The In's & Outs of Baptism

Today is a very special day, we have 3 people following the example and commands of the Lord Jesus, by going through water Baptism. Now, I just wanted to share some thoughts on the In’s and Outs of Salvation and Baptism, to make sure we distinguish the two, it’s important that we are clear in what they are both about so their isn’t any confusion.

That’s what we are about here, we want to be real, upfront and transparent, to ensure we are clear that we believe the Bible to be God’s word, and to sufficient for faith in practice. in simple terms we are governed by this book!

Now you may of heard all sorts of things about the Bible,

Its Just a book written by men

It’s full of contradictions

Evolution disproves the Bible

I could go on and on, but just take a look at the history of the Bible, and you we see that this book is supernatural, and has been preserved by God, when men have set out to remove it from history!

The Bible has come under attack after attack and nothing can destroy it because its a supernatural book. its the book of answers - Where did i come from, why am i here, where am i going? The answers to life are in this book.

I urge you if your not already a bible believing Christian, to take a look at the book, earnestly look and God we reveal himself to you through it..

Getting back to what we are celebrating today, we are going to witness Baptism. But again I wanted to be clear that baptism is not salvation, they are to separate things

So lets quickly examine the big difference between the two. Firstly then lets look at Salvation:

1. Salvation is an Internal Transformation

Salvation is something that happens on the inside, it takes place when we acknowledge our standing before God, realise we are in terrible trouble before a holy and righteous God, and cry out to him to save us, its an act of repentance and faith.

Let me take you to the Bible now and walk the Romans Road as its known, because all these verses come from Romans

Lets begin at Step 1

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

All have sinned, missed the mark, not met God standard, because he is Holy and sinless - You say im not a bad person - Have you lied, stole, swore, lusted? lying, cheating, blaspheming.

Step 2

Romans 3:10 KJV 1900

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

So there is none righteous, none of their own merit or efforts can be right before God- you come with you bag of good deeds, and got shows you the endless pile of your BAD!

Step 3

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is a price to pay death, understanding death is seperation not non existence, but!! the gift of God, the word gift is important, not something worked for but a free gift, if you pay for it its not a gift!!

Step 4

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This is the cross, Calvary, Gods great love displayed for a sinful and rebellious human race!!!

Step 5

Romans 10:9 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Notice the word heart!! this is between the individual and God, its not about how many times you are in Church or not about how many good things you do, its not about anything external, its internal, its heart level, and only God can see that, and you cant hide it from him

Step 6

Romans 10:13 KJV 1900

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Praise God that the word whosever means what its says it means!! Anybody!!! and again God cant be fooled

Step 7

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Beautiful, peace with God, in a right standing before him, not because of anything we have done, but what Jesus did, when he went to the cross, to be offered in our place, his life for ours...

Christianity stands alone, because every other religion requires you to do something, never knowing if what you did was enough, The Bible stands alone with the message it is finished,

Step 8

Romans 8:38–39 KJV 1900

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Secure, knowing you are saved once for all eternity, and there is nothing anything or anyone can do to take that from you!!

That folks is salvation, it is a work of God, gifted to you if you believe in your heart the Gospel message and turn in repentance and faith to one who is the way the truth and the life - Jesus

So salvation is internal, what about baptism? well

2. Baptism is an External Demonstration

Baptism is simply a public declaration that you have been saved, that you are in a right relationship with God, your sins have been forgiven and your know for sure that if you were to die this very day, that is experience the separation of body from spirit and soul, you would be destined for Heaven!!

Let’s watch this quick video to show...

Baptism has no saving power, the water is just water, the individual is not saved by the process, it is simple pictorial, the old person dies with Christ, and is raised in newness of life, Baptism is a public declaration to those who witness that I am following Christ, I have been saved, born again, my sins have been forgiven and I am going to walk in that newness of life

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Conclusion

Now this morning there will be people at different stages, some we have experienced salvation but never been baptised. The testimony of those getting baptised today is to encourage you, the candidates all have nerves, they have had to face their fears, and they are doing it in Christ’s strength not their own, you should be challenged and encouraged to submit to Baptism.

There will be those here this morning who at a heart level have not experienced salvation, and the candidates through their testimony want to show you in pictorial form what has gone on in their lives.

If you have any questions please come and talk to me after the service, i would be overjoyed to answer any questions you might have..