Introduction:
1. Listen to these questions (Acts 16:30; 2:37; 9:6).
2. We know we are to hear (Rom. 10:17), believe (Acts 16:30-34); Repent (Acts 17:30-31), Confess (Rom. 10:9, 10).
3. What about baptism? Are we to be baptized? Why?
I. Baptism puts us in union with Christ.
A. Listen (Rom. 6:3, 4; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 2:6). When we are baptized we are joined to the Lord.
B. It is that union with Christ that achieves certain things (Rom. 8:1), we are blessed (Eph. 1:3). We have redemption (Eph. 1:7), salvation (2 Tim. 2:10) and the promises of God (2 Cor. 1:20, 21).
II. We are to be baptized in order that we might be saved.
A. Some may take issue with this. A little reasoning and scripture help us with those who claim we are saved by faith only (Jn. 3:16; Lk. 13:3) or that God’s grace only saves (Eph. 2:8-10; Acts 19:1-7).
B. Listen to the Bible (Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21; Rom. 6:3, 4; Acts 22:16). It is baptism that remits (Acts 2:38); washes (Acts 22:16); cleanses (Eph. 5:26). Yes, it is the blood of Christ that cleanses us. But how do we come into contact with that blood?
III. We are baptized to break from sin.
A. The action of sin. It enslaves (2 Pet. 2:19), stains (Isa. 1:18); blinds (2 Cor. 4:4) and damns (Mt. 25:46).
B. Listen to the Bible (Rom. 6:3, 4; Acts 2:38). You may come to the Lord as a liar, addict, gambler, slanderer. You die to the state of sin when you are baptized.
IV. We are baptized to walk in newness of life.
A. Listen to the Bible (Jn. 3:3, 5).
B. We become what (2 Cor. 5:17).
Conclusion:
1. Are you washed in the blood?
Entered on 6/28/2009
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