AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 28.18-20

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

BAPTISM ON TRIAL

Introduction:

1. Certain evangelical churches have placed baptism on trial and have concluded that it is not a necessary for salvation.
2. Perhaps we need to put our baptism “on trial.”

BAPTIZED TO BE BORN AGAIN

1. We need to be “born again.” (John 3.1-7; cf., 1 Pet. 1.22-23).
2. The “dead” man is buried in baptism and a “new” life emerges from that watery grave! (Rom. 6.3-7)

BAPTISM BECAUSE OF PERSONAL CONVICTION

1. The essential prerequisites: Learning, Belief & Repentance! (Matt. 28.19-20; Mark 16.16; Acts 8.36-37; Acts 2.38; 3.19)
2. This invalidates the practice of infant baptism!

BAPTIZED FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS

1. Can my sins be forgiven before baptism into Christ?
2. What does the Bible say? (Acts 2.37-38; 22.16; 1 Cor. 6.9-11)

BAPTIZED TO PUT ON CHRIST

1. How does one “put on Christ” or “clothe yourself with Christ”? (Gal. 3.26-27) [Also see TEV]
2. To “take on the character or the standing” of someone.

BAPTIZED INTO THE ONE BODY OF CHIRST

1. The “one body” & “one baptism” (Eph. 4.4-6; 1 Cor. 12.13).
2. The “body” is the “church” (Eph. 1.22-23; Col. 1.18); the Lord adds baptized believers to this body (Acts 2.41, 47).

BAPTIZED TO BE SAVED

1. “Show where it says baptism saved, and I will be baptized!”
2. Jesus said so! (Mark 16.15-16) Peter said so! (1 Pet. 3.20-21)

BAPTIZED FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

1. The above are the scripturally supported reasons for baptism!
2. What if someone was baptized incorrectly? (Acts 19.1-5)

Conclusion: “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized . . .? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10.47-48).