“…Because Water Was Plentiful There…”

A reader of the blog submitted a question about the piece I wrote recently on Jesus’ burial and its correlation to baptism.  Noticing that I had described baptism as “being submerged in water,” the reader asked about their own baptism from years ago in which a cup of water had been poured over their head and asked, “Does the Bible talk about anyone being baptized like that?”… Read More “…Because Water Was Plentiful There…”

Have You Been Buried With Christ In Water?

The Bible teaches that one becomes a Christian by repenting – turning away from – of their old, sinful way of life…dying to their old self.  Through baptism, being submerged in water, one is spiritually buried just as Christ was buried.  Upon coming out of that water, they “rise again” to a new life just as Christ was resurrected.  They are “born again.”… Read More Have You Been Buried With Christ In Water?

Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins

Do you want your sins forgiven by God?  If so, then God’s promise and command through Peter to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins applies to you just as it did to Peter’s hearers on Pentecost.  We know this because Peter then said, “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:39; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15-16).… Read More Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins

Are Sins Forgiven Before Baptism?

When asked the specific question, “What shall we do?”, Peter did not tell his listeners on Pentecost to pray to Jesus and ask Him into their hearts.  He told them, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), before stating that this promise is not only for them and their children but also “for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:39).… Read More Are Sins Forgiven Before Baptism?