What About "Re-Baptism?"

                              "BAPTISM"

                        What About "Re-Baptism?"

INTRODUCTION

1. So far we have seen that baptism is...
   a. Essential to:
      1) Salvation - Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
      2) Becoming disciples of Christ - Mt 28:19-20; Ga 3:27
   b. Immersion, for:
      1) Pouring and sprinkling do not fit the FIGURES used to describe
         baptism in the N.T.
      2) The Greek words can only mean immersion
      3) Scholars are unanimous in pointing out that immersion was the
         practice in the N.T.
   c. For those who are sinners, and have expressed faith in the Lord
      Jesus and are penitent for their sins (i.e., not infants)

2. One question remains which is often in the minds of people:  "Is
   there ever a need to be re-baptized?"

[This study examines that question, first by noticing...]

I. A CASE OF "RE-BAPTISM" IN THE N.T.

   A. FOUND IN ACTS 19:1-5...
      1. Background information is found in Ac 18:24-28
         a. Apollos had been teaching the baptism of John
         b. But he himself was taught more accurately by Aquila and
            Priscilla
      2. Paul finds some "disciples" at Ephesus - Ac 19:1-3
      3. Upon further examination he has them "re-baptized" - Ac 19:
         4-5

   B. SOME OBSERVATIONS...
      1. They had been previously "baptized"
      2. But their baptism was lacking in some way
         a. Even though it was immersion
         b. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - Mk 1:4
         c. Their baptism was not in the name of Jesus - Ac 2:38;
            10:48; 19:5
            1) That is, by His authority
            2) Which would have been a baptism into the name of the
               Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son - Mt 28:19
      3. 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?

To determine whether "re-baptism" is required of us, consider...]

II. WHEN "RE-BAPTISM" IS APPROPRIATE

   A. THERE ARE FOUR "TENETS" OF BIBLE BAPTISM...
      1. The proper MODE - a burial (immersion) - Ro 6:3; Co 2:12
      2. The proper AUTHORITY - in the name of Christ - Ac 19:5
      3. The proper PURPOSE - remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 22:16
      4. The proper SUBJECT - penitent believer - Ac 2:38; 8:37;
         Mk 16:16

   B. WE HAVE SEEN THAT WHEN ONE OF THESE IS LACKING, "RE-BAPTISM"
      WAS COMMANDED...
      1. In Ac 19:1-5, the proper AUTHORITY was lacking
      2. Even though their previous baptism had the right MODE,
         PURPOSE, and SUBJECT, "re-baptism" was commanded

   C. APPLYING WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED BOTH NOW AND FROM PREVIOUS
      LESSONS...
      1. If we were baptized by SPRINKLING OR POURING...
         a. As practiced by Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians,
            Episcopalians, Methodists and others
         b. Our baptism lacked the proper MODE (immersion)
         c. And "re-baptism" would be necessary
      2. If we were baptized by THE AUTHORITY OF ANYONE OTHER THAN
         JESUS CHRIST...
         a. Such as Ellen G. White (Seventh Day Adventists), The Watch
            Tower Society (Jehovah Witnesses), Joseph Smith (Mormons),
            and others
         b. Our baptism was not by the right AUTHORITY (Jesus Christ)
         c. And "re-baptism" would be necessary
      3. If we were baptized AS A PUBLIC CONFESSION OF FAITH (thinking
         that we were already saved)...
         a. As practiced by most Baptists, Assemblies Of God, and
            others
         b. Our baptism was not for the right PURPOSE (remission of
            sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit)
         c. And "re-baptism" would be required to assure that we have
            indeed been scripturally baptized
      4. Finally, if we were baptized BUT WERE NOT PENITENT BELIEVERS
         a. As is the case when people are baptized:
            1) When all their friends are doing it
            2) Because their spouse, fiance, or parents are pressuring
               them to do it (and they do it to please them, not God)
         b. Our baptism was lacking the right SUBJECTS (penitent
            believers)
         c. And our need for "re-baptism" is just as great as any
            other!

CONCLUSION

1. In summarizing what has been said in this study:
   a. If our baptism lack any of the four tenets of Bible baptism
      1) Right MODE - immersion
      2) Right AUTHORITY- Jesus Christ
      3) Right PURPOSE - remission of sins
      4) Right SUBJECT - penitent believer
   b. Then "re-baptism" is both appropriate and necessary to assure
      that our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus!

2. But let me be sure to clarify:
   a. When one is baptized because their "first" baptism lacked an
      essential element...
      1) It is not really "re-baptism!"
      2) For in the strictest sense, that person is finally being
         baptized scripturally for the FIRST time!
   b. When one has been scripturally baptized ONCE...
      1) There is never a need to be baptized again!
      2) For once we have clothed ourselves with Christ in baptism:
         a) The blood of Christ continually cleanses us of our sins
         b) As long as we REPENT and CONFESS our sins to God in
            prayer - Ac 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9

Have you been scripturally baptized?  If you desire assistance, please
feel free to let me know!  May God bless you in your efforts to do His
Will!
This document (last modified September 13, 1997) from the Christian Classics Electronic Library server, at @Wheaton College