Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:9-20.
Memory Verse: “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4)
INTRODUCTION:
Baptism is an experience ordained of God, in which one has a real experience with Christ, being baptized into Him. Paul included himself among others who “were baptized into Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:3) – not into a denominational church. But if one is truly baptized into Christ, the Lord adds him or her to the Church, for He adds “to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
Being “buried with Him in baptism” (Colossians 2:12), makes it necessary to be covered completely in the process of baptism. To be buried, is to be covered; in the case of baptism, with water (full immersion). Paul further pointed out in Romans 6:4 that “we were buried with Him through baptism” and “planted” in the grave; and converts to Christ are likewise “planted” in the watery grave, to come forth in “newness of life.” For a seed to be planted, to germinate, and come forth to grow, it must be buried.
Death to sin is necessary before burial (baptism), for one should not be buried alive! Paul pointed this out (Romans 6:6) by saying that our old man is crucified–old life of sin; that he was “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). Christians die to sin to be “alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).
One dies to sin as they experience “Godly sorrow,” resulting in repentance and confession of sins. Having heard Peter preach Christ, on Pentecost, some “…they were cut to the heart,” and cried out; “‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” Peter answering said, “‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized… you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:37-38). Again, it was said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Thus, having died, burial is next in order.
Different modes of water baptism are practiced including “sprinkling” and “pouring.” But only one water baptism is made an ordinance of the Church, and that is by immersion—burial in the watery grave to be resurrected to a new life in Christ.
LESSON QUESTIONS:
- Define baptism: immersion; pouring; sprinkling.
- What type of water baptism is Biblical, both by precept and example? Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9, 11; Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:1-4.
- When one is genuinely baptized, what happens to his sinful nature? Romans 6:3.
- To what is baptism compared? Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4. Could a few drops of water, either sprinkled or poured on one’s head, bury them?
- What command did Christ give concerning baptism? Matthew 28:19-20. In whose name is baptism to be performed? Compare Matthew 28:19 with Acts 2:38.
- Describe Christ’s manner of baptism. Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11. Describe the Eunuch’s baptism. Acts 8:38-39.
- What must precede baptism on the part of those to be baptized? Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10.
- Discuss the symbol of water in baptism, considering Ephesians 5:26 and 1 Peter 3:21.
- Explain what is meant by “the answer of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21) and “all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2).
- In view of the texts listed in question 7 (or any others), should infants be baptized?