Baptism Follows Repentence
Rev. Tse Amable | January 28 2025 | Acts 2:37-41
KEY VERSE: “Peter replied, “REPENT AND BE BAPTISED,…..” Acts 2:38 (NIV)
MESSAGE: One very important teaching and practice that distinguishes the Ghana Baptist Convention from other Protestant denominations is our doctrine of water baptism. As a Bible-based denomination, we believe in what is known as BELIEVER'S BAPTISM. By this, we mean we baptise ONLY converts who have heard the gospel preached to them, understood it, repented of their sins, and believed in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. Baptising infants and adults who have not repented of their sins is not Biblical. The Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:16-20 commands the church to baptise those who have become disciples of Jesus Christ through accepting the gospel message and repentance. St. Mark’s version of the parting words of Jesus Christ states, “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved” (Mark 16:16). This indicates that people should be baptised only after they hear the gospel and believe the message of salvation. Infants cannot hear, nor can they understand the gospel's message. Only adults can.
In our key verse for today, when the crowd of God-fearing Jews who heard the powerful message preached by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost approached the disciples asking, “BROTHERS, WHAT SHALL WE DO?” the Apostle Peter's reply was, “REPENT AND BE BAPTISED.” The Ethiopian Eunuch was baptised only after he had understood the scriptures and confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37). Cornelius and his household were baptised after they heard the gospel preached to them by the Apostle Peter (Acts 10:47-48). Similarly, Lydia and her household were baptised after they listened to the message of salvation shared with them by Paul and Silas (Acts 16:14-15). The same occurred with the Philippian Jailer and his household (Acts 16:31-33). The New Testament practice was to baptise converts after they heard the gospel.
Do not be in haste to baptize people if they have not heard the gospel shared with them and repent of their sins. Take time to guide new believers who have publicly confessed Jesus as Lord, in accordance with Romans 10:9-10, through basic discipleship classes before baptising them.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you received water baptism by immersion after repenting, believing in Jesus Christ, and confessing Him as Lord? Do you teach new converts the basic discipleship lessons and explain the significance of water baptism before baptising them?
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you that I was baptised into the death of Jesus Christ through water baptism so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, I, too, may live a new life. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 28: Genesis 38 — Judah and Tamar
DAILY word study: BAPTISED The word "baptized" comes from the Greek verb baptizó (βαπτίζω), meaning "to immerse, submerge, or dip completely." It signifies full immersion, symbolizing purification and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
In the New Testament, baptism is closely associated with repentance and faith. Acts 2:38 highlights its role in identifying with Christ’s saving work and the believer’s public declaration of faith. It is not merely a ritual but a transformative act signifying the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16) and the believer’s commitment to a new life in Christ. This practice reflects obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and aligns with the early church’s example of baptizing converts who understood and embraced the gospel.
Reflection: How does your understanding of baptism deepen your commitment to living out your faith? Have you embraced its transformative power in aligning your life with Christ’s purpose?
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