In the New Testament (NT), there are 71 references to various forms of the word "baptize" (i.e., baptism, baptized, baptismal, etc.). Of those 71 references, only 19 passages refer to Christian water baptism. I distinguish Christian water baptism (or, believer's baptism) from other NT usages of baptism because there are different types of baptisms mentioned in the NT . . . the baptism of John . . . baptism of trial . . . baptism of the Holy Spirit, etc.Out of the 19 passages that deal with believer's baptism, 11 are simply indicative references to people being baptized; that is, there is no theological significance attached to those 11 indicative verses, as they only tell us that a baptism has, is, or will be taking place.
So, here we are. Out of the the 19 passages in the NT that are relevant to believer's baptism, we are left with only 8 verses from which we can deduce any theological/doctrinal significance.
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to be continued . . .
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