drawing comparison between two attitudes regarding humility. The tax collectors humble prayer left him "justified" while the Pharisee's did not. It must be noted, however, that both men Jews and therefore within God "family" before they even came to the temple. They had come to further their relationship with God, not establish one. Furthermore these events occured when the old Law was still in effect when sin was removed in a different way than it is under the New Testament (although the New Testament does require prayer for forgiveness once a person is a baptized Christian - see Acts 8:22 and context).
5. Plain Teaching - After establishing points 1 - 4 it is time to let the Bible speak plainly. The scriptures flat out declare that baptism saves:
A. Mark 16:16
Discuss the five views of Mark 16:16
1. He who believes and baptized will NOT be saved.
a. Atheist
b. Non-Christian religion (Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc).
2. He who does NOT believe and is NOT baptized will be saved.
a. Universalist
3. He who does NOT believe and is baptized will be saved.
a. Infant baptism
4. He who believes and is NOT baptized will be saved.
a. Faith only salvation
5. He who believes and is baptized will be saved.
a. The only view not in need of further explanation
B. 1 Peter 3:21
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." "And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." "And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway."
"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."
"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."
"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism." "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
"Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you." "(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)" "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day." "And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." "As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished." "And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me." "And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" "And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." "And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me." "And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do." "And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus." "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there," "Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him." "And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth." For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
"And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." "And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food," "And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?"
"By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:"
"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?"
"But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"
"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,"
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
"For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil."
"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."
"But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;" "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
"And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: "Not of works, lest any man should boast."
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you." "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;" Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. "And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other." "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:" "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
