Conversions in The Book of Acts - IXb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) Part Two

The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism". Under what circumstances should one be "baptized" again? Here are some thoughts regarding this question. Is re-baptism ever necessary? For the answer to this question I offer the reader some observations concerning the twelve disciples. They had been previously "baptized". Their baptism, however, was lacking in some way. Even though it was immersion. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - Mk 1:4 "So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, "Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven."’ But baptism was not in the name of Jesus - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days."; 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." That is, by His authority which would have been a baptism into the name of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"
Because their first baptism lacked an essential element, "re-baptism" was necessary! May we not conclude that if an earlier baptism lacks some essential element, then "re-baptism" is necessary?

Let’s now look at some reason when re-baptism is appropriate. There are four "essential elements" of Bible baptism:
The proper mode: a burial (immersion) - Ro 6:3 "Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death?" (a burial); Co 2:12 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death."
The proper authority: in the name of Christ - Ac 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
The proper purpose: remission of sins - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’
The proper subject: penitent believer - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 8:37 "Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."’; Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."

When one of these "essential elements" was lacking, "re-baptism" was commanded In Ac 19:1-5, the proper authority was lacking. Even though their previous baptism had the right mode, purpose, and subject. Some cases where "re-baptism" would seem appropriate are if we were baptized by sprinkling or pouring, for the proper mode is immersion. If we were baptized by the authority of anyone other than Jesus, for the proper authority is Jesus Christ. If we were baptized as a public confession of faith (thinking that we were already saved), for the proper purpose is the remission of sins. If we were baptized but were not penitent believers , for a proper subject is one who believes "with all their heart" For example, when one is baptized just because their friends are doing it or because their spouse, fiancé, or parents are pressuring them to do it (and they do it to please them, not God).

But let me be sure to clarify. When one is baptized because their "first" baptism lacked an essential element it is not really "re-baptism!" For in the strictest sense, that person is finally being baptized scripturally for the first time! When one has been scripturally baptized once there is never a need to be baptized again! For once we have clothed ourselves with Christ in baptism the blood of Christ continually cleanses us of our sins as we repent and confess our sins to God in prayer - Ac 8:22 "Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you."; 1 Jn 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away."

The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" certainly illustrates that one can be religious, have undergone some baptismal experience and still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ! One can rest assured that they are a true disciple of Jesus when their baptism had:
The right mode - immersion
The right authority- Jesus Christ
The right purpose - remission of sins
The right subject - penitent believer

Lacking any of these "essential elements", one should consider being baptized again in order to "make your calling and election sure". If we desire to truly be the disciples of Jesus Christ, then let’s be sure we proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, as preached by His apostles in the first century. Let’s be sure we personally have responded to that gospel in the same manner as those who heard the good news preached in its purity and simplicity.

I pray that this study, "Conversions In The Book Of Acts" has been beneficial toward that end as this is the final lesson in this series.

Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in "The Twelve Disciples Of John" and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001

God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year

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Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
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