ROCKHARBOR BAPTISM CLASS

Transcription

1 ROCKHARBOR BAPTISM CLASS WHAT IS BAPTISM? The word "baptism" as it appears in the Bible means immersion; literally to plunge, dip, or immerse. Throughout the New Testament we see followers of Jesus being baptized by immersion in water: Then Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." [Acts 8:37, 38] Jesus himself was also baptized in this way: As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water." [Matthew 3:16] Note the descriptions of the baptisms - "down into the water," and "came up out of the water. The act of being baptized, is to be physically submerged under water and then to emerge out of the water. We will explore the spiritual significance of baptism below. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM? Baptism is an outward act of devotion with deep spiritual significance. It is a visible, tangible, physical expression of what God has done and is doing within us. Our baptism is a picture to be seen by others revealing what is happening within us. In the following sections we will learn that Baptism Points to our identification with Jesus in his death and resurrection Is an outward expression of our commitment to follow Jesus Is a public announcement of our new life with Jesus IDENTIFICATION Baptism is a symbol of our identification with Jesus. When we choose to follow Jesus as Lord and receive him as savior, we are united with him. In the book of Romans, Paul traces out the implications of this: "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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." [Romans 6:3] As we are submerged under the water we identify with Jesus death on the cross. We are dying to ourselves and burying the old life of sin. We have died with Jesus, we have been submerged into his death.

2 But as we emerge from the water, we are raised to new life. We identify with Jesus resurrection. We have died to the things that once bound us, and we have been raised to new life and to freedom! COMMITMENT & CLEANSING Baptism is a symbol of our commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." [Galatians 3:27] We are demonstrating by our baptism that we have taken off the old clothes of our sinful nature and lifestyle, and have put on the new clothes of Jesus' nature and lifestyle. Baptism is also a symbol of our commitment to daily clothe ourselves with Christ. This means that we daily put on Jesus' values and His priorities. We say yes to the way of Jesus. We receive him as both Lord and savior. That means - "I'm no longer the boss of my life; Jesus is. [Galatians 2:20] Baptism is also a symbol of cleansing. In Greek, a variation of the word baptism means to wash or rinse. Baptism in Judaism was primarily a cleansing ritual associated with making a person clean. When Jesus entered the scene, he preached repent for the Kingdom of God is near. As a part of repentance, people responded through baptism. This signified a turning from a life of sin to a life with Jesus- from a life of condemnation to a life of forgiveness. So the image of baptism also carries with it the idea of cleansing, or of being cleaned by God. And this is what the apostles taught throughout the New Testament: Peter replied, 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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off for all whom the Lord our God will call. [Acts 2:38-39] Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. [Acts 2:41] They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [Acts 2:42] In the New Testament, commitment to Jesus meant repentance for the forgiveness of sins and adoption into the family of God. And so Baptism worked as a symbol to represent the spiritual transformation that had taken place within the person. Now it is important to note that baptism doesn t save us, but is rather a symbol of and a response to the salvation we have already received. While it is a symbol of the cleansing work of Jesus at the cross, the act itself does not secure our forgiveness, but simply points to the forgiveness we have already received. For this reason, a person does not need to be rebaptized because they have acted out in sin after being baptized. The mark of following Jesus is not our perfection, but our continued commitment to follow him.

3 ANOUNECMENT Baptism is more than a symbol, but it is an announcement that a transformation has taken place! The very act of baptism is to announce to the world, I once was dead, but now I am alive. It is to announce to the world that you have been saved by grace and adopted into the family of God. For this reason, baptisms at ROCKHARBOR are engulfed in celebration. Through baptisms, the family of God celebrates together the gift of new life through Jesus. Baptism is also God s announcement about our new relationship to him. In the gospels we read about Jesus baptism. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. [Matthew 3:16-17] At Jesus baptism, the Father and the Holy Spirit announce that Jesus is God s beloved Son. And when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are covered by Jesus. When God looks at you, he no longer sees your sin and rebellion. Instead, he sees the righteousness of Jesus. He has covered you. And so his announcement over you is the same: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. You are my Daughter, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? Baptism is a symbol that Jesus himself instructed us to participate in and help others step into. After His resurrection and before His ascension to heaven, Jesus left these final directions to His followers (which includes us): All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. [Matthew 28:18-20] In the Bible, the book of Acts is a firsthand account recording the actions and beliefs of the first Christians and the first churches that formed after Jesus' ascension. In Acts we see that baptism is an integral part of every conversion experience, and was a regular part of the church, and a natural next step for those who had committed to following Jesus as Lord. Note the following examples of the apostles, their associates, and the first Christians baptized: - Groups of people being baptized - Acts 2:41 - Paul being baptized - Acts 8:34-39; 9:18; - Cornelius being baptized - Acts 10:47, 48 - Lydia and her household being baptized Acts 16: Philippian jailer & household baptized Acts 16:33, 34

