Save Yourself Some Pain
Ten Tips for New and Growing Christians

8. Water Baptism

The Bible Says, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…" (Acts 2:38). There is therefore no question as to whether or not you should be baptized.

What about the timing of baptism? The Philippian jailer and his family were baptized at midnight, the same hour they believed (Acts 16:30-33). The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized as soon as he believed (Acts 8:35-37), as was Paul (Acts 9:17,18).

So who should baptize a new believer? It is clear from Scripture that believers had the privilege; it was not limited to clergy or church leaders only. However, if you are thinking of baptism, check with your pastor because he may want the honor himself.

While some Christian church denominations teach that baptism is an essential ingredient of salvation (e.g., International Churches of Christ), the Bible is clear that it is not a means of salvation; yet it is a command we are to do in obedience .

Baptism is a step of obedience, and God blesses our obedience.

Also see: Is water baptism necessary for salvation? Answer

Supporting God’s work and workers—The Last Frontier

Important principles that can save a great deal of pain

Previous…

1. Feeding on the Word—Daily Nutrition
   "A healthy baby has a healthy appetite. If you have truly been “born” of the Spirit of God, you will have a healthy appetite…" [Read more]
2. Faith—Elevators Can Let You Down
   "…in a world where we are continually let down, we can totally rely on, trust in, count on His promises… He will never, ever, let you down…" [Read more]
3. Evangelism—Our Most Sobering Task
   "You probably have a limited amount of time after your conversion to impact your unsaved friends and family with the Gospel… Here's some advice that will save you a great deal of grief…" [Read more]
4. Prayer—"Wait For A Minute."
   "Surveys show that more than 90% of America prays daily… Here's how to be heard:" [Read more]
5. Warfare—Praise The Lord and Pass the Ammunition
   "When you became a Christian, you stepped right into the heat of an age-old battle. You have a three-fold enemy—the world, the flesh, and the devil… Let's look at these three resistant enemies…" [Read more]
6. Fellowship—Flutter by Butterfly
   "Pray about where you should fellowship… Don't become a ‘spiritual butterfly.’ Send your roots down…" [Read more]
7. Thanksgiving—Do the Right Thing
   "For the Christian, every day should be Thanksgiving Day. We should even be thankful in the midst of problems…" [Read more]
8. Water Baptism

Next…

9. Supporting God’s work and workers—The Last Frontier
   "It was once said that the wallet is the 'last frontier.' It is the final area to be conquered—the last thing that comes to God in surrender…" [Read more]
10. Troubleshooting: Cults, Atheists, Skeptics
    "When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual…" [Read more]

Author: Ray Comfort of Living Waters Publications. From the booklet Save Yourself Some Pain. Edited by Films for Christ. Web page Copyright © 2001, Living Waters Publications, All Rights Reserved—except as noted on attached “Usage and Copyright” page.