E 1.5.5 : BIBLICAL REASONS for a believer, to take CHRISTIAN IMMERSION WATER BAPTISM

1. It is one of the two Ordinances established by Christ Himself

The two ordinances established by Christ are :

1a. The Great Commission Matt 28: 19
Make disciples …. ( water ) baptizing them; Teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you

1b. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper ( Holy Communion – till Christ’s return ) 1 Cor 11: 24-26

2. It is mentioned in the epistle to Romans Romans 6 :1-7

As a sign of death to sin Romans 6: 1-3

2a. To die to the old life-style ( a life that was lived without Jesus Christ ) and bury the old nature, in the likeness of the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Being “Immersed” in water is symbolic of burial of that old self of man.

As a sign of resurrection to God’s righteousness

2b. To rise out of water and henceforth walk in the newness of life, available through grace in Jesus, in the likeness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6 : 4 ). Rising out of water, after being immersed is symbolic of resurrection – with a determination to walk hereafter in the newness of life, available through Jesus Christ.

3. For fulfilling of all righteousness – Matthew 3 : 13-15

4a. As a pledge of ( answer of, or response of, or appeal for ) a good conscience towards God 1 Peter 3 : 20-21

4b. For it to be a symbol for the salvation we receive by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 3 : 20-21

5. In order to be saved – Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved and he who does not believe will be condemned – as found in Mark 16 : 15,16

6a. In order to show that one has received forgiveness and remission of sins Acts 2 : 38

6b. In order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

7. In order to put on Christ : By Baptism into Christ, we have put on Christ – Gal. 3:27,28