" While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, ' Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, ' No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.' So Paul asked, " Then what baptism did you receive?' ' John's baptism,' they replied. Paul said, ' John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the ONE coming after him, that is, in JESUS.' On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of JESUS. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all." Acts 19:1-7
INTRODUCTION
A. Many are still asking today: Is rebaptism valid?
1. Is there a New Testament example of rebaptism? Is it really scriptural?
2. As this is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Question ), let us know the TRUTH from God's words, John 8:32
B. Our approach in this lesson will be as follows:
1. Is Rebaptism Scripturally Valid? Is there a NT example of Rebaptism?
2. The New Testament Reason for Rebaptism Examined
3. Possible Reasons for Today's Rebaptism- Justifiable?
4. Why Be Baptized Again?
DISCUSSION
A. Is There A New Testament Example of Rebaptism? Is It Really Scriptural?
1. The reference in Acts 19:1-7 was an example of rebaptism.
2. Paul found about 12 disciples of John in Ephesus who have NOT even heard of the Holy Spirit!
3. They had been baptized by John for repentance and were told to believe in Jesus.
4. Then Paul baptized them into the name of the Lord Jesus and placed his hands on them.
5. As results of their baptism and Paul's placing his hands on them, they " spoke in tongues and prophesied."
6. This was a unique case in the New Testament and can NOT be duplicated today.
B. The New Testament Reason for Rebaptism Examined
1. The term " rebaptism " itself is not found in the text or reference.
2. We are using it here for the 12 disciples of John were " baptized for repentance."
3. And Paul " baptized " ( second baptism or rebaptism ) them into the name of Jesus and " conferred " the Holy Spirit on them ( power to speak in tongues and to prophesy )
4. No living apostle today, so NO ONE can transfer or confer the power to speak in tongues and to prophesy by " placing his hands" on anyone.
5. Hence, that reason for baptizing anyone today does NOT exist anymore!
C. Possible Reasons For Rebaptism Today- Justifiable?
1. Baptized for Wrong Reason or Motive- for membership only and is done by some so called Christian groups today.
2. Paul wrote" I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you, except Crispus and Gauis, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name," I Corinthians 1:15
3. Danger of being loyal to the preacher is emphasized here by the apostle.
4. Baptized into a " denominational church?" Not valid. For...
a. Jesus built only one church, Matthew 16:18
b. Today, there are thousands of so called churches with various names and teachings.
5.Coerced or forced baptism today
a. The bandwagon mentality
b. In exchange for some favors, e.g. money, work and others
c. To be with a popular group
D. Why Be Baptized Again?
1. Wrong form of baptism before- not immersion, but sprinkling or pouring
2. In doubt of baptism before, not fully convinced or taught
3. When something is done without faith, it is a sin
a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6
b. Whatsoever is NOT of faith is SIN, Romans 14:23
4. Not to become a stumbling block to anyone who may question our " first " baptism
5. Jesus Himself was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness, Matthew 3:13-17
CONCLUSION
A. There are many people today who believe that FAITH only will save a person
1. They use the following verses to justify their non- submission to water baptism.
2. These references are as follows:
a. John 3:16 " whosoever believes shall be saved"
b. Ephesians 2:8-9 " saved by grace through faith, not of works"
c. I Corinthians 1:17 " Christ did not send me to baptize..."
B. The ONE baptism is by WATER, not the so called Holy Spirit baptism
1. In I Peter 3:21, the apostle wrote that " baptism now saves you..."
2. The eunuch was baptized by Phillip, Acts 8:36-39
C. If you believe that Christ is Lord and Savior, He commands you to..
1. " Believe and be baptized to be saved," Mark 16:16
2. Peter said, " Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38
3. Today is the time and the day of salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2
4. When He returns, Christ will take vengeance on those who do not obey the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 1:8