36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:36-38

1. Baptism is Not Joining a Church

27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:27

5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:5

2. Baptism is Not Salvation

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

38 “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38

3. Baptism is not a Religious Tradition

24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. John 14:24

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved Mark 16:16

4. 5 Truths the Bible says Concerning Baptism

#1 Genuine Baptism Must be Preceded by Repentance

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17

#2 Authentic Baptism is Baptism Into Jesus

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father Philippians 2:9-11

3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 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

#3 Public Declaration of Accepting Jesus Christ

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17

17 If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. The old is gone and the new is come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

#4 Act of Obedience

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

John 14:15 15 If you love me, keep my commands.

2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome 1 John 5:2-3

#5 Identification with Jesus' Death & Resurrection

12 Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12