Day 4//Week 3
Baptism is an outward celebration of an inward decision. Now that you've decided to follow Jesus it's time to go public with it! Let your church family know about the commitment and decision that you've made!
A common understanding is that Baptism is what saves you from your sins. Let me be completely clear, Faith in Christ alone is what saves you. Baptism is simply a way for you to outwardly, and with your actions, display the decision that took place in your heart.
Why do we get baptized?
JESUS DID!
Mark 1:9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River (NLT)
JESUS COMMANDED IT!
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
What does it mean?
IT'S SYMBOLIC
Romans 6:4 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. (NLT)
We are symbolically put to death and raised to life because of our new union with Christ. Just like when we go under the water, we're put to death in our old ways (2 Cor 5:17) and raised to new life in Christ when we come up out of the water.
Who should be baptized?
ALL WHO BELIEVE
Mark 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. (NLT)
If you believe (like we talked about during the "Start" section) then you're supposed to be baptized!
When should you be baptized?
AS SOON AS YOU BELIEVE
Acts 18:8 Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. (NLT)
There is no evidence in Scripture for waiting to be baptized. Once someone believed, they were baptized! If you believe, you're ready to be baptized!
Response
What is holding you back from being baptized?
Do you have any more questions about baptism?