Baptism: The Beginning of a New Life in Christ

Introduction:

Each one of us knows someone who totally turned his or her life around. They made a life altering decision. The decision completely redirected their life. The day we are converted to Jesus, that is what happens in our lives. The conversion decision is the decision to be a new me living in a new world. The moment of conversion is represented by the decision leading to baptism. Baptism is the decision to be come a new me and live in a new world. Romans 6:4-6 discusses how baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ.

I. 6:4 – a burial with Jesus.

A.     1 Thess. 5:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 9:26-28 – Jesus died for us so that we will live together with Him.

B.      Rom. 6:4 – Baptism looks back to Jesus

1.      The change is drastic. It is death. In baptism, we die to sin.

C.     Baptism causes one to be justified in the sight of God.

II. 6:5-6 – we are raised from the water in faith, united with Him.

A.     These verses show the immense spiritual value of baptism.

1.      Our life after baptism is described as a rebirth.

2.      The break from the old life is severe. There can be no return.

a)      It is a new life, a new creation.

B.      Gal. 2:20 – Through Jesus Paul had become a new person.

1.      5:22-24, esp. 24; 6:14; Rom. 12:1-2

2.      The transformation process began in the waters of baptism.

C.     Baptism is the commencement of a new life.

1.      6:5 – united together with Christ…  KJV:  planted together…

2.      The direction is toward Jesus and away from the old life of sin.

III. 6:5-6 – baptism points us to the future.

A.     6:5 - If we have become united with Christ in his death, we will be united with him in his resurrection

1.      If we have died with Christ, then we will live with him!

a)      This ought to mark our lives with such joy, confidence, and hope! Isa. 26:1-4

B.      Why do we believe this?

1.      6:9 – Jesus was raised from the dead – never to die again.

IV. Why is what we are considering today so important?

A.     New Testament Christians know many facts about baptism. Facts tell us:

1.      Acts 2:38 – baptism results in the remission of sin.

2.      Acts 22:16 – our sins are washed away in baptism.

3.      Gal. 3:27 – baptism places us in Christ

4.      1 Cor. 12:13 – baptism makes us a part of the body

B.      Have we lost sight of the significance and importance of baptism?

1.      Do we understand the significance of baptism?

C.     It is in baptism where we say “yes” to a relationship with God.

Conclusion:

A.     Baptism is the decision to be come a new me and live in a new world.

B.      Do you need to make a commitment to Jesus today?