WHAT BAPTISM
                                                                     IS NOT

 BAPTISM IS NOT SPRINKLING. Many make the mistake in believing that sprinkling infants with water is baptism. The Greek word for baptism is baptizo, and it means to plung,dip, or immerse. This definition for New Testament baptism is without exception. Bible baptism (what God teaches) is a burial in water - Rom.6:3-4, "Buried with Him in baptism." Sprinkling a person with a little water does not "bury" anyone. If you were sprinkled, you were NOT baptized according to what the Holy Spirit teaches in the sacred Word which He inspired.

 BAPTISM IS NOT AN OUTWARD SIGN OF AN INWARD SALVATION. Many theologians have concluded without Scriptural support that baptism is merely, as they say, "an outward sign of an inward grace. " In error they believe that an individual is saved first and
later can be baptized. But what does God say? He tells us that salvation comes after baptism. Jesus clearly said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" - Mark 16:16. The apostles preached, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." - Acts 2:38. Notice in these verses that salvation and forgiveness come after one is baptized, not before. If you were baptized to show (outward sign) that you were already saved (inward grace) you were baptized in error.

 BAPTISM IS NOT SALVATION INSURANCE. Some mistakenly believe that baptism automatically insures their eternal salvation. Sorry folks! Baptism is just the beginning of one's new life as a Christian. Also, baptism will not and does not insure spiritual growth. Nor does it insure a Christian that he/she will never fall from grace. Yes, Scriptural baptism takes away past sins - Acts 2:38; 22:16, but it does not prevent someone from committing sin in the future. We remain subject to weakness and temptation - 1Jhn.1 :8-10

  BAPTISM IS NOT VALID WITHOUT FAITH OR BELIEF. Members of the Lord's body have been accused in believing that water alone saves a person. Baptism without belief in Jesus and without repentance of sin is worthless - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38. God does
 not separate belief and baptism, and we must not separate them either.

 BAPTISM IS NOT WATER SALVATION: Water alone has no power. God put forgiveness in the blood of Jesus. Much like the water that cleansed Naaman in 2Kgs.5. He obeyed and was thus cleansed of his leprosy. In like manner, we are cleansed from our sin in the obedience to water baptism. Not salvation by water, but by obedience to God's grace. LE