Baptisms

LESSON SEVEN: John the Baptist
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Scripture readings: Romans 6: 1-10

"Baptisms" is the third of the "first principles" which make up the Christian’s "foundation" in Hebrews 5:12; 6: 1, 2. Usually when one speaks of baptism, he is referring to water baptism. Though we will be studying about water baptism in this series, it is important to keep in mind that the Bible recognized at least four baptisms. The word in Hebrews 6:2 is plural: "Baptisms." The four baptisms are: 1. The baptism of John (Matt 3:11; 21:25). 2. Christian baptism (Acts 2:38). 3. Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8; 11:15, 16; I Cor 12:13). 4. The baptism of suffering (Luke 12:50).

We begin our study with the very important BAPTISM OF JOHN, the baptism of repentance.

Before looking at this in some detail, let us note THE MEANING OF THE WORD "BAPTIZE." "Baptize" is the anglicized form of the Greek word "baptizo," and means "to dip, immerse, submerge." By definition and usage, the word means "to put into, or under water (or other penetrable substance) so as ENTIRELY TO IMMERSE OR SUBMERGE."

The first reference to water baptism in the New Testament is found in Matt 3:11: "I (John the Baptist) indeed BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER unto repentance..."

I. ABOUT JOHN THE BAPTIST

A. Who were the parents of John The Baptist? Luke 1:5, 13. _______________

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B. What did the Lord say about him? Luke 7:28 _________________________

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C. He was sent to introduce the ________________________________to Israel.

John 1: 29-31 (Matt 3:3-17)

II. THE IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF JOHN’S BAPTISM

A. What was John sent to do? John 1:33a _______________________________

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B. John’s ministry marked the end of the ____________________________ and the beginning of

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(Luke 16:16)

C. As a result of the Word of God coming to him in the wilderness, what new message did John preach? Luke 3:2, 3

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D. This was "the counsel (purpose, will) of God" for that time. How did the pharisees reject God’s will? Luke 7:30

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E. How did the publicans justify (i.e. declare God to be right in His indictment of them and in His demands) God?

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III. CHRISTIAN BAPTISM SUPERCEDES JOHN’S BAPTISM

A. When John baptized, what were the people told they should do? Acts 19:4

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B. What is mentioned twice in Mark 16:16 and determines our salvation?

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Notice: This verse does not say if one is not BAPTIZED he will be damned. Baptism is a part of salvation, although without it one is not damned. Compare also I Corinthians 1:17 in this regard.