Bible Questions and Answers

Am I allowed to baptize myself? What should I say before baptism? What should I use for communion afterwards?

Christ’s instructions to his disciples concerning baptism are clear.

• Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
• Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved…
• Matthew 4:17From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
• Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;
• Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

From this we understand that:

1. We must understand and believe the Gospel of the kingdom of God.
2. We must repent — change the way that we live.
3. We must be baptised by immersion in water for the remission of our past sins and to become part of "the body of Christ", the community of the faithful.
4. We must live a new life by the commandments of Christ.

Paul describes it thus:

• Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

The form of words to be used at baptism isn't of crucial importance. You can say, as per Matthew 28:19 “You are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit for the remission of your past sins”. or as in Acts 2:38 simply "in the name of Jesus Christ".

There are many false gospels about, so it is important that we understand the true gospel. It is our understanding of the gospel which validates our baptism (not the person who baptizes us).

Paul describes the breaking of bread:

• 1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

The bread can be any kind of bread, no special preparation is required. The wine can be regular wine or grape juice.

When we are baptised into a group of believers who can support one another. If we live in isolation, it is worthwhile to try to meet up with fellow believers when possible. Brethren who are baptised are usually willing to undertake a journey to baptize someone who shares their beliefs.

If you share Christadelphian beliefs, we can put you in touch with your nearest Ecclesia (congregation).

I hope this helps.

God bless,
Glenn