Baptism

Lesson Outline for Sept 4, 2025

Baptism

Goal – To introduce the three baptisms spoken of in the New Testament

• Is baptism a requirement from the Bible?
• Is there more than one baptism?
• Must one be baptized to be saved?
• Is there really a baptism of Holy Spirit?
• Where in the Bible does it say Holy Spirit baptism stopped?

 

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Hebrew and Greek Terms / Definitions

• Baptized #G907 “baptizo” to dip as in dying a garment, dip bucket into a well, submerge, overwhelm – Gal 3:27
• Baptism– #G911 “bapto” comes from the root word “deep”, to dye
• Sprinkle or Sprinkling – #G4472 “rhantizo” a pouring or sprinkling upon – Heb 9:13, 1 Pet 1:2

The green is the author’s notations in the verses below. Bold text added for emphasis

 

Three Baptisms

Repentance, water and Holy Spirit

Mark 1:4-11 ESV – 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (repentance)

Matt 3:1-6, 9-17 ESV – 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'” 4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. … 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (repentance, water and Holy Spirit)

Luke 3:3-4, 21-22 ESV – “3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. … 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (repentance and water)

Rom 6:2-6 ESV – “2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

• John baptized believers in baptism of repentance; then immersed them
• Jesus Christ came on His own choice, was immersed, not sprinkled
• Jesus received Holy Spirit anointing before He began the thrust of His ministry; and before His 40 days of fasting and Satan’s temptations
• Believer’s water baptism demonstrates our confession and faith of our “old self dying and the new man rising to walk in resurrection life (1 Pet 5:21, Col 2:12)

 

Old Testament baptisms

Does the Old Testament point back to baptism and Jesus Christ

Note – Did you know their was Jewish baptism ceremony – mikvah? The ceremony was done by immersion for those Gentiles converting to Judaism; ritual purity for important Jewish religious holidays, married woman after menstruation, etc

1 Cor 10:1-5 ESV – “1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”

1 Pet 3:20-21 ESV – “20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…,”

• We too are called to baptism in “the cloud” Holy Spirit and “the sea” water
• Moses and Israelites crossing the “Red Sea” – after their faith in the blood of the lamb
• Noah and the flood; the ark was a symbol of Jesus Christ; the old died a new life was beginning
• Joshua and Israelites crossing the Jordan River – as Moses before him did
• Joshua crossed passed through the water, to the new beginning in the Promised Land – and they FOUGHT for all the territory
• We are a priests and God’s spirit is in our temple as believers – We are called to baptism and to baptize – we should be baptizing our sons and daughters
• Obedience and faith matter

 

Baptism is not optional

And NOT a requirement for salvation

Mark 16:15-16 ESV – “15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Matt 28:18-20 ESV – 18 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.“

• Belief brings salvation
• Baptism demonstrates our obedience
• Jesus commands us to baptize
• The thief on the cross next to Jesus Christ did not receive a water baptism – but this should not be our excuse – it’s insulting to Jesus Christ

What makes baptism in water so important

Triune Godhead present

Matt 3:14-17 ESV “14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (note on pride – we see Father God use “well pleased” not proud)

• Father God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit were present
• Jesus Christ was immersed
• Baptism was done in public, just like His crucifixion

 

First we believe, then we receive water baptism

Water baptism testifies to our identity in Jesus Christ

Rom 6:2-6 ESV – “2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Heb 11:29 ESV – “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.”

Acts 8:35-38 NKJV – 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, [here is] water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

John 14:30 ESV – “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me…,”

• Water baptism is not because we are sinners; righteousness is CREDITED to us by our FAITH
• We are baptized INTO Jesus Christ
• Jesus did NOT have sin, baptized in water, not of repentance
• Baptism of Jesus identified with sinful man; Jesus had NO SIN – Matt 3v15 “for us…” just as He would die for our sins on Calvary yet SINLESS
• Testifies against Gnosticism – a belief Jesus was not human, but spirit in human form
• We are saved, born again by grace and faith, confessing with our mouth and believing
• Water baptism confirms and testifies our identity in Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection – is our death, burial and resurrection
• We can NOT testify to our faith in Jesus, OR in His death, burial and resurrection as physical babies

