A.     Baptism is a Picture (Rom 6.4-6) 

1.      Baptism Pictures Christ’s Death (vs.1-3; Isa 53.4-5; 1 Pet 2.21-25; 1 Pet 3.18; John 10.10, 17-18) [– What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? -  When we remember Jesus death we are reminded of:] 

a.       [His Suffering - Jesus wounds consisted of:] 

1)      [Contusions – He was buffeted and bruised.] 

2)      [Lacerations – The scourge left open wounds upon Jesus body.]

3)      [Perforations – The Nails perforated Jesus hands and feet.] 

[Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ] 

b.      [His Sacrifice – He did not suffer for His own sins but for my sins, and yours.] 

1)      [Jesus had never sinned]. 

[1 Peter 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. ] 

2)      [Jesus suffered for our sins] 

[1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: ] 

3)      [Jesus sacrificed for your abundant life.] 

[John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ] 

c.       [His Surrender – Jesus gave up his life for you and I.] 

[John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. ] 

2.      Baptism Pictures Christ’s Burial (vs. 4; Matt 28.11-15)  [- Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death . . . ] 

a.       [The burial of Christ is an enduring witness to the fact of Christ’s death.] 

b.      [From the first moments of Jesus resurrection the adversaries of our Lord have attacked the veracity of the gospel.  The Gospel of Matthew records the first propagation of this lie.] 

[Matthew 28:11-15 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. ] 

c.       [There are those in our day who offer:] 

1)      [The Stolen Theory – As already discussed from Matthews Gospel.] 

2)      [The Swoon Theory – They say Jesus never really died, but he slipped into a comma, or was overcome by shock and passed out, and when he was place in the tomb the coolness within revived Him.] 

3)      [The Story Theory – There are those who question whether Jesus was a real person at all.  They suggest that the Biblical records are just stories that were written to give oppressed peoples some kind of hope.] 

d.      [An Enduring Witness – The fact of Jesus death and burial are support by witnesses in the presence of other witnesses.  It is also supported by the vary existence of Christianity itself. ]  

1)      [The burial and resurrection of Christ are the foundational principle of Christianity.  All the religious leaders of Jesus day would have had to do to end Christianity, would be to lay Jesus body out in public and say, “there he is!”  And Christianity would have ended]. 

e.       [When you are placed under the water you are testifying that you know that Jesus was buried.  Dead and buried for three days.] 

3.      Baptism Pictures Christ’s Resurrection (vs. 4-6; Luke 24.36-42;  

[Romans 6:4-6 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.]  

a.      [Jesus physically arose from the grave – “. . . Christ was raised from the dead . . .”] 

1)      [Jesus did not rise as a ghost or spirit, he arose physically from the grave.] 

[Luke 24:36-42 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. ] 

b.      [Jesus Spiritually indwells every born-again Christian – “ . . .We shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”] 

1)      [His presence in our assurance of our salvation (1 John 5.11-13)] 

[1 John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ] 

2)      [His presence seeks to conform us to His image.] 

[Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.]  

3)      [His presence assures us of our eternal glorification.  We will one day be just like Jesus.] 

c.       [Jesus Dynamically transforms lives – “. . .we also should walk in newness of life . .. that henceforth we should not serve sin.”] 

1)      [God, through the resurrection of Christ and His indwelling presence within you will transform you completely.] 

[Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.]  

2)      [God will transform:] 

a)      [Your heart – Your desire.] 

b)      [Your mind – Your way of thinking.] 

c)      [Your hopes – Your future.] 

d.      [In baptism, you are reminded of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformation that his life will bring, and has brought to your life.  Because He lives you can face tomorrow.  Because He lives your tomorrow can never be as your yesterdays.] 

4.      Your Restoration [– You can be born-again if you will just accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.] 

B.     Baptism is a Placement (1 Cor 12.12-13; Eph 1.13-14) 

[1 Corinthians 12:12-13 ¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.]

[Baptism  carries a couple of different meanings in the New Testament.  There is physical baptism which is the primary focus of this sermon today.  There is also a spiritual baptism.  This is where the newly born again Christian is immerses in the Holy Spirit of God.  When does this occur?  It occurs at the very moment when you receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  The Bible states,]

[Ephesians 1:13-14 ¹³ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.]

[The Holy Spirit, who is God in you, then places you in the Body of Christ, which is the local Church.  There are some who argue that this represents the universal Church, but I am convinced that 1 Corinthians 12 in making reference to the local Church since this is the only place where a Christian can actually serve and function as a part of the Body of Christ.]

