Understanding Your Religion
7 Major Doctrines that Define Christianity
The Role of Baptism and Communion
The Sub-Doctrine of Salvation - Part 2
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the roles of baptism and communion. This lesson provides responses to common questions about baptism and what communion is and its role in supporting a Christian’s faithfulness.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand what scripture states about baptism.
- Feel: Value the role baptism plays in the process of salvation.
- Do: Teach baptism as scripture intends.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.
Yes, baptism is one of the elements of salvation as specified in scripture. Without baptism, one cannot enter God's Kingdom.
Yes, but faith is a response of someone seeking salvation. Scripture teaches, however, that faith must be seen in visible ways. Therefore, salvation is through faith, but that faith is expressed in a biblical manner through baptism (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).
First, selecting individual scriptures as proof texts is known as "confirmation bias." This is when someone seeks to use data or information to prove a preconceived point. It further sets one up to misapply scripture by taking it out of context. If this was the only scripture used to explain the role of believing and salvation, then perhaps this might be a valid point. However, there are many scriptures that point to belief as an element of salvation. The other elements (confessing, repenting, baptism) also have associated references, even within the book of Romans, thus including the elements of repentance, confession and baptism as necessary also.
This question is asked by many who are concerned that they might not have fully understood what baptism was for or were baptized for reasons other than "for the forgiveness of sins" (Acts 2:38). This is addressed in Acts 19 by Paul as he "re-baptized" 10 men that were baptized by John's baptism (for repentance and preparing for the coming of God's Kingdom) rather than to be added to the church. One must ask why one was baptized and how. If it was for the reasons listed in scripture (Mark 16, Matthew 28, John 3, Acts 2:38) and was done by immersion as a repentant believer, then perhaps not. If these questions are not answered, then yes. In either way, it is strongly recommended you discuss this with another person knowledgeable with scripture (elders, preacher, teacher) to guide you in this decision. Many have chosen to be re-baptized to ensure they are doing so according to God's will.
Our Lord, knowing our human nature, instituted what is known as the Lord's supper to help remind us of the sacrifice He paid to reconcile us to God. In participating in communion, we recognize that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for us, He paid the price, and we continue to participate in that plan by receiving communion each week.
Baptism is an essential element of our response to God's will for our salvation. It is not singularly the most important element but is critical. Without it, we have not fully complied with God's will.
Once one completes this step, along with the other elements, then we have obeyed what God wills for us and receive the blessings of salvation (forgiveness of sins and the presence of God's Spirit in our lives). Although it is important, and we are added to God's Kingdom (the church) when we are baptized, it is only the beginning of our spiritual journey. We must follow-through with our commitment to live according to the teachings of Jesus, study and apply God's word daily in our lives, and strive to live faithfully, coming back to our Father for forgiveness when we sin (repentance).