 

Holy Spirit baptism

It’s real and available today

Joel 2:28-29 ESV – 28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”

John 7:37-39 NIV – “37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”

Act 2:1-4, 38-39 ESV – “1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. … 38 And Peter said to them, “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. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Act 8:12-17 ESV – 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”

• Prophesied by Joel; and promised by Jesus Christ
• Over 120 waited for Holy Spirit in Acts and received; they waited in faith and obediance
• We see others who received Holy Spirit baptism after baptism of repentance (believe on Jesus for salvation) and immersion in water
• Clearly we see – believers previously received the Gospel, were baptized, but were yet to receive Holy Spirit baptism and then they received – believe for Him (Holy Spirit), ask, and receive in faith
• I was one of those…, I believed with leaders preached until…
• There is NO Bible scripture, or reference other than religious dogma to teach or state Holy Spirit baptism no longer occurs
• More on Holy Spirit and gifts of Holy Spirit at a later study

 

Last thoughts and considerations

• Jesus had NO sin at baptism – He did not repent; just like No sin when He was crucified
• We see three baptisms – repentance, immersion and Holy Spirit
• Jesus chose freely to be baptized, was obedient on our behalf and to fulfill “righteousness”
• Babies can’t choose freely to follow Jesus as their Savior, nor choose baptism
• Believer’s baptism is a choice and demonstrates our “old self” dying, and our “new self” in Christ emerging rising from our “dead” old self
• God has shown us baptism throughout His word both in Old Testament and New Testament
• Heritage (family), religion and traditions do not save us
• A baby can’t profess their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (not talking about the doctrine of “age of accountability”)
• Born-again believing fathers are priests and should be baptizing their sons / daughters
• Know what you believe and why, not just what someone tells you
• Walk in obedience and faith, teach your children – don’t quench Holy Spirit

 

Decree – I will honor my savior Jesus Christ by putting away the old self, walking in Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit

 

Other verses for self-study

Matt 3:1-6, 9-17 ESV – 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'” 4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. … 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

• John was like Elijah proclaiming repentance. Austere, rejected comfort and idols
• Led by Holy Spirit, not the fear of man, or church of “tell only things people want to hear”
• Coming into and carrying God’s kingdom requires us to leave our sin and life of self. REPENT
• Repentance having true sorrow for our sin. Example – “thief on the cross”
• Jesus came of His own choice, just like us; Not a sprinkling as a baby
• Holy Spirit manifested physically, visibly Luke 3:22 “descended on Him in bodily form..,”
• Dove’s characteristic swift, gentle, peaceable, harmless, love. (Mourning doves – mate for life, share parenting, loyal, monogamous

 

Mark 1:4-11 ESV – 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (repentance, water, Holy Spirit)

Luke 3:2-4, 21-22 ESV – “2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. … 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.“

Rom 6:2-6 ESV – “2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

Col 2:11-12 ESV – “11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (water – demonstrates our death to old self, and resurrection to new life in Jesus Christ)

Act 1:4-8 ESV – “4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (water and Holy Spirit)

Mark 16:15-18 ESV – “15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Gal 3:27 ESV – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

• We are baptized into Jesus Christ and put Him on us.

 

Eph 5:17-18 ESV – “17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…,” (Holy Spirit baptism)

• First believed, then baptized by water, then later baptized in Holy Spirit

 

Acts 18:25; 19:1-6 ESV – “25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John…, 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.”

• Holy Spirit baptism after salvation, after immersion and repentance
• Know what and why you believe what you believe, not because someone told you

 

John 1:31-34 ESV – “31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.‘ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John the Baptizer did not know Jesus was the Messiah until this point, confirmation to John)

John 7:37-39 ESV – “37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (Holy Spirit)

Joel 2:28-29 ESV – 28  “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. (Holy Spirit baptism)

John 14:26-30 ESV – “26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me…,” (Holy Spirit baptism)

• Jesus Christ had NO SIN; Satan had no claim (legal term) on Jesus
• Jesus Christ promised Holy Spirit to all believers