Why be baptized?

Matthew 28: 18-20

1.      It demonstrates that a person has (Taken) Christ as Savior.

-         Baptism is the (Outward) expression of an (Inward) experience.

-         Baptism is a person’s (Public) confession of faith.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  (Acts 2:41)

2.      It demonstrates one’s willingness to (obey) Jesus.

-         Where there is (salvation) there is (obedience).

            If you love me, you will obey what I command.  (John 14:15)

-         To (obey) is better than (sacrifice)

But Samuel replied, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.  (I Samuel 15:22)

3.       It demonstrates the believer’s (oneness) with Christ.

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  (Romans 6:4)

4.      It demonstrates our solidarity with other (Christians).

There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  (Ephesians 4:4-5)

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  (I Corinthians 12:13)

Why is the way I am baptized important?

1.        Because of the (definition) of baptism.  The word means:  “to (dip)” or “to (immerse).”

2.  Because of the (picture) of baptism.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  (Romans 6:4)

·        It pictures the (death), (burial), and (resurrection) of Jesus and His (Followers).

·        It pictures a present (spiritual) reality.

·        It pictures a future (physical) reality.

3.  Because of the (example) of (Jesus).

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”  (Matthew 3:16-17)

4.       Because of the (Practice) of the New Testament (church).

And He gave orders to stop the chariot.  Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  (Acts 8:38)