Through Baptism we enjoy:

1.      Church Membership  (vs 13, Matt 28.18-20) [- For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, . . . -  Baptized into the local Church body.]

[Matthew 28:18-20 ¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ]

[I have have numerous people ask me, as a pastor, “Why do I have to be baptized in order to be a member of your Church?”  The answer is simple and biblical.  Because God has tasked and commanded the Church with the responsibility of being sure that born again Christians are baptized and disciple.  A new Christian knows nearly nothing of the Word of God or his new found life in Christ.  He must be taught and nurtured.  Therefore, God has tasked the Church with the task of guiding new Christians to do what they need to do and learn what they need to learn.]

[Hence, in many Bible believing Church a Christian must be biblically baptized by immersion in order to become a member of the Church.]

2.      Church Citizenship (vs 12-13) [-For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. - A member of the whole.]

[Now, as a member of the Church, you need to understand that God does not intend for you to sit in a chair in this Church.  God desires, God demands that you function as a part of His living Body.  In other words, serve God in His Kingdom by functioning a part of His body.] 

[Christian you have two possible results of your presence in this Church.  You will either handicap the Church or you will enable the Church.  If you refuse to do anything to help the Church by working in the Church then you handicap the Body of Christ.  However, if you will help in the Church, if you will work in the Church, then you will enable the Body of Christ to fulfill God’s purposes in this world.  What kind of citizen are you?] 

C.     Baptism is a Provision (Acts 2.38)  

[Acts 2:38 ³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for [because of]  the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.]

[This provision deals with Spiritual Growth – Without any doubt every born again Christian wants to grow in Christ. Something within them tells them that there is something more in Christ than they currently know and they want it.  There is a longing within them that is driving them to a fullness in Christ.  That longing is the Holy Spirit in you saying.  You need to be closer to your God.  You can and need to grow in Christ.  But, as with almost all new Christians, you just don’t know what you need to do the experience this growth.] 

[Every Christian needs to know that Obedience Is The Key To Your Spiritual Growth!  If God tells you need to do something then you need to do it!  Without any doubt God commands you to be baptized.  Every Born Again Christian needs to be baptized after they receive the Lord Jesus Christ.  God commands you to be baptized.] 

[Illustration: Preacher, I will get baptized when God tells me to get baptized!] 

[Baptism is the first step in continuing Spiritual growth.]  Three important steps in our Spiritual Growth: 

1.  Surrender to God’s Goodness (1 Sam 15.22-23; Exo 19.5; 1 Pet 3.21) [– Surrender is essential to our spiritual maturity.] 

a.       [To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15.22-23)] 

[1 Samuel 15:22-23 ²² And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. ²³ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.]  

b.      [Obedience makes us a peculiar treasure (Exo 19.5)] 

[Exodus 19:5 ⁵ Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: ]

c.       [A clear conscience toward God (1 Pet 3.21) – Baptism does not wash our sins away, the blood of Christ does that.  Baptism does not save us accepting the Lord Jesus Christ does that.  But baptism is essential to the spiritual growth of every born again Christian.] 

[1 Peter 3:21 ²¹ The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:]

2.  Seek God’s Guidance [– God’s people must sincerely desire to please God.] 

a.       [Be ready to hear in God's House (Eccl 5.1).] 

[Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. ]

b.      [God has revealed His will in His Word. Yield to God's revealed Word.] 

3.  Stay in God Giftedness (1 Cor 2.10-15) [- Holy Spirit or Spiritual Discernment – God has given you the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit of God.  What does the Holy Spirit do for you?] 

[1 Corinthians 2:10-15 ¹⁰ But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ¹¹ For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¹³ Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵ But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.]

[The Holy Spirits primary task within you is the spiritually illuminate you.  The Holy Spirit will take the Word of God which is the revelation of God and will illuminate its truths within you.  It is the Holy Spirit working within you that causes you to discover the deep things of God.] 

[Now, what does the gift of the Holy Spirit have to do with baptism.  If you refuse to obey God in baptism then your disobedience to God’s revealed Word and will grieves the Holy Spirit and keeps Him from working within you.  As a result you will be spiritual stagnant and will not grow spiritually as you ought.] 

[Hence, obedience toward God nurtures your spiritual growth while disobedience hinders your spiritual growth.] 

[Every born again Christian needs to be biblically baptized.]

CrossRoads Baptist Church, Oct 5, 2008