The Five B's of Bible Baptism Article

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UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#41
No one believes our Savior and Lord, Jesus, Yeshua, had dany need to wash Himself of sin for He did not sin...……...
Yet He, as the Servant of the Father, and as the Lamb of God, was baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness.

This is why I was baptized long after I had received the Holy Spirit. It was the right thing (for me) to do. What about you?
I agree.

It was the right thing to do, but doesn't convey grace.

It seems like you understand that too :)
 

UnitedWithChrist

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Aug 12, 2019
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#42
Matthew chapter 21 is another scripture that speaks truth about water baptism.

Jesus questions religious leaders about where the baptism of John came from. After their refusal to admit baptism's origins, Jesus speaks a parable and afterward says publicans and harlots will enter the kingdom of God before the religious leaders. Why? Jesus answered. John came to you IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND YOU DID NOT BELIEVE HIM. Clearly getting water baptized is doing the will of the Father and the consequences for not obeying are dire.

"The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain DID THE WILL OF HIS FATHER? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." Matt 21:25-31

WHY?

"FOR John came unto you IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and YE BELIEVED HIM NOT: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him." Matt 21:32

The following scripture expresses the importance of doing the will of the Father:

Matt 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Are you a Trinitarian? Do you believe in the full deity of Jesus Christ?

If you aren't a Trinitarian, then we have nothing to discuss.

If you are a Trinitarian, then we can have a discussion.

By the way, what was the purpose of the baptism of John? Was it different than Christian baptism?

Additionally, the intention of Jesus was to reveal the deceptiveness of the Jewish leaders.

If they acknowledged that John's baptism was from God, then they would have to acknowledge Jesus, because John witnessed to Jesus.

Don't you understand that? Go back and read the context.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#43
By the way, my opinion is that if someone is an anti-Trinitarian, they aren't even a Christian, so they have nothing to teach me.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#44
Are you a Trinitarian? Do you believe in the full deity of Jesus Christ?

If you aren't a Trinitarian, then we have nothing to discuss.

If you are a Trinitarian, then we can have a discussion.

By the way, what was the purpose of the baptism of John? Was it different than Christian baptism?

Additionally, the intention of Jesus was to reveal the deceptiveness of the Jewish leaders.

If they acknowledged that John's baptism was from God, then they would have to acknowledge Jesus, because John witnessed to Jesus.

Don't you understand that? Go back and read the context.
I find it interesting when people swing the conversation elsewhere instead of responding directly to clear points taken from scripture. John's witnessing to Jesus is obvious. Matthew 21 is addressing the portion of John's message specific to the need for the baptism of repentance associated with belief. Jesus asked: The baptism of John — where was it from? From heaven or from men?"

If you don't mind, using scripture, please provide the answer to the questions you posed: "By the way, what was the purpose of the baptism of John? Was it different than Christian baptism?"
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#45
By the way, what was the purpose of the baptism of John? Was it different than Christian baptism?
I asked you to answer your own questions if you didn't mind. However, I will be happy to answer them first if you like.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#46
By the way, my opinion is that if someone is an anti-Trinitarian, they aren't even a Christian, so they have nothing to teach me.
The Word of God is the ultimate teacher. We can be guaranteed that God will replace any error in understanding with truth found in His Word.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#47
The Word of God is the ultimate teacher. We can be guaranteed that God will replace any error in understanding with truth found in His Word.
If you're not Trinitarian, I won't reason with you, because I don't think you're a believer if you are anti-Trinitarian.

Since your doctrine sounds like Oneness Pentecostalism, I suspect you are not.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#48
I find it interesting when people swing the conversation elsewhere instead of responding directly to clear points taken from scripture. John's witnessing to Jesus is obvious. Matthew 21 is addressing the portion of John's message specific to the need for the baptism of repentance associated with belief. Jesus asked: The baptism of John — where was it from? From heaven or from men?"

