In the Waters with Christ: Baptized and Confirmed

Intro

Good Morning and welcome again to Iglesia bautista horeb. Please turn your bibles to Matthew 3:13-17.

We are continuing our sermon series focusing on the uniqueness of christ and what that means for us his successors in the faith. I believe that sometimes in the name of uniqueness we lose sight of what really makes us different in this world, our union with Jesus. There was this movie that came out in the late 90’s named SLC Punk! and in my later years I made the same observation as anyone that was older than me at the time, for a bunch of anarchists, anti establishment and order type people, they sure all wore a uniform. The push to being unique in their hairstyles and outward appearance actually is what helps them identify each other. Our identity, as our lives, are hid with christ on high. Colossians 3:3 Today I want us to consider how we share in Jesus’ baptism and how, in Christ, the Father also declares over us, “This is my child with whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus Batized

Matthew 3:13–17 ESV

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Let us pray.

At the time of John the Baptist’s arrival there was already a rich history of ritual washing in Jewish practices that predated and paralleled the baptism performed by John the Baptist. These practices, while not identical to Christian baptism, shared some similarities and provided a cultural and religious context for John's baptism. Key aspects include: Ritual Washing (Mikveh): In Jewish tradition, immersion in a mikveh, a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion, was a common practice. This immersion was primarily about ritual purity, cleansing a person from ceremonial impurity. Proselyte Baptism: When Gentiles converted to Judaism, they underwent a form of baptism as part of their conversion process. This included immersion in water, symbolizing a departure from the old life and rebirth into the Jewish faith and community. Symbolic Cleansing: Ritual washings in Judaism were often symbolic of spiritual cleanliness and were a part of daily life for devout Jews. They were prescribed for a variety of reasons, from purification after coming into contact with sources of impurity to preparation for holy days.

So baptism was not something John invented, but a great instrument none the less. The baptism John offered was a baptism of repentance.

Symbol of Repentance: John's baptism was a symbolic act representing an individual's repentance from sins. It was a public declaration of a desire to turn away from sin and turn towards God.

Preparation for the Messiah: John's role was to prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah. His baptism was a call for people to prepare their hearts and lives for the coming of Christ.

Water Baptism: John performed baptisms in the Jordan River. The immersion in water symbolized the cleansing of sin, aligning with the concept of repentance.

Not for Salvation: Not unlike the baptism we practice here at Horeb, John’s baptism did not impart salvation. While his was a preparatory step pointing toward the coming salvation through Jesus ours is a responisive act based on our salvation through Jesus.

A Prophetic Act: John’s ministry fulfilled the prophecies of an Elijah-like figure who would come to prepare the way for the Lord (as foretold in scriptures like Malachi 4:5-6).

A Call to Ethical Reform: Alongside his baptism, John also preached ethical transformation and social justice, urging people to live righteously.

John's baptism set the stage for the arrival of Jesus and the new covenant that Jesus would establish through His death and resurrection.

In Matthew 3:13-17, we witness a pivotal moment: the baptism of Jesus. Here, Jesus, though sinless, steps into the Jordan River, identifying Himself with sinners. This act marks the beginning of His public ministry. We are often reminded of the humility and obedience of Christ, and nowhere is it more evident than here, in the waters of baptism.

Our Baptism

We believe that our baptism is not unlike John’s baptism. While his looks forward to the messiah to come we look back at the fact that he has come and we are saved. Our baptism is the outward sign of the inward change. Not just that, but in our baptism we declare what is stated in romans 6

Romans 6:3–4 ESV

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

This is the other way we see Jesus uniqueness as our trailblazer, i can say that cause I’m not much for lakers or any basketball team, but if that offends your sensibilities, we see jesus uniqueness as our forerunner, or as we see in 1 Corinthians 15:20

1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

The firstborn.

As believers, when we are baptized, as stated in Romans 6:3-4, we are baptized into His death and resurrection. This isn’t merely a ritual; it’s a powerful declaration of faith, symbolizing our death to sin and a new birth in Christ.

In our baptism we declare the victory we have in Jesus christ. I heard a long time ago someone refer to the waters of baptism to the waters of the red sea in exodus. Just as the people of God left their slavery behind, we too leave our slavery behind and take up a new identity Galatians 3:27

Galatians 3:27 ESV

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Pleased to Please

So as God sees the Son, So he sees us. What exactly does that mean? good question!

At Jesus' baptism, the heavens opened, and the Father's voice affirmed, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." In Christ, this declaration extends to us. We are now clothed in Christ’s righteousness. We see this as the epitome of grace - unworthy as we are, yet loved, accepted, and cherished by God.

I want everyone to close their eyes. Now imagine that the creator of all that exists, the still small voice, the God and father of all eternity looks at you, clothed in Christ and says, “this is my beloved child, with whom I am well please.” Rest in that.

Are you trying to find what sets you apart in life? are you struggling to find what makes you unique in this world? It is that!! We have victory through faith in christ, we have the resurrection from the spiritual and physical death through Jesus, and with union in christ we rest in our identity in christ as children of God, accepted and empowered to do the good works laid out before us (Eph 2:10) .

REst doesn’t mean we stop trying, Resting in christ means that we are no loner working to achieve, but working as a response of worship. It calls for a life reflecting our new identity - a life of holiness, obedience, and love. It’s not just about bearing the name 'Christian'; it’s about embodying Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. In our daily encounters in public, in our private lives, in all of life. As we behold Christ, cherish him, remember him, and rest in him, we become more like him. You know what was Jesus primary concern? every single soul he encountered. even when he was being heavy handed withe pharisees, he was being blunt for the sake of their souls. I pray that we should have that concern for the souls of those around us. As we rest in Christ, and behold christ, the holy spirit works in us and through us to the glory of God.

In Christ, we have been baptized, symbolizing our death to sin and new life in Him, our victory in him. And in Him, we are God’s beloved children, with whom He is well pleased. Let’s carry this identity with humility and strength as go out to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Doing all this in Faith and love; cause without faith it is impossible to please God(heb 11”6), without love we are but noisey gongs(1 cor 13:1).

As believer We are victorious, we are resurrection people, We are uniquely unified to christ and in that union we are a unique people.

1 Baptised in water, sealed by the Spirit cleansed by the blood of Christ our king; heirs of salvation, trusting his promise - faithfully now God's praise we sing.

2 Baptised in water, sealed by the Spirit, dead in the tomb with Christ our king; one with his rising, freed and forgiven thankfully now God's praise we sing.

3 Baptised in water, sealed by the Spirit, marked with the sign of Christ our king; born of one Father, we are his children - joyfully now God's praise we sing.

Michael seward