Quick Sermon on Baptism
Introduction
Baptism does not mean regeneration or forgiveness of sins.
Baptism states the fact of an event that has already transpired beforehand.
Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality – An genuine conversion.
1. It means obedient to the command of Christ:
” Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. “ (Mar 16:16, ESV)
Note: Believing in Christ comes prior to the act of baptism
2. It means following the example of Christ:
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1Pe 2:21, ESV)
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. “ (Joh 13:15, ESV)
3. It means fulfilling all righteousness of God:
“But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.”(Mat 3:15, ESV)
Note: If baptism is fitting for christ; how much then it would do for us?
4. It means dying for sin and living in Christ:
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”(Col 3:3, ESV)
“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal 6:14, ESV)
5. It means having our identification with Christ (Rom. 6:4-13):
A. Identification in His Death – “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Rom 6:5, ESV)
B. Identification in His Burial – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death…” (Rom 6:4, ESV)
C. Identification in His Resurrection – “…just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Rom 6:4, ESV)
6. It means association with Christ’s body:
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1Co 12:13, ESV)
by Pastor Jayasheelan.R
Delivered on December 25 2014.