Introduction:

1. Baptism is an important religious subject. It occurs about 100 times in the New Testament.
2. There are a lot of different ideas about baptism, but what we are concerned with is what the Bible says about baptism.
3. For this brief study, we want to ask the who, what, when, where, and why of baptism to see what the Bible has to say on this important religious topic.

Discussion:

1. Who gets baptized?
   1. Acts 8:12, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”[1]
   1. Acts 8:13, “Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.”
   1. Men and women who believe the gospel of Jesus Christ are baptized.
2. What is baptism?
   1. Romans 6:3-4, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.”
   1. Galatians 3:27, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
   1. Baptism is a burial into Christ death, it is a resurrection into new life, and it is a clothing of ourselves with Christ.
3. When does one get baptized?
   1. Acts 8:12, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”
   1. Acts 8:37-38, “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.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
   1. One is baptized when they come to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
4. Where do I get baptized?
   1. John 3:23, “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.”
   1. Acts 8:36, 38, “Now as they went down the road, they come to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinder me from being baptized?” … So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
   1. Baptism is done in a place where there is much water. Enough water where I can go down into the water.
5. Why do I get baptized?
   1. Mark 16:16, “He who believes in Me and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
   1. Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
   1. 1 Peter 3:21 (NASB ’95), “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
   1. I am baptized to be saved, to have my sins forgiven, and to have a good conscience before God.

Conclusion:

1. We have considered 11 scriptures in this study to answer our 5 questions about baptism.
2. We have learned that baptism is done in much water, that it is a burial and resurrection, it is for men and women who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is for the salvation of my soul.
3. Considering the above scriptures, I must ask myself, have I been baptized? Have I done so according to the scriptures? If not, why? What questions do I still have?
4. If you are ready to obey the Gospel now is the time.

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[1] All scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.