baptizo, Greek 907, Strong's (Matt. 28:19 - Acts 22:16)
baptizo, bap-tid'-zo; from a derivative of Greek 911 (bapto); to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N.T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technical) of the ordinance of Christian baptism :- baptist, baptize, wash.

SOME REASONS FOR WATER BAPTISM

Acts 22:16 - BE BAPTIZED - Water baptism accompanied the proclamation of the gospel from the beginning of the church's mission (Acts 2:38,41). It was a rite of Christian initiation used in the N. T. to indicate that a person was committing himself or herself fully to Jesus Christ. By going into the baptismal water in the name of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19) or of Christ (19:5), believers visibly demonstrated their faith before the Christian community.

1.-- Water baptism "into Christ" (Gal.3:27) or "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38; -Matt.28:19) signifies that one now is the property of Christ and has a share in His life, His Spirit, and His Sonship to God. (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal 3:26 -4:7).

2. --Water baptism is a response of the believer to what Christ has done for him. To be valid, it must be preceded by repentance (Acts 2:38) and a personal faith in Christ. (Col. 2:12)

3.-- Water baptism, when undertaken with a sincere heart of faith and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior, is a means of receiving grace; or a good conscience toward God. (1 Pet. 3:20-21).
(Peter said that baptism was an anti-type to Noah's obedient faith, and that we are saved by faith in the resurrection, not the washing.)

4.-- Water baptism is an outward sign and testimony of our receiving Christ as Lord and Savior and of the washing away of our sins (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; I Pet. 3:21).

5.-- Water baptism portrays the union of the believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:1-11; Col. 2:11-12). This signifies an end (i.e."death") to a life of sin (Rom. 6:3-4,7-12; Col.3:3-14) and the beginning of a new life in Christ (Rom. 6:4-5,11; Col.2:12-13). Therefore, water baptism involves a commitment to a lifelong practice of turning one's back on the world and all that is evil and pledging oneself to live a new life in the Spirit that reflects God's standards of righteousness (Col.2:1-17).

By: Pastor Paul Ratliff
Wynnewood Assembly Of God
Wynnewood OK 73098
E-mail: wynnewoodaog@att.net

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