If you don't mind, using scripture, please provide the answer to the questions you posed: "By the way, what was the purpose of the baptism of John? Was it different than Christian baptism?"
Matthew 21 was a clever way of Jesus exposing the Jewish leaders' intentions. He asked them if John's baptism came from God. If they answered yes, then this would have validated Jesus' ministry. If they had answered no, then the people would have been upset.

With John's baptism, if you are claiming it was a Christian baptism, then my response would be, why were those who experienced John's baptism baptized AGAIN in Acts 19?

John's baptism was to impress upon Jews that they were not clean by virtue of being physical descendants of Abraham. They were required to wash themselves to show that they were not. This was preparatory to the coming of Jesus. It demonstrated the humility and admission of guilt for their sins.

And, if it was a Christian baptism, then you have a problem because those baptized by John were re-baptized in Acts 19.

Why? They didn't even know Jesus' name, so how could they identify with him? They knew, through John's teaching, that they were not justified due to their identification with Abraham, but they didn't know that they needed to be identified with Jesus.

Acts 19:1-7 1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
(ESV)

That is why the "name of Jesus" is mentioned here. It isn't because a Triune baptism is inappropriate. It is because they needed to be identified with Jesus, the Savior who bought them.

We know from Matthew 28:18-20 that Jesus had no issue with a Triune baptism. This is something that anti-Trinitarians cannot acknowledge. They must clasp their hands over their eyes when it comes to that verse, and either ignore or deny it.

JESUS HIMSELF SAID IT, THEREFORE IT IS TRUE. AND THOSE WHO DENY IT ARE TEACHING FALSELY.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

Notice, I have no problem with the claim that baptism is a command. I do have problems with those who claim that baptism causes salvation, because this is false. God regenerates the person, causing him to respond in faith and repentance, and that is what salvation is about.

Ephesians 1:13-14 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (ESV)

And, again, I will point to Acts 10, where Cornelius and his family were saved before they were baptized. A Oneness Pentecostal should be able to see that this is true, since they claim tongues are a necessary evidence of salvation, and they were speaking in tongues prior to baptism.

I don't agree with their claims regarding tongues, including the fact that tongues are not gibberish but real languages in the book of Acts, but even using their logic, they should be able to see they are being inconsistent by claiming salvation occurs at water baptism.

By the way, I changed my mind and decided to respond to you anyways. I'm fickle that way :)
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#49
Matthew 21 was a clever way of Jesus exposing the Jewish leaders' intentions. He asked them if John's baptism came from God. If they answered yes, then this would have validated Jesus' ministry. If they had answered no, then the people would have been upset.

With John's baptism, if you are claiming it was a Christian baptism, then my response would be, why were those who experienced John's baptism baptized AGAIN in Acts 19?

John's baptism was to impress upon Jews that they were not clean by virtue of being physical descendants of Abraham. They were required to wash themselves to show that they were not. This was preparatory to the coming of Jesus. It demonstrated the humility and admission of guilt for their sins.

And, if it was a Christian baptism, then you have a problem because those baptized by John were re-baptized in Acts 19.

Why? They didn't even know Jesus' name, so how could they identify with him? They knew, through John's teaching, that they were not justified due to their identification with Abraham, but they didn't know that they needed to be identified with Jesus.

Acts 19:1-7 1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
(ESV)

That is why the "name of Jesus" is mentioned here. It isn't because a Triune baptism is inappropriate. It is because they needed to be identified with Jesus, the Savior who bought them.

We know from Matthew 28:18-20 that Jesus had no issue with a Triune baptism. This is something that anti-Trinitarians cannot acknowledge. They must clasp their hands over their eyes when it comes to that verse, and either ignore or deny it.

JESUS HIMSELF SAID IT, THEREFORE IT IS TRUE. AND THOSE WHO DENY IT ARE TEACHING FALSELY.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

Notice, I have no problem with the claim that baptism is a command. I do have problems with those who claim that baptism causes salvation, because this is false. God regenerates the person, causing him to respond in faith and repentance, and that is what salvation is about.

Ephesians 1:13-14 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (ESV)

And, again, I will point to Acts 10, where Cornelius and his family were saved before they were baptized. A Oneness Pentecostal should be able to see that this is true, since they claim tongues are a necessary evidence of salvation, and they were speaking in tongues prior to baptism.

