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Scripture Reading:  Romans 6:1-7

Part 4

Water Baptism:

Its Purposes and Designs

Intro.

1.  Studied what it is; that there is only one baptism; who it is for.

2.  Why water baptism?  (Nature, purpose, design)

3.  Gal. 1:11-12 – Purpose & design revealed in the gospel of the apostles – Not humanly devised.

I.  BAPTISM’S DESIGN WITH REGARD TO SIN & SALVATION.

  A.  Baptism is for (in order to) the Remission of Sins – Acts 2:38 (Mk. 16:16).

    1.  R of S – Release from the punishment due the violation of God’s law – 1 Jno. 3:4.

      a.  Rom. 6:23 – Wages of sin is death.

      b.  Acts 2:38 – Remission:  Releases sin­ner from effects of his sin.

      c.  “Forgiveness of, cleansing from, sal­vation from, blotting out of, washing away, no more remembering of…”

    2.  Past sins – cf. Acts 8:12-13, 18-24 – Christians to repent & confess (1 Jno. 1:9).

    3.  Objection:  eis means “because of”, not “in order to”.

       -Answer:  Matt. 26:28 (very same Greek phrase).

  B.  Point of Turning from Sin to Salvation – Acts 2:38; 3:19 (22:16).

    1.  3:19 – Repent & turn again (be converted:  convert yourself) (cf. 9:35; 11:21). 

    2.  Work of faith – Jas. 2:18, 24.

    3.  Man’s obedient response to gospel – Acts 2:40.

       -Illustrate:  Thessalonians:  1 Ths. 1:9 (Acts 17:4; cf. 2:40-41).

II.  BAPTISM’S DESIGN WITH REGARD TO THE SINNER & CHRIST.

  A.  Baptized into Christ – Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27.

    1.  Relationship with Christ (cf. “faith only” – Faith alone doesn’t put one “into Christ”) - “Put on” Christ.

    2.  In Christ is:  All spir. blgs. (Eph. 1:3) Redemption (Eph. 1:7); forgiveness (Eph. 1:7); inheritance (Eph. 1:11); new creature (2 Cor. 5:17); salvation (2 Tim. 2:10); no condemnation (Rom. 8:1); eternal life (1 Jno. 5:11-12).

    3.  One must be baptized in order to reach these spiritual blessings!

    4.  All things become new (2 Cor. 5:17).

  B.  Baptized into the Death of Christ – Rom. 6:3.

    1.  Into the benefits of His death.

    2.  Essential:  Death, blood, justified, reconciled – Rom. 5:8-10.

III.  BAPTISM’S DESIGN WITH REGARD TO THE SINNER.

  A.  Baptized into Death to Sin (one dies to sin) – Rom. 6:4-7.

    1.  6:6-7 – Body of sin done away; No longer in bondage to sin; Justified from sin (cf. Col. 2:11-12).

    2.  6:8-11 – Death to sin makes us alive unto God (6:12).  When we “die(d) with Christ” (6:8) --- Baptism (6:4-5).

    3.  6:4 – Newness of life after baptism.

  B.  Baptism is the Appeal of a Good Conscience toward God – 1 Pet. 3:21.

    1.  It is the good conscience’s “answer” (KJV; inquiry, appeal, craving, intense desire) toward God (His redemption).

      a.  Blood of Christ cleanses conscience (Heb. 9:14).

      b.  Blood of Christ obtained in baptism (Rom. 6:3).

      c.  Boldness to enter presence of God – Heb. 10:19, 22.

      d.  Without this baptism, the appeal to come before God & obtain forgiveness of sins is denied!

    2.  Conscience toward God is damaged by rejecting water baptism.

IV.  BAPTISM’S DESIGN WITH REGARD TO THE CHURCH.

  A.  We have been Baptized into One Body, the Church – 1 Cor. 12:12-13.

    1.  Acts 2:41, 47 – When baptized:  added together, added by the Lord to His church.

    2.  12:12-13 – Added to Christ’s body when we obey the Spirit’s command to be baptized.

Conclusion

1.  Chart:  Baptism stands between the sinner and…

2.  God’s design for baptism:  An action of faith that secures God’s forgiveness of sins through Christ – Acts 22:16.