Symbol, Seal, and Sign

Introduction

II don’t want the simplicity of the message to betray the importance of the topic.

Acts 10:44–48 (ESV)

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Baptism is

A symbol of Jesus’ work in me.

A symbol is a visible expression of an invisible reality.

ILLUST - wedding ring as a symbol.

At weddings the husband and wife make a commitment to each other that is invisible and I ask if there is a symbol of the vows they made to each other.

The rings

I usually say something like this:

“These rings represent (are a symbol of) the vows and promises you’ve willingly exchanged.

They are whole and unbroken as is your commitment to each other.”

Sometimes, it is pointed out that the rings are made with precious metal symbolizing the purity and preciousness of their relationship.

It is a visible expression of an invisible reality.

If someone has gloves on, is it easy to tell if they are married?

When you see someone with a ring on the ring finger of their left hand, you usually know they are married.

Baptism is a visible expression of an invisible reality.

What is the ‘invisible reality?’ - it is a relationship with Jesus — just like a wedding ring is a visible expression of a relationship.

The invisible reality is that the person has believed the gospel and by faith has trusted Jesus to be their Savior.

47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Peter asked the redundant question be the answer was obviously ‘NO’

Cornelius and the other Gentiles with him could and should be baptized because it was clear they had faith in Jesus.

How do we know?

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.

The Holy Spirit is given to those who trust in gospel.

Just like at Pentecost (for the Jews), those who believe the gospel are clearly marked by the gifts of the Spirit.

Peter knows the invisible reality of salvation and a relationship with Jesus has taken place and calls for the Gentiles to publicly express this through the symbol of baptism.

Both the symbol and what it symbolizes are important!

ILLUST - Simply wearing a wedding ring does not make me married!

(Baptism does not save you!)

When you’re married it is important to express it.

Because just like a wedding ring the relationship is precious and permanent.

(my wedding ring is tattooed to show this)

Romans 6:4–5 (ESV)

4 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. 5 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.

Baptism follows faith to show life follows death.

Can you think of another time that “coming through water” was symbolic of salvation? — The Flood

A seal of my relationship with Jesus.

A seal generally uses something to display the authority of someone.

ILLUST - wax seal on a letter

In the ancient world (and in most modern weddings) important documents were sealed with a wax seal that bore the mark of the one who sent it - showing the communication comes with authority.

Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

The Holy Spirit is the authority shown on the seal to say “You are part of the New Covenant” and baptism is the expression of the seal.

Baptism is the ‘wax’ and the Holy Spirit is the ‘impression’ of the seal which assures and secures that I am in a covenant with Jesus.

When people would look at a letter and question if it really came from the kingdom, they would look at the seal.

When you have trusted in Christ and have been baptized, and question the authenticity of God’s work in your life, baptism is the reminder that you have been united with Christ in a covenant - the New Covenant.

All the benefits that Jesus has through his perfect life are also yours!

Romans 6:5 (ESV)

5 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.

ILLUST - Envelope with seal

card = me

envelope = Christ

seal = authority and expression of Spirit and baptism

A sign of Jesus’ work through my life.

ILLUST - “this is a sign” is a completely useless sign. Why?

Signs point to something other than themselves.

What does the “sign” of baptism point to? JESUS

It points to Jesus IN your life.

and

It points to Jesus THROUGH your life.

Romans 6:4 (ESV)

4 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.

It points to Jesus IN your life.

Baptism is a sign pointing us toward our walk in newness of life.

Newness of life

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

καινότης

Kainos is new in kind and in contrast to what previously existed, so taking the place thereof.

New life, new freedom from sin (Rom 6)

For those who have been baptized, have you been walking in newness of life?

Is there more joy in your life?

Is there more freedom from sin?

Is there more love, joy, peace, patience, goodness. . . ?

If no, why not?

ILLUST - Just as looking at a wedding ring reminds me I have a partner in life, Remember your baptism and remember you no longer need to or should walk the old life.

It points to Jesus THROUGH your life.

Those being baptized today are the ones truly giving the message today. The message is

Jesus can change lives.

They will be giving us their testimonies as they go under and rise to new life in Christ.

In a world where we are told that our faith should be a private matter, baptism is the PUBLIC sign of Jesus in our lives.

Would you get baptized at half time at the Notre Dame game? (They wouldn’t let me do that yesterday)

— even if it costs you ridicule?

Cyril of Jerusalem (313–386) brings significance to the naked portion of this ceremony in this way: “You put off your clothes, which is an emblem of putting off the old man with his deeds; and being thus divested, you stood naked, imitating Christ, that was naked upon the cross, who by his nakedness spoiled principalities and powers, publicly triumphing over them in the cross.” He adds, “‘Immediately, then, upon entering, you removed your tunics. Having stripped, you were naked. … Marvellous! You were naked in the sight of all, and were not ashamed.'”

— even if it costs you your life?

ILLUST - India - hidden baptisms due to the danger.

‘Walking out’ the water of baptism with a new life should point people to Jesus.

Do you need to walk into the water (of baptism)?

As Paul gives his testimony, he recounts how Ananias — after seeing that Paul had trusted in Jesus, said:

Acts 22:16 (ESV)

16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

If so, come forward during the next song to meet with one of our deacons to share your story and get ready to take your next step of baptism!

Do you need to ‘walk out’ the water (of baptism)?

How as your life changed since your baptism?

HAS your life changed since your baptism?