Baptism Sunday | November 2023
Whose idea is baptism?
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
What does baptism mean?
The word in Greek (baptizo) means immerse; make whelmed (fully wet)
Baptized is a technical term in the New Testament. When referring to water baptism, it has the meaning of identification with Christ.
Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “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.
In the name of = to the account of = signifies ownership
“...baptism is an expression of faith...Baptism was performed in the name of Jesus, a phrase which may represent a commercial usage, ‘to the account of Jesus’...it conveys the thought that the person being baptized enters into an allegiance to Jesus...Thus Christian baptism was an expression of faith and commitment to Jesus as Lord.” ~I Howard Marshall
Is baptism necessary for salvation? No
Is baptism necessary for obedience? Yes
When should I be baptized?
Acts 2:41
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 10:47-48
“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Acts 16:14-15
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Acts 16:30-33
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
Conclusion
Who gets baptized? Believers
When? After Salvation
What is the relationship between faith in Christ and baptism? Baptism follows faith: “The idea of an unbaptized Christian is simply not entertained in the New Testament” ~FF Bruce
Baptism = identification with Jesus Christ
Baptism is a sign and outward expression of your commitment to Christ and intention to live a new life of submission to God.