"Why Baptism?" - Part 2

Matthew 3:13-17; 28:18-20

If God was “well pleased” at the baptism of His Son, Jesus, then I believe I am safe to say that He is well pleased with the decision of the those who will be baptized!

My AIM or GOAL this morning is for you is twofold:

First, that you would understand what God’s Word says about baptism.

second, that if you have not yet done so, you would be baptized “…in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!”

I. The Baptism of Jesus – (Matthew 3:13-17)

(John 1:6) – “There was a man sent from God whose name was John.”

John 1:6 CSB

There was a man sent from God whose name was John.

This is IMPORTANT because, as we learned previously, John tries to prevent Jesus from being baptized – (Matthew 3:13-14)!

Matthew 3:13–14 CSB

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”

The ANSWER of Jesus in (3:15) is FOUNDATIONAL to the absolute necessity of baptism!

“Jesus answered him, ‘Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John allowed him to be baptized.”

Matthew 3:15 CSB

Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized.

The FIRST reason you should be baptized by immersion is because of the example of Jesus!

What was Heaven’s response?

Matthew 3:16–17 CSB

When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”

II. The Practice of Baptism!

A. Baptism is ordained by Jesus Christ himself – (Matthew 28:19)

The early Church was obedient to this commissioning! – (Acts 2:37-38; 9:17-18; 16:14-15)

B. Baptism is linked with repentance, FORGIVENESS, and receiving the Holy spirit – (Acts 2:38)

C. Baptism follows the decision to believe! – (Acts 2:41; 8:12–13; 16:31–33)

Ironically, Acts 16 is used both to support infant baptism (“…all his family were baptized”) AND negate the practice of infant baptism! (v.31) – “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and your household”

The practice of infant baptism did not gain wide acceptance until Augustine (AD 354-430).

We do not practice infant baptism because Infants can neither repent nor believe!

(Acts 18:8) - It is faith in Jesus, not an outward sign that makes a person a child of God.

D. Baptism is in the Name of the Trinity (God) or Jesus Christ!

1. Baptism in or into the name of Jesus Christ – (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 19:5)

2. Baptism in the name of the Trinity – (Matthew 28:19)

E. Baptism was (and should be) by immersion!

The Greek word “baptizō” which means to ‘dip, plunge, or immerse in water.’

Romans 6:4 CSB

Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.

Acts 8:38 CSB

So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

The practice of pouring and sprinkling did not occur for hundreds of years (no one is sure when) and was a result of the practice of waiting until the end of life before being baptized (called ‘clinical’ baptism), in order to have as many sins as possible before being “washed!”

For me, the issue is the authority of the Word of God. If the intended meaning of baptizō is to immerse in water, then I do not believethe Pope, a Council, or Denominational leaders (Bishops or Presbyters) have the authority to change the manner of baptism.

It is NOT a measure or test of FAITH or FELLOWSHIP! I do NOT question a person’s salvation, but neither will I suggest, or imply that it doesn’t matter how a person is baptized.

WHY CHANGE THE SYMBOL? Especially when obedience is easy & simple.

I’ve experienced folks who argued, “What about the guy in the middle of the desert who accepts Christ? Will he go to hell because he wasn’t baptized?”

My response is, “Well, he crawled up the next dune and on the other side was an oasis with lovely palm trees and he was baptized in the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit!”

To suggest in our current situation that lack of water should shape our practice of baptism is a weak argument.

Sprinkling or pouring does not convey the identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ described in (Romans 6:4-5)!

F. Manifestations of the Holy Spirit may follow or precede water baptism

(Acts 8:12–17) — after baptism; (Acts 9:17–18; 10:44-48) — before baptism.

G. The person who baptizes is of little importance – (1 Corinthians 1:14)

III. The Significance of Baptism!

Synopsis: The NT uses a variety of images to explain the meaning of baptism.

A. Jesus used Baptism as a symbol of His impending death! – (Luke 12:50) (Mark 10:38–39)

Twice, Jesus Christ described his death as a baptism or a flood overwhelming him.

B. Baptism is a symbol of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus! – (Romans 6:3-7)

C. Baptism is a symbol of being saved from JUDGMENT (the Flood)! – (1 Peter 3:21)

D. Baptism is the NT equivalent of circumcision – (Colossians 2:11–12)

E. Baptism symbolizes washing from sin – (Acts 2:38; 22:16)

F. Baptism is a symbol of putting on Christ – (Galatians 3:27)

Galatians 3:27 CSB

For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.

G. Baptism as a symbol of unity! – (Ephesians 4:5) (1 Corinthians 12:13)