Eyes for Evangelism: Baptisms

JOSHUA ALEXANDER

Ok, so we have made a contact. We have pored out love in prospecting the contact. We have set up a Bible study using some sort of guide that points the erring sinner to salvation. What happens next? The natural progression with a receptive soul is for them to obey the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. This occurs when one puts on Christ in baptism. There are some essential questions that should be answered concerning this practice.

How do I approach the topic?

You have to rip the bandaid off! After the one with whom you are studying has gone through the study and shown genuine interest and understanding of what they have learned, simply ask the question, “are you ready now to be baptized?” This is the “invitation.” There is no need to wait till Sunday. In fact, it is eternally dangerous to wait! The examples we see in the Bible are that the ones who need to be saved were baptized “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33). Some may just come right out and say they want to be baptized, but most will not. They do not know how this process works. You, as the one leading the study, need to guide them through this process.

What Do They Need to Know?

Baptism is the point at which one is saved and receives the gift of grace (1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism is a complete immersion in water in order to have one’s sins forgiven and is essential for salvation (Acts 2:38, John 3:23 Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5). Baptism is a reenactment of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). When one is baptized, they are added to the one true church that we can read about in the Bible (Mat. 16:18, Acts 2:41, 47).

It is important for the one being baptized to understand the authority of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Pet. 1:3, 1 Pet. 1:23, Heb. 4:12, James 1:21). The one being baptized needs to understand the truth about the one true church of the Bible, the worship and organization of the church, and the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and His church (Acts 8:12, Acts 2:40, Rev. 2:10) Back to the Bible is a great resource that covers these essential topics.

What Do I Say/ What do I do?

As long as you do not say something unbiblical, it does not really matter. However, the words said at the baptism can be a great teaching tool for the one being baptized and the ones witnessing the baptism. Jesus said to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Mat. 28:18). This is something we do, not necessarily something we must say. “In the name of” means “by the authority of.” Peter said to be baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Luke recorded that the people of Samaria were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16). Peter told Cornelious and his household to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48). Typically, I say “Based in your confession that Jesus is the son of God, I now immerse you in water for the forgiveness of sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” just to be as clear and accurate as possible.

In some way, give the one being baptized the opportunity to confess before men that they believe Jesus is the son of God. This can be as simple as “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God?” I typically then have the one being baptized hold their nose with their left hand and hold their left hand with their right. I then place my left hand on their hands. This way, I have control over their hands so they do not reach out and grab the side of the tub. I put my right hand on their back, gently lower them under the water, look to make sure they are completely submerged and quickly lift them up.

Baptism is essential for salvation and is the natural result of one who has an honest and receptive heart. We have an obligation to teach, and they have a responsibility to hear. When both of these are done, then we will have a new brother/sister in Christ! We have seen eight souls saved at this congregation so far in 2024, so let's continue to work and help lead souls to salvation!