Published: 16 February 2011 Written by Bob Stone
When we discuss water baptism, there are basically two extremes that must be corrected before we get into the subject.
One extreme says water baptism is no longer significant.
Another extreme says we are saved by the right of baptism or baptismal regeneration.
Our rebuttal—Matt. 28:19; Eph. 2:8-9; Mark 1:9.Why was Jesus baptized? In order to save Him? No, He didn't need to be saved; He was perfect. Baptism didn't save Jesus, nor does it save us.
Our position. "Water baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality." It is like a married person's wedding ring.
Baptism is a public statement by a new believer of the ________ ___________________ _______________of Christ.
The act of baptism is a declaration of __________________.
The context of the New Testament:
The command of Jesus in Matt. 28:18-20 reflects accurately what it means to be a disciple. The command is to make disciples. This Great Commission explains what it means to make disciples or to be a disciple.
The call of commitment is summarized in three words:
The act of baptism is a declaration of His ______________. It's a pledge of submission. It's saying we intend to obey and mimic Christ in every area of our lives.
Baptism is a memorable event in a new believer's life that marks a definite break from the past and ______________ him/her from the________________life.
The Old Testament picture of baptism—1 Cor. 10:1-6; Ex. 12-15:
The highlights from Exodus 12-15:
The application to us:
Paul in 1 Cor. 10 makes the point that this is a _________ of baptism—v. 2. Paul is pointing us to this picture to remind us of where we've been and where we are going.
Baptism points us, therefore, to the freedom that is ours in Christ.
The New Testament picture of baptism—Rom. 6:1-12:
The world says, "Be free and continue to sin." Paul says we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. That's what water baptism signifies. it's a picture of spiritual reality. Baptism signifies our ______________with Christ—v. 3. The essence of the Christian life (being in Christ) is signified in baptism.
Baptism also signifies our baptism into Christ's death and resurrection—vv. 3-5. Baptism, therefore, symbolizes our salvation. Our baptism is a ____________ and a _______________ from the grave at the same time.
Why do we practice baptism by "immersion?"
Baptism is best symbolized through total immersion in water—Matt. 3:6,13-17; Rom. 6:4-7.
The reason we don't practice infant baptism is because it can't possibly mean what _________________________ Acts 2:38-39.
Baptism is a biblical way to________________with Jesus and His church—Acts 2:41. Baptism administered in a local church is helpful in two ways: It serves to unite the new believer with other believers in the community; and administered in the local church, it is a public statement to family and friends.
Why is baptism significant? What is the application to us?
If not baptized: Acts 8:36-39; 16:29-34.
If baptized: Are you now living a baptized in water lifestyle? Are you walking in the reality of your conversion and baptism? Let the words of 1 Cor. 10:1-13 be a warning. The pattern is Acts 8:36-39; 16:29-34.