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BAPTISM
This subject is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. Baptism is the outward display of an inner change. When someone receives Christ as there Lord and Savior the word tells us that a public display should follow. To be baptized in our opinion should be done by immersion in water. By being immersed in the water and than brought out again is symbolic of the death, burial (the immersion part) and resurrection (coming out of the water part) of Jesus Christ. It also symbolizes the washing away of your sins by the blood of Jesus. Baptism should not be taken lightly and should be done only after one understands salvation and desires to have a close and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
The following scripture explains why Baptism is Important. If you are a new Christian or want to become a Believer, then the scripture below will assist you in your decisions.
First off, John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and went around the country preaching to the people about the love of God and that all should repent of there sins. He was called John the Baptizer because he did just that, baptized people for the forgiveness of there sins.
More info about John the Baptist and who he was.
Baptisms of John the Baptist: “Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One(Jesus) among you whom you do not know. 27It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” (John 1:24-27)
Baptism as a Sign of Repentance:
Matthew 3:5-6:
5Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; 6and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.
What Baptism Symbolizes: “John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” (Mark 1:4); (c) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
You see, baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
Why Jesus Wanted to Be Baptized:
Matthew 3: 13-17:
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized; he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Jesus tells us to : “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19)
Who can be baptized:
Mark 16:15-16
15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Any one can be saved and baptized for the forgiveness of their sin. You just have to take a step of faith in the one who first stood up for you and paid the ultimate price for you. Jesus.
John 3:16 says it plainly:
16"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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