BUT I HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED
June 27, 2004 AM
Sermon Outline
ACTS 2:37-41
INTRO: Baptism is a word which I suspect is known in virtually every religious group existing under the worlds definition of Christian. I know of no religious group under that broad distinction which does not practice baptism in some form and for some reason. It is not unusual, then, in the course of studying with friends and acquaintances to come to the subject of baptism ... and to hear these words, But I have already been baptized. Must I be baptized again? I very much appreciate the honesty and sincerity of people as they recognize the role of baptism in ones relationship with the Lord and His body ... and think of some point in their own religious lives at which they were baptized. I would like for us to think about this a bit this morning.
I YES, THE SUBJECT OF BAPTISM IS FAMILIAR TO MOST PEOPLE
A. Some religious groups...
1. sprinkle water on one who is being baptized
2. pour water on the head of one who is being baptized
3. immerse one water who is being baptized
B. Some religious groups...
1. practice infant baptism
2. practice believers baptism
3. either practice or recognize both of the above
C. Some religious groups...
1. teach that baptism is a symbol of salvation already received
2. teach that baptism, while important, is not necessary to ones salvation
3. teach that baptism is a prerequisite to salvation and forgiveness
D. So, I can understand why folks would say, But I have been baptized
II LET ME ASK SOME QUESTIONS OF YOU...
A. When you were baptized, were you immersed in water?
1. notice Rom 6:4 & Col 2:12 - in both passages baptism is a burial
2. or, Jno 3:5 - baptism is a birth out of water
3. further, baptizo is the Greek word use in a passage such as Acts 2:38 - to dip, to immerse, to submerge - to overwhelm
4. such Bible references as these identify N.T. baptism as immersion
5. if you were not immersed when you were baptized, you have not been baptized according to the Biblical pattern
B. When you were baptized, were you a believer in Jesus Christ?
1. notice Mk 16:16 in which belief is put before baptism
2. or, Acts 16:30-33 - the word was spoken to all that were in his house
3. never in the N.T. is an infant baptized ... baptism is always of believers
4. a further point at Col 2:12 - one who is baptized must have faith in the operation of God ... faith in the essential purpose, reason for baptism
5. if you were an infant or not old enough to believe when you were baptized, you have not been baptized according to the Biblical pattern
C. When you were baptized, did you receive the remission of your sins?
1. see Acts 2:38 & Acts 22:16 - notice that cleansing, forgiveness was clearly in baptism
2. or, Rom 6:4 where newness of life follows baptism
3. in scripture saved people were not baptized - people dead in sins were buried and raised from burial freed from their sins ... alive in Christ
4. Col 2:13 explains what happens in the baptism of v. 12 - note it carefully - one who is dead is quickened (made alive) and forgiven ... clearly, if this is what happens in baptism, a person cannot be saved prior to or without baptism
5. if you were told you were saved and were then baptized, you have not been baptized according to the Biblical pattern and purpose
D. When you were baptized, was baptism necessary for your salvation?
1. many groups baptize, but they do not teach the necessity or relationship of baptism to salvation
2. notice 1 Pet 3:21 - the N.T. plainly associates baptism with salvation
3. if you did not understand the necessity and purpose of baptism as it relates to salvation, you have not been baptized according to the Biblical pattern
E. In any of the situations above, what would be the correct thing to do?
1. you might be thinking something along the lines of I have apparently not been baptized in keeping with the N.T. pattern and purpose
2. if that is what youre thinking, your thinking is certainly accurate, appropriate - but what, you may wonder, should I do?
3. the answer is very simple ... be baptized for the remission of your sins
CLOSE: A great many times I have come to just this very point in studies with wonderful, sincere people. And my answer has always been the same ... be baptized knowing its action and its purpose. And know, because of what scripture says, that your sins have been washed away because of the blood of Jesus Christ.
Cecil A. Hutson
27 June 2004