Chance Yankie, Youth Pastor
November 6, 2016

The Basics on Baptism

1) Meaning of Baptism – What is it?

Baptism… Lets just start with… This is God’s idea! So lets think big thoughts when you think about baptism – not a small thing, its much like when a man slides a ring on a woman’s finger, or taking the Lord’s Supper. It’s a big deal!
“baptizo” (gk) – means to plunge, dip, immerse something in water, this meaning was understood in ancient Greek literature both inside and outside of the Bible
The SYMBOLISM of union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection seems to require baptism by immersion
It’s an ordinance that should be “fulfilled”
he commanded it or ordained, Matt 28:19-20
– main verb “make disciples” – How? Baptize and teach until the end
It should be obeyed
Matt 1:24 Joseph obeyed “That’s just what righteous people do.” Fritscher 2016
Jesus baptism mentioned in all 4 gospels
John 1:32- a testimony from John
Luke 3:21 &4 – In a doctor-esq fashion we see a brief note
Mark 1:9- Mark sticking to the facts and giving it to us straight
John 3:13- most detailed version, actually uses the words fulfilled

Mode of Baptism – How is it done?
Expresses union of the believer with Christ Rom 6:3-4
-faith is the means in which we are justified with God and unite with Jesus
– Ex: “with this ring, I thee wed” it symbolizes the covenant
– imagery of death, burial, and resurrection
Rom 6: 1-11
Picture this:
Going down into the water = down into the grave
Being completely under the water = Being completely buried
Coming up out of the water = Being raised with Christ to walk in newness of life
Overview: clearly pictures
1) DEATH to one’s OLD way of life and a RISING to a NEW kind of life in Christ, in the Holy Spirit.
2) Purification and cleansing of sins (Titus 3:5, Acts 22:16)
3) Oppportunity to start over in life ( hope is restored)
*Sprinkling or Pouring simply misses the symbolism in this*
This is done in the Father, Son, Holy Spirit
– It is Sacred and Holy, not just jacking around in the pool
Salvation is “Of the” by the father, “Purchased” by the son, “Applied” by the Holy Spirit

2) Subjects of Baptism – Who is it for?
For believers only Col 2:12
– It’s for those who have repented and come to faith
– not for a non-believer or infant can do
– Col 2:11-12 – Once there was a circumcision made with human hands that was required to be associated with being a follower of God… BUT now there is a new spiritual meaning! Christ is cutting us free from the old man that is so use to sinning… through faith
– So Baptism has replaced circumcision and the outward mark of being part of the people of God

Baptism is only for those who give a believable profession of faith in Jesus Christ, i.e. no infant can be or should be baptized. That is why it is called believers baptism. This is also because baptism is a symbol of beginning the Christian life.
Acts 2:41
Acts 8:12
Acts 10:44-46

3) The effects of Baptism – What does it really do?
It’s an ordinance that should be “fulfilled”
he commanded it or ordained, Matt 28:19-20
– main verb “make disciples” – How? Baptize and teach until the end
It should be obeyed
Matt 1:24 Joseph obeyed “That’s just what righteous people do.” Fritscher 2016

4) The necessity of Baptism – What if I don’t get baptized?
It is commanded, obviously… But we should not say it is necessary for salvation?
Eph 2:8-9
Gal 5:1-12
Luke 23:43 Thief on the cross

But it is necessary if we are to be obedient to Christ!

So our response it so simply obey!
Acts2:38 repent, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit … Acts 8 the Ethiopian Eunuch says there’s water… what stops me?

There is the blessing of God’s favor that comes with obedience, as well as the joy that comes through public profession of one’s faith, and the reassurance of having a clear physical picture of dying and rising Christ and washing away of past sins. Certainly this strengthens and encourages our faith in the Lord, and those who witness this. This is a first fruit of obedience!