BIBLICAL BAPTISM ~ Gary T. Cage

-- Is immersion in water by obedience to Christ

Mk 1:10; Jn 3/23; Ax 8:38,39; Rom 6:4

-- Transfers me from "lost" to "saved" thru the efficacy of the cross

                1Pet 3:21; Ax 2:38; Ax 22:16; Rom 6:1-4; Jn 3:3-5

-- Is the formal expression of my commitment to the lordship of Christ

                Mt 22:37-40; Rom 6:1-23; Gal 2:19,20; Lk 6:46-49

-- Commits me to grow in knowledge of God's will

                Mt 28:18-20; Heb 5:11-6:8; 1Pet 1:22-2:3; 2Pet 1:3-11

-- Commits me to a life of self-denial and service to others

                Lk 14:25-33; Jn 13:1-17; 1Cor 9:19-23; Php 2:1-11; Gal 2:20; Gal 5:24

-- Commits me to a functioning role in God's family

                1Cor 12:1-28; Gal 5:13-15; Eph 4:11-16; Gal 6:1,2; Js 5:16

-- Commits me to sharing the gospel with others

                Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15,16; Ax 8:4; 2Cor 2:18-20; 2Cor 3:18-4:18; Mt 5:13,14

Looking at the "new birth" analogy of redemption/sanctification/justification, it is imperative that the gestation be long enough to prevent premature birth.  Just as the doctor would not induce labor before viability, the evangelist should not either.  This is not to say that everything about discipleship needs be known, BUT the evangelist should teach enough so that "new life" demands/requirements don't come as a surprise.