Lesson 11
Naaman was a brave, rich, and famous commander for the armies of Syria who contracted leprosy, the most dreaded disease of Bible times. Leprosy meant isolation from loved ones and a slow, wretched death. A Hebrew slave girl who worked in Naaman's house said that if her master would only go to the prophet Elisha in Israel, he would heal Naaman of his leprosy.
Willing to grasp at any thread of hope, Naaman made the long trip to Israel. With him was a small band of personal bodyguards and a king's ransom to pay for this miracle of healing. When Naaman finally stood before the humble house of the prophet, Elisha would not come out. Instead, he sent his servant with these simple instructions: "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean." 2 Kings 5:10.
The prophet's command to wash implied that Naaman was dirty! Being told to wash seven times and in a muddy river, no less, was too much for the proud Syrian general. In a rage, Naaman spun his horse around and began riding home. But in order to reach Damascus, Naaman had to ride by the Jordan River. As he passed by, Naaman's servants urged him to try the prophet's advice. So he stopped his horse, slid down, and laid aside the armor that covered the awful evidence of his leprosy. Naaman slowly stepped down into the waters of the Jordan. Six times he plunged under the water with no results, but when he came up the seventh time, the leprosy was gone! His skin was as pure and healthy as a baby's.
Just as Naaman experienced restoration, you too can have a healing new-birth experience!
1. What New Testament prophet used the Jordan River for baptizing, or cleansing?
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NOTE: The Gospel stories begin and end with the subject of baptism. Obviously this is a very important teaching to Jesus (Matthew 28:18, 19).2. What glorious Bible ceremony symbolizes a "washing" from the leprosy of sin?
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NOTE: The Bible ordinance of baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin from a person's life, as well as the new birth.3. According to the Bible, how many different kinds of baptism are acceptable?
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NOTE: At least 15 different ceremonies are called baptism today, but according to the Bible, there is only one true baptism.4. What does the word "baptize" mean?
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NOTE: The Greek word "baptizo" means "submerge," "plunge under," or "immerse." A person has not been baptized unless he has been completely submerged, or buried, in water. This word "baptizo" is always used in the Bible in reference to the sacred ordinance of baptism. The Greek words for "sprinkling" or "pouring" are never used.5. Jesus is our example. How was He baptized?
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NOTE: John baptized Jesus by immersion in the same river where Naaman was cleansed from leprosy. Note that they were "in" Jordan (not on the riverbank) and that Jesus came "up out" of the water. This is why John was baptizing in "Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there" John 3:23. Christians are to follow the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21), who was baptized by immersion "to fulfil all righteousness." Matthew 3:15.6. How did Philip baptize the treasurer of Ethiopia?
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7. What other truths are symbolized by baptism?
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NOTE: Baptism symbolizes Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. There is first death to sin, then burial of the old life of sin in the water, and finally resurrection from the water to a new life. Baptism by immersion fits the symbolism perfectly. The life of sin dies, then there is brief suspension of breath while the person being baptized is leaned backward into the water until the body is fully covered, or buried, in the water. Then the person is raised up out of the water, taking a fresh breath as a newborn baby, to live an entirely new life, symbolizing the resurrection. No other form of baptism fits this Bible symbolism. Some say they keep Sunday holy in honor of the resurrection, but this practice is never mentioned in the Bible.8. How important is baptism?
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NOTE: Baptism is clearly mandated by Scripture as essential. However, when baptism is impossible, as it was for the thief on the cross, Jesus gives that person credit for His baptism (Matthew 3:15).9. What blessed ceremony can be compared to baptism?
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NOTE: Baptism is like the marriage ceremony. The Bible says, "For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name." Isaiah 54:5. As a woman takes her husband's name in marriage, so Christians take the name of Christ--thereafter to be called Christians. Both ceremonies must be based on love and commitment if they are to be meaningful. Baptism is as essential to the Christian life as a wedding is to a marriage.10. What command did Jesus give to His people just before His ascension?
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NOTE: Peter followed this command when on the day of Pentecost he told the penitent people, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ." Acts 2:38.11. What biblical qualifications must precede baptism?
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NOTE: Since an infant cannot comply with any of the above steps, obviously it is not scriptural to baptize a child until he is old enough to comprehend the gospel.12. Where did all of the counterfeit forms of baptism originate?
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NOTE: Baptism by immersion was the only form of baptism practiced during Bible times and for centuries after the cross. But then, misguided men introduced other forms of baptism for the sake of convenience. Thus, God's sacred ordinance of baptism was distorted and its rich symbolic meaning obscured.13. What does the Bible say about those who put the teachings of men before the truth of God?
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14. But doesn't the baptism of the Holy Spirit replace baptism by immersion?
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NOTE: No! Notice that while Peter was preaching (Acts 10:44-48), the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening, many of whom had not been baptized. But even though they had already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Peter insisted that they be baptized in water as well.15. Is rebaptism ever proper?
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NOTE: One day when Paul was preaching in Ephesus, he found 12 men who had been baptized by John the Baptist, but who had never heard of the Holy Spirit. So upon receiving this substantial new light, they were rebaptized. Likewise, if a person has completely lost his Christian experience, he should be rebaptized upon returning to the Lord. Rebaptism is also appropriate if a person was not baptized in the biblical method.16. Is baptism connected with joining a church?
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NOTE: The Scriptures are unequivocal. All of God's people are called into one body, which is the church, and we enter it by baptism. After birth, a baby must be placed in a family for nurturing, protection, and growth.17. If I refuse baptism, whose counsel am I refusing?
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18. When Jesus was baptized, what did His Father say?
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NOTE: When any of God's children repent of their sins and are baptized, He is well pleased.19. Would you like to begin preparing for the sacred rite of baptism so God can say of you, "Thou art my beloved son [or daughter], in whom I am well pleased"?
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