Biblical Baptism
Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19,20).
The rite of Christian baptism is simply a symbol. Unless a man believes in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9) and repents of sin (Acts 2:38; Matthew 19:18), baptism can be of no value to him. In other words, there is no saving power in the ceremony itself, apart from faith and submission in the heart of the one receiving the service.
It is fully as important to teach men to observe the things Christ has commanded as it is to baptize them. In fact, faith in Christ calls for constant growth in the truth. Peter taught, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Christian Leaders Should Baptize Believers
God ordained the disciples to pick the pastors, elders and deacons and lay hands on them to be able to conduct ministerial duties of teaching the people and afterwards the service of baptism. Those that conduct the service of baptism have the responsibility of teaching the word of God to the applicants. Instruction is thus of vital importance before and after baptism. Without adequate instruction in the great truths of the gospel, there can be no true religious life.
Therefore, it was necessary that the religious leaders were fully equipped in the knowledge of the scriptures to prepare the new believers to be part of the body of Christ. There is no record in the Bible of believers baptizing one another. This rite is reserved to those that teach God’s Word whom have been ordained by God to do this service.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
