The Cross and Baptism (2)

INTRO

Baptism symbolizes the Gospel (Rom 6:17; 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2 Thess 1:8)

In baptism we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Rom 6:3-5)

Consider the connections between the cross and baptism.

A Shame

When someone says, “I want to be baptized” we rightfully get excited

Baptism is not a rite of passage but a reenactment of the D, B, R

Remember: baptism represents the death of the cross—a shameful death

One wanting baptism is saying: I am a sinner. I am lost. I need saving. I need the blood of Jesus.

The criminal carrying the cross was shamed for his crimes; the sinner desiring baptism needs to be ashamed of his sins

Sin involves shame (Gen 3:7-8; Jer 3:24-25; Hos 4:7)

Genesis 3:7–8 KJV 1900

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

Jeremiah 3:24–25 KJV 1900

For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.

Hosea 4:7 KJV 1900

As they were increased, so they sinned against me: Therefore will I change their glory into shame.

Because of the cross and baptism we don’t have to be live in shame (Rom 10:11; Rom 5:5) but we are ashamed of the deeds that we did to put our Lord to death (Rom 6:21)

Jesus was pierced

Nailed to the cross (Is 53:5; Jn 20:25)

Side (JN 19:34)

Our hearts must be pierced if our baptism is to be valid

Conviction of one’s sin (Acts 2:37; Acts 9:6)—One must see their need for salvation

Conviction of one’s belief in Jesus (Acts 8:36-38)—One must see who their savior is: Jesus

A Death

Just as the purpose of the cross was to be put one to death, so the one baptized is put to death.

We crucify self and live for Christ (Gal 2:20; Gal 5:24-25)

Dead to sin (Rom 6:11-12; Col 3:5;)

Taking up the cross daily—remain dead (Lk 9:23)

A Resurrection

Just as the Crucified Lord was raised, so the one baptized is raised to a new life.

Just as Jesus was dead—we were spiritually dead (Eph 2:1)

Rom 6:3-4

Resist the urge to return to the old man of sin (Eph 4:22-24)

A Joy

Just as Jesus saw joy at the cross, we rejoice at baptism (Heb 12:2)

Sitting at the Father’s right hand

Inviting you into the joy of the Lord (Mt 25:21)

We rejoice at baptism (Acts 8:38-39)

EXHORTATION

Baptism like the cross involves

Shame of our sins

Piercing of the heart

Death and resurrection

Joy

Do you have that joy? are you still living with sin and shame?