SO YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED?
In this study we want to talk about what the Bible says about the important topic of baptism. We would like to think through this important expression of faith – especially if you have not been baptized. Have you considered being baptized, but have some questions about that? What we want to do tonight is simply look at some passages of the New Testament that talk about baptism and help us all to have a simple but meaningful understanding of this essential experience.
While we are going to be focused on baptism tonight, we recognize that this subject is surrounded by a broader understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. For instance, when we are baptized, it is in the context of faith / belief / trust in Jesus Christ to save us. It is also with the understanding that we are going to make some changes in our lives as we become disciples of Jesus. Baptism is not just getting wet for the Lord! It implies that we are embarking on a life of faith. Even so, it is important for us to have a good understanding of baptism, especially if you are considering being baptized.
We hope to answer questions as we go through these Scriptures about the subject of baptism. If you have a desire to be baptized, we can assist you in that as soon as you feel ready.
Baptism is a Time of Decisions
We Decide to Trust Him. We trust Jesus and believe in him as the Son of God. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
We Decide to Obey Him. We find eternal life when we not only decide to believe Jesus, but to do what He asks of us. Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
We Decide to Confess Him. Romans 10:9-10 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
We Decide to be Baptized Into Him. In baptism we die to our past so that we can enter a new life for him. Romans 6:3-4 “…All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his 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.” Baptism is the Gospel Re-Enacted. We are dying to self, instead deciding to live for Him. We are being buried in water (immersion). We are rising to live a new life, just as Jesus was resurrected. Baptism is a time of decision that relates to accepting the new life that Jesus wants to give us.
Baptism is a Time of Blessings
The Blessing of Forgiveness. Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Forgiven in the name of Jesus… what a great experience! When we are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit to help us grow into this new life of following Jesus!
The Blessing of a New Beginning. 1 Peter 3:21 “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” How long has it been since you have experienced a clear conscience?
The Blessing of a New Life. Romans 6:4 “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.” What do you think that new life looks like?
The Blessing of Being a New Creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
The Blessing of a New Identity! Galatians 3:26-27 says, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
The Blessing of a New Family. Paul writes to Timothy saying, “God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
Baptism is also a way to follow the example of Jesus – who was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River! After he was resurrected, he gave his disciples a new mission in Matthew 28:19-20. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Baptism is a time of Decisions and Blessings. Decisions to trust, obey, confess, and be baptized. It is also a time of Blessings including the blessings of forgiveness, new beginning, new life, new creation, new identity, and having a new family!
God has invited you into a new life … the decision is up to you.
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name. – Acts 22:16
If you have not been baptized, when do you think you should be baptized? If you are interested in being baptized, please get in touch!