The Bible & Baptism (2)
2001018
Subject: Baptism
Introduction:
A. Our series on the Bible & Baptism continues. I hope you have enjoyed this series so far.
1. John Isaac Edwards has said: we live in the midst of a society which may look upon baptism as mere foolishness. The religious world has shattered what the Bible teaches on baptism. They have ridiculed and mocked Bible baptism by their own type of baptism….
2. That there is confusion on this subject is well documented.
3. I believe that God has spoken plainly on the subject: just has He has on other subjects w/in the Scriptures.
a) Eph. 3:3-5 – we can read/understand/and do the will of God – in the area of baptism – as well as other areas!
B. Majority feel that if one has to be baptized, in order to be saved, that this somehow nullifies the grace of God.
C. This is not true. The grace of God has been shown by God giving us directions on what we must do to be saved.
D. IN this morning’s lesson we discussed what baptism is:
1. an immersion in water. When a person baptized in obedience to the gospel – he is buried with Christ.
2. We also discussed what baptism is for: It is for the remission of sin. There are numerous passages which relate the blood of Christ with baptism.
a) We come into contact with the blood of Christ when we are baptized – thus cleaning us from our sins.
b) This is why Paul was told by Ananias to arise and be baptized & wash away your sins.
E. This evening’s lesson will conclude this short series by discussing:
1. Who should be baptized?
2. Is Baptism essential for salvation?
F. Again, we do not profess to have all the answers – but we do wish to present Biblical truth on this matter. If you have any questions as to what is taught here – please do not hesitate to come to me and talk.
G. It is our desire to do all things in an acceptable way before Almighty God.
I. Who is Baptism for?
A. The command was for believers!
Mk. 16:16 – He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; he that does not believe shall be condemned.
2. See also Acts 8:37-38. Evident that the eunuch was old enough to comprehend what it meant to believe in Jesus Christ.
3. People must be old enough and sound enough of mind to repent of their sins and believe in Christ b/f they are ready for baptism.
a) There is teaching that has to be done before one can be baptized – Acts 2:40-41
b) There is repentance involved – Acts 17:30
c) One has to be old enough to know what/who he is confessing!
d) One has to desire that his sins be washed away! Acts 22:16
e) One has to desire/wish to obey Jesus Christ – Heb. 5:8-9
4. When is a child a believer? When he is old enough to understand the implications and consequences of his actions can result in his coming up on the short end before God.
B. This is NOT ONE hint of infant baptism in the NT.
II. Is Baptism Essential to One’s Salvation?
A. We must understand that baptism is used in Scripture to relate man to the forgiveness of God.
1. To deny that baptism is spoken of in Scripture, as being involved with salvation is to deny the obvious.
2. The two are intertwined.
B. New Testament Baptism is necessary for salvation!
1. Does baptism alone save? Certainly not!
2. Is there any inherent cleansing power in the water? Is it the water that saves? Certainly not!
C. Scriptural requirements for New Testament Baptism are:
1. An understanding believer
2. Someone desiring to be buried into Christ and gain entrance into the Body of Christ
3. Someone desiring to have their sins forgiven.
4. Someone says – I’ve already been baptized as a child. OR I was baptized in “such and such” church.” Is that baptism not valid?
a) There’s only 1 spiritual birth – Jhn. 3:3-5. Done in conjunction w/the things mentioned above.
D. What if baptized incorrectly?
1. Acts 19:1-2 – do it right!
E. New Testament baptism is not based upon sinlessness; the preacher; the witnesses; the building
1. It is based upon sincere faith & a desire to obey God’s will.
2. 1 Pet. 3:21 – it is the answer of a good conscience before God!
F. Finally: James Sloan summarizes it up very well:
1. The heart of the matter is: Does Jesus save those who obey His command to be baptized, or doe He save those who refuse such?
2. Heb. 5:8-9
G. A person’s sin is washed away when he submits to baptism (Acts 22:16).
Conclusion:
A. Where are you?
1. Have you been born again? Have you obeyed Christ?
2. Mk. 16:16 (saved) 1 Pet. 3:21
B. Can we help you? You can be baptized this very evening – if you’re willing!
1. Acts 8:37-38
2. Do you believe?
C. I N V I T A T I O N
