Identification

Introduction

The church practices two ordinances: Communion and Water Baptism. Both ordinances are rich in symbolism and dramatically represent essential truths of the Gospel of Christ. These are powerful pictures of God’s grace and His relationship with people who trust Him.

Matthew 3:

Matthew 3:13–17 ESV

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 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; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Significance of Jesus’ Baptism

Launch of Ministry

Mark 1:14–15 ESV

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

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John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Jesus’ baptism signified an identification with John’s message and method: Repentance!

A Picture of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

Significance of Christian Baptism

Romans 6:1–4 ESV

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.

Romans 5:21 ESV

21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 6:1-

Baptism illustrates the spiritual truth of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is through His death that the penalty of sin is paid; and it is through His resurrection that God’s power to bring new life is a reality for all who would believe.

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Jesus’ Identification with Those Whose Sins He would Bear

Since Jesus is God—the Second Person of the Trinity (equal with the Father and the Spirit), and since He is perfect in every way—One who never sinned, Jesus does not need to repent and does not need forgiveness.

So why did Jesus allow Himself to experience Baptism?

Isaiah 53:11 ESV

11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Isaiah 53:11 ESV

11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

Jesus Identified (connected with) humankind. Although He knew no sin, He allowed Himself to experience the pain that sin brings to every person.

1 Peter 3:18 ESV

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Affirmation of His Messiahship

Baptism affirmed Jesus as the redemptive plan of God—the One anointed to be God’s way of salvation for all who would believe.

Matt 3:16

Matthew 3:16–17 ESV

16 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; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Conclusion

Baptism is not an archaic ritual or an ambiguous religious symbol.

Baptism is a powerful message of God’s love.

Baptism launched Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Baptism served as a powerful picture of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Baptism demonstrates Jesus’ identification with humanity—helping us grasp His selfless love for people to bear every sin.

Baptism affirms that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the World—that He is truly the only Way, Truth, and Life!

When we, as believers (who have received God’s grace through faith), follow the Lord’s example in water baptism, we are also affirming Christ’s powerful work in in our lives.

As baptism launched Jesus’ ministry, water baptism serves as a powerful moment where we tell the world of our new life in Christ.

As baptism illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection, water baptism serves to illustrate our death to the old life, and our resurrection as a person who trusts in Jesus Christ—who gives in new life.

As baptism demonstrates Jesus’ identification with humanity, water baptism demonstrates our identification with Christ.

As baptism affirms that Jesus is the Savior of the World, water baptism affirms that Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior.