The following articles are related to the topic of BAPTISM

Why Was Jesus Baptized?

The baptism of Jesus Christ is one of the truly epochal events within the Gospel records. It is chronicled by the synoptic writers in a total of only ten verses (five in Matthew, three in Mark, and two in Luke), and yet it is pivotal in that it signals the commencement of the Lord's preaching ministry. Why was Jesus immersed ... read more »

A Response to: “Yes, We Baptize Babies”

The Christian News is a weekly journal published by some nice (though misguided) folks associated with the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod). A couple of years back (June 30, 1997, p. 22) the paper published the reproduction of an article by Lutheran clergyman Stephen C. F. Kurtzhan, titled: "Yes, we baptize our babies in the name of the Father, Son, Holy ... read more »

1 Corinthians 1:17 — Paul Not Sent to Baptize

One of the arguments used by certain denominationalists in an attempt to negate the importance of baptism in the scheme of redemption is based upon Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17: "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. . . " For example, Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, in their book, When Critics Ask, reason ... read more »

Acts 10 & 11 – Was Cornelius Saved before Being Baptized?

Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion, saved before and without baptism? Some so claim. They reason in this fashion: Cornelius received the Holy Spirit prior to being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). But only a child of God receives the Holy Spirit. Thus, Cornelius was a child of God before his baptism. The argument is invalid for several reasons. First, Cornelius' reception of ... read more »

Is “Re-Baptism” Scriptural?

Is there ever a justification for being "re-baptized"? I have questioned my baptism. I was very young and really did not comprehend the seriousness of what I was doing. I have considered being baptized again, but some say that it would not be right to be baptized a second time. Your question is a very legitimate one. There are some ... read more »

What Is Baptismal Regeneration?

Is the doctrine of "baptismal regeneration" scriptural? In order to answer such a question, one first must define precisely what he means by that designation. Exactly what is "baptismal regeneration"? The phrase connotes different things to different people. For some, the expression is merely a bit of inflammatory rhetoric designed to intimidate those who affirm that baptism is a part ... read more »

Baptism: Essentials and Nonessentials

There are some very important issues associated with New Testament baptism, and the person who wants to obey God must not neglect these essentials. At the same time, some matters associated with the sacred obligation are in the realm of expediency, hence allow for some flexibility. In this brief study, let us reflect on these categories. Essentials Consider the following ... read more »

Is Baptism a Gospel Obligation?

"If baptism is an essential requirement within the plan of salvation, why did Paul dismiss it as NOT being a part of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:17)?" This is a common argument employed by certain denominational folks in an effort to negate the several compelling passages that associate baptism with the remission of sins. In 1 Corinthians 1:17, the inspired ... read more »

Ephesians 4:5 – One Baptism

The words "baptism" or "baptized" are employed in several different senses in the New Testament. Sometimes baptism refers to the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) which was bestowed upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), and which later was granted to the household of Cornelius in order to demonstrate divine approval of God's acceptance ... read more »

Was Cornelius Saved Without Baptism?

"Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion of Acts chapter ten, saved before and without baptism?" Some so claim. They reason in this fashion: Cornelius received the Holy Spirit prior to being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). But only a child of God receives the Holy Spirit. Thus, Cornelius was a child of God before his baptism. The argument is invalid for several reasons. ... read more »