INTRODUCTION: The Significance & Symbolism of Water in the Old Testament
“I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So, I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land.”
Exodus 3:7-8a (NLT)
The act of passing through the water during the Israelite’s exodus from Egypt marked a transformative moment – moving from a life of
Water was not only a part of rescue and restorative stories; it was also symbolic of
Some examples:
Exodus 19:11
Exodus 29:4
Exodus 30:17-21
The Significance & Symbolism of Baptism in the New Testament
Jesus Baptism
Jesus Final “In-Person” Words:
“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
So Why Does Baptism Matter So Much To Jesus?
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. - Colossians 2:12-15 (NLT)
Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 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. Romans 6:3-4
Baptism Is:
1) Baptism is a
He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. - Colossians 2:14 (NLT)
having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. - Colossians 2:14(NIV)
by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. - Colossians 2:14 (ESV)
2) Baptism is a
And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. – Galatians 3:27. (NLT)
3) Baptism is a sacred moment of
“Baptism separates the tire kickers from the car buyers. Would you feel comfortable marrying someone who wanted to keep the marriage a secret? Neither does God. It’s one thing to say in the privacy of your own heart that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. But it’s quite another to walk out of the shadows and stand before family, friends, and colleagues to state publicly that Christ is your forgiver and master. This step raises the ante. Jesus commanded all his followers to prove it, to make the pledge, by public demonstration in baptism. Among his final words was the universal command to “go and make followers of all people in all the world, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Mt. 28:19) Max Lucado (pastor & author)
Question - Who Should Be Baptized?
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Acts 2:38 (NIV)
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 (NIV)
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. - Acts 8:12 (NIV)
Why Should Someone Be Baptized?
1) Jesus
2) Jesus
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord,’ when you don’t do what I say?” - Luke 6:46 (NLT)
3) Your baptism
Question - When Should Someone be baptized?
Acts 2:41 - Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)
Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (NIV)
Acts 22:16 - And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name (NIV)
EXTRA RESOURCE:
How to determine if a child is ready to be baptized?
Does the child understand abstract concepts? Normally a child can understand abstract concepts around the age of 8.
Does the child understand what sin is and realize they have sinned? The child must clearly understand that they have sinned, and are in need of a Saviour.
Does the child understand why Jesus died on the cross? The child should have a clear understanding of why Jesus came and the price He paid on the cross for our sins.
Does the child understand how one begins a relationship with God? The child should understand that we enter a relationship with God by asking Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord.
Does the child have a recollection of making a decision to follow Jesus, and what it meant when they chose to do so?
Does the child have an understanding of what baptism is? Children should be able to tell someone that being baptized means they are following Jesus; that they want to show their family, friends & church that they are doing so, and that baptism is an outward picture of what Jesus has done on the inside of their life.
Can the child give a reason why they want to be baptized? Do they respond with such statements as … Because Jesus was baptized, and they want to follow Him; that He tells us to be baptized, and that they want to follow Jesus & His ways.
Is the child persistent? A good sign that God is working in a child’s life is the child initiating a conversation about it without being prompted.
Question: How Should Someone Be baptized?
“Baptizo” meaning to bury, dip,
Some scriptures that indicate immersion:
John 3:23 – In Plenty of Water
Matthew 3:16 – Came Up Out of the water
Colossians 2:12-14 – Buried with Christ and raised to new life.
CONCLUSION:
Q25: What is baptism?
Baptism is a significant act of faith in the journey of a Christ follower. It is an event that Jesus modeled and commanded for all who believe, to participate in. Being immersed in water & coming up out of the water, symbolizes a believer’s burial of their old sinful nature and a resurrection to a new life in Christ; reinforcing the believer’s new identity as a follower of Jesus. The Bible emphasizes its importance as a public declaration of faith; becoming an anchoring moment in a person’s faith journey.