I don't agree with their claims regarding tongues, including the fact that tongues are not gibberish but real languages in the book of Acts, but even using their logic, they should be able to see they are being inconsistent by claiming salvation occurs at water baptism.

By the way, I changed my mind and decided to respond to you anyways. I'm fickle that way :)
Thank you for continuing the discussion. I share what I see in the Word in an effort to help others and learn as well. God will ultimately give the increase to those with willing hearts. I for one want to always have ears to hear and a heart to receive correction when it's needed.

As far as water baptism is concerned I received revelation concerning what Jesus actually said in Matthew 28:19 long after I had been water baptized in the titles. Jesus said to baptize in the name (singular) of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Further study revealed that the name of Jesus is the only way anyone was water baptized in the Word. (Acts 2:38, 8:12-17, 10:44-48, 19:2-6) You mention this fact in your comments concerning Acts 19. Usage of the titles began much later and was instituted by the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church. To this day the Catholic church boasts that all Protestant churches are their brothers and sisters because of their common water baptism. (Vatican City, Jan 25, 2018 / 10:51 am (CNA/EWTN News)

Also, I am curious why you would not accept the components of water baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost as essential to salvation when Peter mentioned them along with the need for repentance after accepting Jesus as the Savior? (Acts 2:38)

As far as Cornelius, you seem to missing the importance of he and the others accepting Peter's entire message. They were commanded to get water baptized in Jesus' name after receiving the infilling of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 10:44-48)

I tend to think that the following Thessalonians scripture regarding the spirit, soul and body points to the possible spiritual workings of obedience in repentance, water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost and the affect on each individual part of man. Any thoughts?

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 5:23
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#51
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

"And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."1 John 5:7-8

Being born again takes place after obedience to repentance, water baptism, and infilling of the Holy Ghost because these three agree in one (Spiritual birth) as stated in 1 John above.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
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#52
Thought this article explained water baptism very well. Hope you enjoy!

"There is much confusion about baptism. Many do not believe a person must be baptized to be saved from his sins. Others say baptism is necessary for salvation. Some say sprinkling or pouring are acceptable forms of baptism. Others say only immersion in water is acceptable. There is only one way to settle the confusion about baptism. We must go to the New Testament, which is the law for all men today. What does the Bible tell us about baptism?

The five "B's" of Bible baptism.

1st B - Baptism is a BURIAL. Notice the Apostle Paul's statement in (Romans 6:3,4). "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 Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Paul states clearly that baptism is a burial. To bury something is to cover it completely. Sprinkling or pouring will not substitute for the burial which baptism demands. In fact, the word "baptism" itself means “to immerse, dip, plunge." Bible baptism is a burial.

2nd B - Baptism is for BELIEVERS. Bible baptism is for those who can show they believe in Jesus, the Son of God. In (Mark 16:16), Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Nowhere in the New Testament will one find a person baptized who was not able to express his belief in Christ. In (Acts 8:12) we read, "But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized." Notice that "both men and women” were baptized, not little children. Why? Because baptism is for believers, not babies. Babies are born innocent. They are not guilty of the sins of their parents, as some teach (Ezekiel 18:20). Jesus used little children as examples of humility, and said we must become like them to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5). Would Jesus use sinful children as examples of what we must become to be pleasing to God? Certainly not!

3rd B - Baptism comes BEFORE forgiveness of sins. Jesus made this clear in His statement, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved: but he who does not believe will be condemned." Jesus said belief AND baptism bring salvation. He did not say belief brings salvation, and then one is baptized. One cannot be saved without baptism. In (Acts 22:16), Saul of Tarsus, a man who believed in Christ, repented, and confessed Jesus as Lord, still had to be baptized to wash away his sins. There is not a single instance in the New Testament where anyone was said to be saved until he was baptized. Baptism comes BEFORE forgiveness.

