Baptism
points back to the work of God, and forward to the life of faith. -- J. Alice
Motyer
Baptism
is an outward sign of an inward faith. What
is the purpose of baptism?
Little Betsy had faithfully attended baptism classes.
Her mother, wanting to be sure her daughter understood its significance,
asked, "Honey, what does baptism mean?"
"Well,
it isn't the water that makes you clean ..." she began.
Smiling, Mother thought, Yes, she understands,
"... it's the soap." --
Verna Chambers, Willcox, Ariz. "Kids of the Kingdom," Christian
Reader,
Scripture
Text:
Romans 6:1 (NIV) What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so
that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it
any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into his death? 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 too may live a new life.
Baptism
shows that I’m saved.
I’m
saved from death.
I’m
saved from Hell.
I’m
saved from sin.
I’m
saved to Christ.
I’m
saved to live for Him.
I’m
saved to Live with Him.
I’m
saved to live so that others may see and know.
Are you saved?
Baptism
shows that I’m Changed.
Baptizo
means to be dipped. It has been
used in ancient texts to speak of dying cloth and making pickles.
The cloth and the cucumbers were immersed until they were changed.
We have been changed on the inside by the Lord and we want to show that
on the outside so we have been baptized.
Are you changed?
Baptism
shows that I’ve been washed.
The
water of baptism washes away the dirt of the earth.
This shows that we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.
(Is. 1:18) "Though your sins be as
scarlet they shall be as with as snow, though they be red like crimson, they
shall be as wool." Have
you been washed?
Baptism
shows that I have new life in Christ.
The
old man is dead and we have buried him in the waters of baptism.
Now I am alive unto the Lord. When
you come up out of the water it shows that we been resurrected unto new life.
Do you have new life in Christ? Have
you been baptized?
Baptism
shows that I am following the Lord.
Baptism
is an outward sign of an inward faith.
John 14:15 If ye love me,
keep my commandments. In
Matthew 28:19-20, the Lord commanded that we make disciples of all people and
that we baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
“In obedience to the divine command,” we give ourselves to God’s
demands on our lives. We want to
follow and serve Him. Are
you following the Lord?
Baptism
shows that I am now a Christian.
Jesus
was baptized by John the Baptist. He
is our example of what we should be. This
was His inauguration. This began
his life of public service to the Father.
Like Jesus’ baptism and the presidents inauguration I am now
beginning a new life in Christ. I
am following the Lord. I’ve
been saved. I am changed. I
am obeying what the Lord wants in my life.
Are you a Christan?
Baptism shows that I am dedicating myself
to Christ.
Roman Soldier’s Oath
Early
Christians called baptism a “sacramentum,” which is the Latin word for the
Roman soldier’s oath of absolute devotion and obedience to his general. [1]
Have you dedicated yourself
to the Lord? He gave Himself for
you. Would you give yourself to Him?
[1]Tan,
P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : [a treasury
of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers
and Christian workers]. Garland TX: Bible Communications.