I was asked this question,
“Why is baptism important and what the benefits are of being baptized in Jesus Name?”
What was Paul’s position on Baptism?
Paul writes some very powerful observations and conclusions on baptism. Often baptism is a point that is minimized. Let us just let the scripture speak to us on this point.
“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3-4
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:21
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Col 2:12
Did Paul get baptized?
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” Acts 9:17-18
Did Paul Baptize?
“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 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.” Acts 19:2-6
Baptism is a powerful, significant, and spiritual experience.
We see this illustrated for us in the Baptism of Jesus Christ. No one would argue that the Baptism of Jesus was more than a public profession of an inward work.
Baptism is one of the things we do in obedience that grants a spiritual impartation and initiation.
I have found in my own baptism and observing the effect of baptism for many others. When a person recognizes and believes in the power of Baptism and the Name of Jesus, it has tremendous benefit and blessing.
To confirm these observations of Paul by reading another apostle writing on the subject.
What did Peter say about baptism?
“be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38
Peter connected a cause and desirable effect.
“The like figure whereunto even
baptism doth also now save us”. 1 Peter 4:21
In conclusion, at times people get the study of theology mixed up by reading everything except what the Bible specifically says and teaches about the subject. The truth of baptism is very simple if one would simply read what the Bible has to say about the subject and not allow the voices of others to obscure the truth.
Paul was baptized by immersion in the Name of Jesus Christ. He baptized his converts in Jesus Name. He directly connected baptism with Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Paul obeyed, affirmed, and followed the pattern that was preached by the other apostles as described by Peter in Acts 2:38.
So should we.
Are you ready to get baptized?
Do you know someone who needs to be baptized?
Want to know more about baptism?
Paul records what he was told and he obeyed in his own conversion experience. I encourage you to follow his example.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 22:16