When we look at the scriptures, we see that repentance and faith in Jesus saves a person, and water baptism is a public declaration of our new faith in Jesus Christ, that follows closely after salvation.
(15) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
(16) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
In the New Testament, the Greek word for baptism was a common every day word meaning dipping, plunging, or immersing in water.
Why Water Baptism?
It’s a Command
(18) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
(19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
(20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus gave us an important job to do. What is it?
Under New Management (Ownership)
We used to belong to this world but now we belong to Jesus!
(2) in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
(3) All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
(4) But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
(5) made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
(6) And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
(7) in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
What was the old management like?
What is the new management like?
Our New Identity
Romans 6:3-4 (NIV)
(3) Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
(4) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
(20) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Water baptism is a spiritual burial with Christ (going under the water), and resurrection with Christ (coming up out of the water). Our old life is left in the grave (water). What does a new life with Christ look like for you?
Switching Off the Sin Factory
(11) In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ,
(12) having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
What happens to sin when we are baptized?
Who Baptized? Who Was Baptized? Where? When?
(37) When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
(38) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(39) The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
(40) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
(41) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Peter & Disciples
baptized 3,000 believers
in Jerusalem.
When: immediately.
(36) As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
(37)
(38) And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
(39) When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
Philip
baptized Ethiopian Eunuch
in the desert.
When: immediately.
(44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
(45) The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
(46) For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
(47) “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
(48) So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Peter & other brothers
baptized Cornelius’ household
in Caesarea.
When: the same day.
(32) Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
(33) At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
(34) The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
Paul & Silas
baptized Philippian jailer
in Philippi.
When: the same hour.
Could Peter baptize 3,000 believers in one day? Who do you think helped him?
Who was baptized?
Where were people baptized?
When were people baptized?
Whose Name Was Used to Baptize?
Why is Jesus’ name so powerful?
(18) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
(19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
(20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(47) “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
(48) So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
(9) For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
(10) and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Jesus is the fullness of God in bodily form. In Matthew 28:19, this fullness is described as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
(19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Ask
Why, where and when were you baptized?
Application
If you believe in Jesus and are not yet baptized, would you like to get baptized?
Prayer Model
Lord Jesus, thank You that baptism is an opportunity to make a public declaration of our faith in You. Help me to experience the power of baptism.
Key Verse
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
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