GOD PROMISES ETERNAL LIFE TO ALL WHO BELIEVE
Key Points:
- Water baptism is an outward sign of inward faith.
- It symbolically identifies us with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Matthew 28:19 – KJV
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Romans 6:4 – KJV
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
BAPTISM AS CHRIST’S COMMAND
Key Points:
- Baptism is a direct command from Jesus for all who believe.
- It follows repentance and faith.
Mark 16:16 – KJV
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38 – KJV
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
BAPTISM AS AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE AND IDENTIFICATION
Key Points:
- Signals repentance and submission to God’s way.
- Unites us with the global body of Christ.
Galatians 3:27 – KJV
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 10:47-48 – KJV
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…
BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE, BUT IS EVIDENCE OF FAITH
Key Points:
- Baptism does not cleanse from sin—faith in Christ does.
- It is a confession and confirmation before witnesses.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – KJV
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…
Acts 8:36-38 KJV
And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest…. and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
BAPTISM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
Key Points:
- Water baptism often coincides with the work of the Holy Spirit.
- It launches believers into empowered Christian living.
Acts 19:5-6 – KJV
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Luke 3:21-22 – KJV
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him.
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AS OUR EXAMPLE
Key Points:
- Jesus Himself was baptized as an example for us.
- His baptism marked the approval and anointing of God.
Matthew 3:13-17 – KJV
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him… And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him…
Hebrews 2:17- KJV
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…
BAPTISM AND THE NEW COVENANT
Key Points:
- Baptism is a sign of entering the new life and covenant with Christ.
- It is a “circumcision of the heart.”
Romans 2:29 – KJV
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.
Colossians 2:11-12 – KJV
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands… Buried with him in baptism…
BAPTISM AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Key Points:
- Baptism brings you into visible fellowship with the church.
- We are baptized into the body of Christ.
Acts 2:41 – KJV
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
1 Corinthians 12:13 -KJV
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free.
BAPTISM AS A TESTIMONY TO THE WORLD
Key Points:
- Baptism announces your faith publicly.
- It is a step that inspires and evangelizes others.
Matthew 10:32 – KJV
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
1 Timothy 6:12 – KJV
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
BAPTISM AND REPENTANCE
Key Points:
- Baptism follows wholehearted repentance.
- It represents turning from sin to God.
Acts 2:38 – KJV
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…
Acts 22:16 – KJV
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
BAPTISM POINTS US TO OUR HOPE IN CHRIST
Key Points:
- Baptism is about union with Christ now and hope for resurrection glory.
- It looks forward to eternal life with Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:22 – KJV
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Titus 3:5 – KJV
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.