6

Question 1

Define Christian water baptism.

Answer 1

Christian water baptism is a ceremony in which one who has repented of his sins is immersed in water
in the name of Jesus for the remission of those sins. It is an act of faith in Jesus Christ (p. 122).

Question 2

John’s baptism unto repentance was meant to prepare the Jewish people for what?

Answer 2

Christ’s message and Christian baptism (p. 123).

Question 3

As Christ was sinless, He had no need of repentance. Why then did Jesus submit to John’s baptism?
List four reasons.

Answer 3

a. To introduce Himself publicly and to inaugurate His ministry.
b. Christ thereby sanctioned John’s baptism and message of repentance, water baptism and Spirit baptism.
c. Christ provided an example for us to follow.
d. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, not for a ceremonial purpose (p. 124).

Question 4

What was the nature of the early baptism by Christ’s disciples?

Answer 4

It was probably a continuation of John’s baptism and was preparatory for Christian baptism. As Christ had not died, it could not be an identification with His burial or confer absolute remission of sins (p. 125).

Question 5

Cite two scriptural passages in which Jesus Christ commanded baptism as necessary to the believer.

Answer 5

Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16 (p. 126).

Question 6

The word baptism is derived from the Greek word baptizo, which in turn comes from the word bapto, which means “to dip.” What then is the fullest understanding of the word baptism?

Answer 6

It means immersion or submersion (p. 127).

Question 7

What three nonbiblical practices made baptism by immersion inconvenient?

Answer 7

a. Infant baptism.
b. Triple baptism by some trinitarians.
c. Postponement of baptism until the deathbed (p. 128).

Question 8

According to passages such as Acts 8:36 and Acts 10:47-48, we know that the literal use of water is necessary for baptism. Cite three verses whichdemonstrate that baptism involves immersion in water:

Answer 8

a. John 3:23.
b. Matthew 3:16.
c. Acts 8:38-39 (p. 127).

Question 9

Some groups practice baptismal rites of sprinkling or pouring. The author cites six reasons why the biblical mode of baptism should be preached. List these reasons.

Answer 9

a. It is a biblical command and should be followed.
b. Jesus was immersed as an example for us to follow.
c. Nonbiblical tradition is a poor substitute for biblical teaching.
d. The convenience of other methods is a poor excuse for not following the Bible.
e. Immersion demonstrates obedience to God and respect for His Word.
f. Only by immersion do we retain the significance of baptism as a burial with Christ (p. 129).

Question 10

a. Explain the meaning of “remission of sins” and its connection to water baptism.
b. Does Acts 2:38 mean we are baptized because we already have remission or in order to obtain remission? Support your answer.

Answer 10

a. Remission of sins is a cancellation or dismissal of sins. At baptism, God cancels or wipes out our sins (p. 130).
b. In order to obtain remission. The context supports this view, for guilty sinners were asking how to receive remission. Matthew 26:28 supports this view. This is the literal reading.

Question 11

What two things are necessary on the candidate’s part to make water baptism effective in the remission of sins?

Answer 11

Conscious faith and repentance (p. 131).

Question 12

In Mark 16:16, Jesus linked belief and baptism directly to the promise of salvation. Did Jesus provide an alternative for those who would believe but who would not be baptized?

Answer 12

No, and they cannot amend that verse to conform to other teachings (p. 132).

Question 13

What verse states that water baptism saves us and is an appeal to God for a clear conscience toward Him?

Answer 13

I Peter 3:21 (p. 133).

Question 14

Below are three teachings of Paul concerning baptism. Cite the verse or passage where Paul taught baptism as:

a. Burial with Christ
b. Baptism into Christ
c. Spiritual circumcision

Answer 14

a. Romans 6:3-4 or Colossians 2:12.
b. Galatians 3:27 or Romans 6:3.
c. Colossians 2:11-13 (pp. 134-135).

Question 15

A study of Old Testament types shows that the blood was applied by means of ______ in purification
ceremonies.

Answer 15

Water (p. 137).

Question 16

Name two accounts in Acts which show that public confession is not the purpose of water baptism:

Answer 16

a. Acts 8:36-39. Baptism occurred in the desert.

b. Acts 16:25-33. Jailer’s baptism at midnight.

Question 17

a. In I Corinthians 1:17, did Paul teach against the essentiality of water baptism?
b. What was the point of the passage in which this verse is found?

Answer 17

a. No.
b. He emphasized that salvation was through Christ and His gospel, not through great leaders and the baptisms they administered. In other words, the identity of the baptizer was unimportant (p. 139).

Question 18

Some reject baptism as essential to salvation, arguing that baptism is but a work of man. What would be the truest description of the human element in baptism?

Answer 18

Man’s part is merely an observable faith response before God performs a spiritual work (p. 140).

Question 19

What would be the appropriate course of action for a backslidden believer to restore himself to a relationship with God?

Answer 19

Repentance before God. His previous baptism covers his sins when he repents (p. 148).

Question 20

Infant baptism is not valid and never can be later in life since infants do not have what?

Answer 20

Conscious faith (p. 148).

Question 21

Water is associated with or symbolic of what three things that make water baptism of special significance in the plan of God?

Answer 21

a. Water symbolizes death.
b. Water is universally associated with washing and cleansing.
c. Water symbolizes life itself (pp. 151-152).

Question 22

Some have attempted to justify their practice of baptism for the dead by isolating I Corinthians
15:29 out of its context of a discussion on resurrection. Briefly, what are three possible explanations of this verse?

Answer 22

a. Refers to those who became converts as the result of the death of a Christian loved one
b. Refers to baptism by proxy as an example of belief in the resurrection, not to condone its practice.
c. Refers to baptism into Christ’s death (p. 150).

Question 23

In summary of the significance of water baptism, answer the following questions by filling in the blanks:

a. God _______ ____ at water baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
b. Water baptism is part of the _____ _________ (John 3:5; Titus 3:5).
c. Baptism identifies us with the death and _____ of Jesus (Romans 6:1-4).
d. Water baptism is part of the one baptism of water and Spirit that places us into _________. (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27).
e. Water baptism is part of our spiritual ________ (Colossians 2:11-13).

Answer 23

a. Remits sins.
b. New birth.
c. Burial.
d. Body of Christ.
e. Circumcision (pp. 153-154).