4 - Corinthians being baptized - Acts 18:8 - Ephesians being baptized - Acts 19:5 Although each situation varied in some aspects, all who were baptized expressed belief in Jesus and were baptized immediately. For this reason, we recognize that baptism is a part of one's conversion experience. We are not saying that you are lost without baptism; but according to these Scriptural examples, baptism is an integral part of one's conversion experience. Baptism is also a way to witness to others your belief in Christ and your commitment to Christ. Though it may seem scary and humbling to be involved in such a public act of surrender, it translates into a powerful witness to all who view it. HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN I AM READY TO BE BAPTIZED? You are ready to be baptized if you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord. At the heart of following Jesus is repentance and forgiveness. To repent simply means to turn around, to turn from one way of life to another. In this case, it means turning from our old life of sin and death, and submitting to Jesus as the source of our new life. We enter into new life by acknowledging our sin, receiving God s forgiveness through Jesus work at the cross, and surrendering our whole lives to him. The Bible teaches that: If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [Romans 10:9-10] In the Gospel of John, after Jesus is raised from the dead, one of his disciples makes this confession: Thomas said to him, My Lord and my God! [John 20:28] As we turn away from our past life, surrender our whole selves to Jesus, and confess that he is Lord and Savior, we are ready to be baptized. DO I KNOW ENOUGH TO BE BAPTIZED? How much do we need to know before we get baptized? Do we need to be perfect followers of Jesus, or have our lives completely figured out? Not at all! Baptism is not a symbol of having things together, it is a symbol that we have been united with Jesus! We are his. Baptism is a symbol of our identification with Jesus. And is a public announcement that we have chosen to follow him. By way of example, consider a marriage ceremony. Do the bride and groom understand all of the implications of the wedding? No. Do they know every challenge or threat they will face? No. But they know they love each other, and they vow to be faithful to the end. It is an outward act symbolizing an inward reality.

5 When a willing believer enters the waters of baptism, does he know the implications of the vow? No. Does she know every temptation or challenge? No. But both know the love of God and are responding to him. In the Bible, the decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior is soon followed by the act of Baptism to symbolize and announce the transformation that has taken place. WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT? WHAT SHOULD I DO? First, you should be grateful that you had parents who cared enough about you to set you apart for God. Because of their devotion, you have an opportunity to complete their prayer by willingly submitting to adult baptism. Adult baptism is not a sign of disrespect for what your parents did. Be thankful for the heritage of concerned parents, but don't be negligent of your responsibility as an adult to make your personal pledge toward God in baptism. Several who are now members of this church were baptized as infants and then, upon coming to a personal faith, were baptized as adults. WHO SHOULD BAPTIZE ME? Any Christian can have the privilege of baptizing another. It would be appropriate for the Christian who led you to belief in Christ, the Christian who is a great influence in your life, the Christian whom you greatly respect, a counselor, shepherd, or pastor who is available to baptize you. At our weekend services, a Pastor will assist you in being baptized. The pastor will ask you to confirm a relationship with God and pray a short prayer of blessing over you. They will say I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You can place one arm across your chest and hold your nose with the other hand. After you are baptized, there will be someone holidng a towel for you to the side of the stage. WHAT WILL TOMORROW LOOK LIKE? When the pastor makes the call from up front to be baptized, head to the baptism line to the right of the stage. Look for a volunteer who, upon seeing your wristband, will direct you to the line to be baptized. You will then be directed to one of the baptism pools. Upon being baptized please clear the stage area and head back towards your seat. You can also change your clothes in the bathroom (in the back hallway). There will also be prayer team available to pray with you after service to pray with you. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT. Review your time here today. Submit it to prayer, ask God to speak to you. If you decide to get baptized, please be sure to get a wristband before you leave today.