The Many Facets Of Baptism (2)
Categories: Bible Study Lessons Tags: Bible Lessons on Baptism6) Baptism Is Like Giving Life To The Dead
The sinner is dead in his trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). He is separated from God by them (Isaiah 59:1-2). God only can give new life to those dead in sin. It is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Tit. 3:5-6). In this passage, to “regenerate” is to make alive again. Renewal has the same basic meaning. When does God do this for sinners? When their sins are “washed away” in the waters of baptism (Acts 22:16). When we are baptized in water, He gives the “gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). So we are “made alive” or “born again” from our death in sin by God when we are baptized (Romans 6:9-11).
What does this all mean to us as Christians? It means we are like the old hymn which says, “Dead to the world, to voices that call us. Living a new obedient but free life; Dead to the joys that once did enthrall me – Yet it is not I, Christ liveth in me” Indeed we are made alive from our death in sin by God when we are baptized into Christ.
7) Baptism Is The Entrance Initiation Into The Lord’s Church
This entrance initiation is described in the New Testament, “For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body….” (1 Corinthians 12:13). The “one body” is Christ’s church (Colossians 1:18). Water baptism puts us into the one true church (the Lord’s church) at the same time our sins are forgiven. This is when the Lord adds us to His church (Acts 2:47).
8) Baptism Is A Union With Christ
Baptism not only allows one to be put one “into Christ”, but also allows one to be “clothed with Christ” (Gal. 3:27 – NASV). Romans 6:5 teaches, “For if we have been united together in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (ESV).
9) Baptism Is Like The Flood Of Noah’s Day In That It Separates The Righteous And The Wicked
The flood waters destroyed sinners upon the earth at the same time it floated the ark to safety. “Which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism….” (1 Peter 3:21). The water of baptism stands as a distinct line separating the saved and the lost. All the saved have experienced baptism. All who have not are yet in their sins.
Conclusion
Baptism is the defining moment when we realize that; (1) Our sins are forgiven; (2) We enter the fellowship of believers; (3) We begin to imitate Christ in our daily living.
How beautiful are the many sides or facets of Christian baptism! May we ever respect this holy ordinance of our Lord and unashamedly preach it to every creature as Jesus declared in Mark 16:15-16.
If God asked you do do some great thing, would you do it (2 Kings 5:10-14)? His Word teaches that baptism is necessary for our salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-39; 1 Peter 3:21). It is this writer’s prayer (along with the prayers of all faithful Christians) that you comply with this condition of salvation (along with all others mentioned in the New Testament). Today, obey the gospel and simply become a New Testament Christian, born again of the water and the Spirit, while you have the opportunity (2 Corinthians 6:2).