Question Sheet On Baptism

 

Text: Matthew 28:19-20

Intro: The Great Commission authorizes only “whatsoever I have commanded.” Hence, no one has authority to “go” with another kind of gospel or administer another kind of baptism or teach another faith and order other than “whatsoever I have commanded.”

 

 

1. What is the Greek term used for this ordinance in Matthew 28:19? Answer:

   “baptizo”

 

2. The Scripture state that when this ordinance is administered properly it

    portrays a BURIAL and RESURRECTION – (I Pet. 3:21; Rom. 6:4-5; Col.

    2:12)

 

   a. Can either “rantizo” or “epicheo” portray this gospel picture?

 

   b. Is the value of baptism found in a literal or typical significance – I Pet. 3:21

 

   c. How serious is it to distort a gospel picture? – (see I Cor. 11:29-31)

 

   d. Does the distortion of the Lord’s Supper picture invalidate it? (I Cor. 11:20)

 

   e. Are those who get “sprinkled” or “poured” baptized or just wet if the symbol

       baptism is intended to portray is perverted?

 

   f.  If the intent or design of baptism is to portray this gospel symbol, then, what

       is the value of an ordinance that distorts this symbol?

 

3. Did Christ ever describe this ordinance with the Greek terms “rantizo”

    (sprinkle – Heb. 9:19,21) or “epicheo” (pour – Acts 2:17,18)?  Answer: Never

   

    a. If Christ never used such terms, then who says they are acceptable modes

         to describe this ordinance?  God or men?

 

    b. Does this “tradition of men” transgress the commandment of God?

-         The command to “baptizo”?

-         The Divine design to picture the gospel?

-         The “burial” and “resurrection” picture?

 

    c. Can “rantizo” or “epicheo” by synonymous with “baptizo” or are they different

        words with different meanings?

 

    d. Are those who choose to follow the traditions of men and transgress the

        command of God baptized or just wet?

 

4. Did Christ ever authorize anyone to administer baptism that was not also of

     LIKE FAITH AND ORDER with him in the same gospel, baptism and doctrine

     as well as origin?

 

    a. Does the Great Commission authorize anyone to “go” with ANOTHER kind of Gospel, or

        baptize with ANOTHER kind of baptism or teach ANOTHER faith or does Christ say,

        “whatsoever I have commanded you”?

 

    b. Should our church accept baptism from churches other than those of LIKE FAITH AND

        ORDER with Christ in these areas of SAMENNESS

 

    c. If a church replaces or accepts “rantizo” or “epicheo” as baptism is that church of LIKE

        FAITH AND ORDER with Christ and the Great Commission?

 

    d. If you were “immersed” by a church that accepts “sprinkling” or “pouring” were you baptized

        by the proper authority or did you just get wet?

 

5. Why were Baptists historically called “ANA-baptists” by their enemies (Ana-baptists means

    “rebaptizers”)?

 

    “The Anabaptists think themselves to be the only true church of Christ, and acceptable to God; and teach that they, who by baptism are received into their churches, ought not to have communion [fellowship] with [those called] evangelical, or any other whatsoever; for that our [i.e. Reformed Protestants] churches are not true churches any more than the churches of the Papists [Roman Catholic]” – J.R. Graves, Old Landmarkism, What is it? P. 115

 

 

CONCLUSION: The Great Commission is the Divine promise that churches of like faith and order will reproduce AFTER THEIR OWN KIND until the end of the age. True churches of Christ originate within this reproductive cycle of like faith.