LIVES MADE NEW
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:3-4
What is baptism?
1. Baptism illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
Jesus Christ died on the Cross and was buried on Friday. He arose on the third day, Easter Sunday. Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; CEV) And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. (Colossians 2:12; CEV) Baptism is a symbol or an object lesson. It is our confession of what Christ has done for us.
2. Baptism illustrates our new lives as Christians.
When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17; LB)
3. Baptism is the outward symbol that pictures your new life in Christ.
When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. (Romans 6:4; CEV) Baptism does not make you a believer. It demonstrates you have become a believer. Baptism does not save you. Only faith in Christ will rescue you from sin. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9; NIV)
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1. To follow the example given by Christ.
About that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:9 CEV)
2. Because Christ commands it.
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. (Matthew 28:19-20; CEV) Notice the order: Disciple, Baptize, Teach.
3. Baptism really demonstrates I am a believer like others.
Many others in Corinth also heard the message, and all the people who had faith in the Lord were baptized. (Acts 18:8b) 4. In the New Testament believing and baptism were put together. We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. (1 John 2:3; NIV) After our conversion, Christ commands us to be baptized as a sign to the world that we really know Him.
Who should be baptized?
1. Every person who has believed in Christ. Those who believed Peter were baptized. (Acts 2:41; LB)
2. Believing was prior to Baptism. Even Simon believed and was baptized. (Acts 8:13; CEV) But when they believed what Philip was saying about God’s kingdom and about the name of Jesus Christ, they were all baptized. (Acts 8:12; CEV)
