Water Baptism, the first step of Discipleship.
Baptism in water.
SPIRIT
- Sacrament - In Christian terms it is known as a Sacrament which is "An outward seal and sign of an inward work, which has been instituted by the Lord". The true Sacraments of the church are the Lord's Supper and Baptism by immersion in water.
- Passage - Baptism is what is known as a "Rite of Passage" that is a transition from one state to another. Such as Israel passing from Egypt through the waters of the red sea and entering the Promised Land.
- Identification - When we become a Christian we are to totally identify with Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection to be raised up to this new life.
- Baptism is a symbol of our being buried with Christ in death, and then of our being raised with Him to newness of life.
- Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we to may live a new life.
- Romans 6:11 In the same way, count (reckon) yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
In this scripture we see the identification process, which is referred to by the words count or reckon, which are accounting terms meaning when it is all added up, we no longer take any notice of the old sinful life but now totally focus on our new life in Jesus Christ.
- Required - We believe that baptism is required of every believer because Jesus commanded his disciples in
- Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.
- Immediate - Baptism can take place as soon as someone makes that decision to become a Christian
- Acts 8:35-37 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look here is water." Why shouldn't I be baptised. Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
- Total Immersion - We baptise by full immersion following the example of Jesus who was baptised in the river Jordan
- Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. It is also a sign of the inward work of repentance that has been taking place.
- Matthew 3:11 I baptise you with water for repentance.
So, we now ask for your Testimony of conversion.
Do you believe that Jesus: -
Lived a sinless life
Died on the cross at Calvary
Buried in the ground for 3 days
Raised back to life
Ascended to God the Father in Heaven
Alive today as Lord of all.
Do you want to follow Him for the rest of your life?
Do you want to become a part of His body, the Church?
Do you know that you are now forgiven and acceptable to God?
Written by Pastor Graeme Foster