Lesson 22: Building Biblical Arguments

We have studied how to read the Bible and use it to establish authority for our worship and daily living. Now we need to know how to put what we have learned into practice. In this lesson we will work through some scriptures to look at Biblical arguments for some of our practices. Of course, we can use the material for completing this lesson in teaching others.

Example 1: Baptism

If we wanted to know more about the practice of baptism, we should consider all that the New Testament says about baptism and draw our conclusions from what we read. Extra-biblical resources, such as word studies and Greek dictionaries, can help but we must remember that those whom we desire to teach may be confused, or even suspicious, if we must appeal to an ancient language for our modern practice. Proper use of such works can help us develop a background understanding for our personal knowledge, but when teaching others, we should stick to the scriptures. If someone did not believe that baptism was immersion, we would not have to go to the Greek, but can use the context of scripture to support our point. What do the following passages indicate about sprinkling, pouring, and immersion?

Matthew 3:6

Mark 1:9-10

John 3:23

Acts 8:38

Romans 6:4

In this example we have only defined baptism. We have answered, “What is the act of baptism?” Other questions need to be answered from these and other verses such -Who can be baptized? (just anyone? Infants?) -Is baptism necessary for salvation? Why or why not? -What does baptism do? -Are there any prerequisites or follow up requirements? Example 2: What does Baptism accomplish? Some might argue that we do not have to be baptized in order to be saved. Fill in the chart below showing what is accomplished by baptism.

Acts 2:38

Acts 22:16

1 Corinthians 6:11

Galatians 3:27

Romans 6:3-4

John 3:5

Mark 16:16

Romans 6:17-18

1 Corinthians 12:13

1. What is unleavened bread? Give verses with your answer. 2. What does the unleavened bread represent? Give verses with your answer. 3. What is the fruit of the vine. Give verses with your answer.

Questions for Discussion & Study

1. Do these verses indicate that one must be baptized in order to accomplish something? Explain.

2. Could one logically conclude, after reading the passages above, that baptism is optional? Explain.

3. Could one logically conclude, after reading the passages above, that if one is not Example 3: The Lord’s Supper Texts: Matthew 26:26-27; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17:34

4. What does the fruit of the vine represent? Give verses with your answer.

5. Are we limited to only the fruit of the vine and unleavened bread? Explain.

6. What verses explain the need for the church to observe the Lord’s Supper together?

7. List some guidelines regarding for observing the Lord’s Supper from the passages above.

8. When

9. Who

10. List some questions that are not must decide regarding the Lord’s Supper. How do we answer these questions?