4th B - Baptism is the BIRTH of the Christian. It is the beginning of the Christian's life. In (John 3:5), Jesus told a man named Nicodemus, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." To be born of water and the Spirit involves being baptized in water in obedience to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. How does the Spirit teach us? He does so through the Word of God. In the New Testament we learn of the importance of being baptized in water. So it is the Spirit who teaches us to be baptized as we read His Word. This is what the apostle Paul meant in (1 Corinthians 12:13). "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." Paul says all must be baptized into the body of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22,23). It is by the teaching of the Spirit through the Word that we learn of our need to do this. Then, we must "drink into one Spirit," which means we are to continue to study the Word which the Holy Spirit has given--the New Testament. We must grow in our knowledge of God's Word, and we must remain faithful in the one church (Revelation 2:10).

5th B - The final “B” is that Bible baptism is where the BLOOD of Christ is applied to cleanse us from our sins. Can a person be saved from his sins without the blood of Christ? No! But only in baptism is the blood applied from Heaven to take away our sins. The blood of Jesus was shed in His death. The soldier pierced the side of the slain Saviour of the world, and "immediately blood and water came out" (John 19:34). Then, in (Romans 6:3-4), Paul speaks of being buried in the "likeness" of Christ's death through baptism. The blood that was shed in Christ's death is reached only in the likeness of His death--baptism. In (Revelation 1:4-5), John says Jesus washed us from our sins in His blood. When does that washing take place? It is the washing of baptism. Remember the blood of Jesus is applied to wash away our sins.

We should never forget the five “B’s” of baptism. They remind us of what the Bible teaches about this very important subject. The Bible says baptism is a BURIAL. It is for BELIEVERS, those who can express their belief in Christ. It comes BEFORE forgiveness of sins. It is the BIRTH of the Christian, and it is where the precious BLOOD of Jesus is applied to wash away our sins."

From the International Bible Teaching Ministries website, a non-profit mission of the churches of Christ teaching the good news around the world. We understand that the Bible is complete. God said many times that adding to or subtracting from His Word is sinful (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19). Therefore, we only teach the Bible. We do not use man-made doctrines.
Yes. I totally agree with these verses of the Bible. I might add that there is only 1 baptism that is recognized in the scriptures for salvation, and that is water baptism —not Holy Spirit baptism. Holy Spirit baptism was never commanded for everyone. It was given to a few people in the scriptures often as a sign of God’s approval or To confirm Gods word. It is not something that man controls but is administered at Gods discretions and on God’s time not mans. So man can not just decide to get Holy Spirit baptism. Ephesians 4:4 says there is one baptism just like there is one Lord and one God.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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#53
Holy Spirit baptism was never commanded for everyone. It was given to a few people in the scriptures often as a sign of God’s approval or To confirm Gods word. It is not something that man controls but is administered at Gods discretions and on God’s time not mans. So man can not just decide to get Holy Spirit baptism. Ephesians 4:4 says there is one baptism just like there is one Lord and one God.
I would respectfully disagree with some of your points. Through the biblical record it is clear that all groups of peoples; Jewish, Gentile and Samaritan are represented as receiving the Holy Spirit. No group or individual was excluded. Peter also said that the promised gift was available to all the Lord shall call. (Acts 2:39) God is still calling people.

The scriptures below indicate that one can receive the Holy Ghost in various ways; through the laying on of hands, or by God spontaneously pouring it into the individual. Also, according to Jesus if someone has not received it they should ask for and they will receive the gift of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 9:13)

In addition, the Word states that a concept is established by 2-3 witnesses. (Dt 19:15, Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1) There is clear evidence that speaking in tongues proceeded from individuals receiving the Holy Ghost on at least 3 occasions recorded in the Word making it an established concept:

Acts 2:2-4
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Acts 2:38-41
“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.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Acts 8:14-18
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”
Note: How did those present know that the Samaritans had not received the Holy Ghost? They knew it because they did not witness any outward evidence. (tongues)

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,”
Note: It is obvious something occurred that convinced Simon that the Holy Ghost was given. There is clear evidence that tongues proceeded from all individuals present on at least 3 occasions recorded in the Word it is an established concept.


Acts 10:44-46
“While Peter yet these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,”

Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”