Get Baptized
"Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." - Romans 6:3-4
Definition:
Baptizo ‘to immerse, submerge make fully wet’ (Under water = death and burial of sin with Jesus) (Bursting forth = our resurrection, our new life in Jesus)
What’s the meaning behind Baptism???
- A statement, sacrament, rite, grace and confirmation of faith.
- It is an induction into the worldwide Church. AND
- It is a communal celebration.
One important reminder:
We are saved by grace through belief in God’s son-not through works OR rituals. However, that doesn’t make baptism some empty ritual, some “optional” religious “hoop” to jump through…
Remember 3 key people:
There is a benefit to the believer, the church and unbelievers
- YOU, Clarifies and reinforces your understanding of the gospel; confirms reality of your salvation
- E.g. can lead to greater courage, confidence, assurance
- THE CHURCH, never meant to be a private act; e.g. John before the crowds there’s a lot of ‘my personal salvation’ in post-modern, western Christianity but its so so much more
- E.g. gives the watching community inspiration, understanding and leads them into worship/celebration
- THE UNBELIEVER, concise and dramatic picture of the gospel and observe the family of God in celebration
Regarding Infant baptism…
Biblical pattern is this: typically follows repentance and faith. Infants seem to lack this intelligible ‘will’...
*baptism is an appeal of faith not a ‘proof’ of faith-so there’s no need for testing here of a young person...
*we recommend baby dedications-again a Biblical concept of praying for, blessing a newborn