This study, collated and instructed by Prophet Joy Allen, outlines the command, importance and meaning of water baptism for the believer.

1. The Ordinance of Baptism Breath of Life International Church 25 May 2011

2. What is an ordinance? An authoritative rule or law Something believed to have been ordained; ordered or demonstrated by one who is divine (i.e. marriage) There are two “required” ordinances, by command, that should be observed by every believer: The Lord’s Supper Water Baptism

3. Why is baptism important? Matthew 28:18-20 Go Teach Baptize Acts 2:37-39,41 Repent Be baptized As an ordinance, baptism is an act of covenant. It is the natural fulfillment of a spiritual vow.

4. What does it mean? Gr. “baptizo” to plunge, immerse to wash Baptism, by definition, is carried out by full immersion

5. What does baptism signify? Acts 19:1-7 Baptism in Christ (being born again), makes one a new creature, spiritually. Baptism is the natural (flesh) representative of this rebirth. A sign of faith and belief in salvation Water baptism demonstrates obedience to the command of Jesus and gives evidence of saving faith (James 2:22).

6. Who is baptism for? Born-again believers Believers “of age” who are able to make a clear covenant decision One who is repentant Those who hear the Word of God Those who have received the Holy Ghost Hebrews 6:1-3 Acts 2:41; 8:36-38; 10:47; 16:15,33; 18:8; 19:5 Mark 16:16

7. Baptism is an Act of FAITH Hebrews 4:12; 10:22 Acts 2:41 Hebrews 11:1 Romans 10:17 Faith is activated when we agree with God’s word. Obedience to Christ’s command to be baptized demonstrates this faith.

8. Is baptism required for salvation? Being baptized in Christ (being born again) is required for salvation. Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Luke 23:43 Acts 15:11 Ephesians 5:26 John 15:3

9. The Importance of Water Baptism OBEDIENCE Matthew 3:8 Acts 26:20 Salvation is by faith. Water baptism is the testimony of that salvation, through obedience.

10. Baptism Protocol By immersion (Gr. “baptizo”) Matthew 3:16 Acts 8:38 What name? In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost Matthew 28:18-19 In the name of Jesus Acts 2:38; 19:5 Jesus was given “all power” in heaven and earth, so His name is sufficient. Neither is “wrong.”

11. Key Ingredients for Baptism Water Candidate A seasoned believer of authority, minister Jesus commanded ALL disciples to go, teach and baptize (Matthew 28:20) While the Word of God does not require “licensing” to carry out ordinances, the implication is that all those who baptized were sent messengers (ordained). The local church is given the authority to regulate and govern ordinances. In some cases, ordinances are also regulated by law (i.e. marriages).

12. Can baptism be repeated? Acts 19:1-7 YES A more “mature” decision or walk with Christ; previous ignorance A repentant backslider (prodigal son)

13. Baptism Identifies Us with Christ Believers follow the example of Jesus Christ Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20 1 John 2:6 We identify with His death Romans 6:3-6, 11 Galatians 2:20 We identify with His resurrection Romans 6:4-6

14. The Ordinance of Baptism “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? “ Acts 8:36 BREATH OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH Prophet Joy Allen, Pastor 3763 Junction Boulevard, Raleigh NC 27603 www.breathoflifeintl.org