Thoughts on Baptism ⁽¹⁾

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October 7, 2001 -  Matthew 3:1-6

1. There is only one baptism, (Ephesians 4.4-6).
2. Baptism is a visible sign of an invisible event; the symbol of the reconciliation of a person with God, (Romans 5.10; Colossians 1.20).
3. Baptism is the graphic illustration of the Christian's new life in Jesus Christ, (Romans 6.3-5).
1. Baptism demonstrates a change in relationship.
1. Once we were strangers, (Ephesians 2.19).
2. Now we are friends, (John 15.15).
3. Once we were aliens, (Ephesians 2.19).
4. Now we are members of the greatest family on earth and in heaven, (Romans 8.15-23).
5. Once we were lost, (Luke 15.4-7).
6. Now we are found, (Luke 15.24).
7. There is great rejoicing in heaven and on earth, (Luke 15.32).
8. Baptism is the means by which we publicly declare our union with Jesus Christ and become his witnesses to the world, (1 Timothy 6.11-12).
9. Baptism is a demonstration of the love and work of the Holy Spirit. For it is the Holy Spirit, who in love, invites us to accept the call of God, (Romans 5.1-4).
10. Through baptism, we enter into covenant relationship with God, (Hebrews 8.6-12).
1. We express our willingness:
1. to believe what God reveals to us,
2. to accept what God offers us, and
3. to do what God asks of us, (John 14.15, 21; John 15.10).
2. God, in this covenant relationship, makes it possible for us to receive:
1. forgiveness for sin, (1 John 1.9).
2. spiritual growth, (Ephesians 4.11-15).
3. and immortality, (John 3.36).
4. In this relationship we discover a life of contentment and joy, (John 15.1-12).

   1. All biblical references are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, although any acceptable version will support the same conclusions offered above.

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