The Truth About Baptism

(Acts 8:27-39)

Introduction:

I. In different denominations we see different ideas of what baptism is.

II. Some say that it is an optional action, some say you can be sprinkled or poured.

III. Let us see what the New Testament has to say about baptism.

Body:

I. One must believe before they are baptized. (Acts 8:36-37)

A. We cannot please God without faith. (Heb. 11:6)

1. Our faith in God and his promises is the only way to please him.

2. Likewise, our faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved. (Jn. 3:16)

B. This is not some whim of belief that we are talking about. (Heb. 11:1)

1. If we are convicted of the things God has promised, then we will obey his commands. (Jn. 14:15)

2. Our faith should not be a passive faith but an active one. (Jm. 2:17-18)

C. Therefore, it should not even be a question on whether one should be baptized. (Mt. 28:18-20)

1. However, if one does not believe or does not have the ability to believe then they cannot be baptized.

2. At that point all they are doing is getting wet.

II. One must understand why they are baptized. (Acts 8:35-39)

A. The Eunuch needed help understanding the scriptures.

1. God has given us his inspired word. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

2. This word from God can be understood. (1 Cor. 14:33)

3. We have an obligation to study and understand his word. (2 Tim. 2:15)

B. The facts is that all are lost. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)

1. Our sin separates us from God. (Isa. 59:2)

2. None of us can be saved by our own power. (Rom. 3:29)

3. Only through Jesus Christ’s blood can we be saved. (Rom. 6:1-4)

C. Baptism does three things.

1. It washes us of our sins. (Acts 2:38; 3:19)

2. It gives us assurance of our resurrection. (Rom. 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:16-18)

3. The Lord adds us to HIS church. (Acts 2:47)

III. One must understand how they are baptized.

A. Baptism is submerging in water.

1. The Ethiopian Eunuch went into the water and was baptized. (Acts 8:36-38)

2. He was not sprinkled or poured water on but went down into the water.

3. When one is buried, one is completely covered so if we are buried with Christ we must be completely covered. (Rom. 6:1-4)

B. One must be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Mt. 28:18-20)

1. “In the name” is to be understood as under the authority of Father, Son, and H.S. (Col. 3:17)

2. Everything we do should be with the authority of Jesus and this includes baptism.

C. One must be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2 :38)

1. While baptism is an appeal to God it is also for the forgiveness of sins. (1 Pet. 3:21)

2. Some say that the “for” in Acts 2:38 means because of the forgiveness of sins.

3. That logic does not line up with what Jesus said he came to die for. (Mt. 26:28)

Conclusion:

I. We have all sinned and need forgivness.

II. The only way back to the Father is through Jesus Christ and being baptized into his blood. (Jn. 14:6)