Baptism: More Important Than You Think
March 26, 2017 Preacher: Chris Ritter Series: Stand Alone Sermons
Topic: Baptism Scripture: Colossians 2:11–12
More Important Than You Think
Today’s goal: Every Christian who has not been baptized as a Christian, sign up to be
baptized
3 views on baptism:
#1 The Roman Catholic view: Baptism is necessary for salvation, and the act of baptism
causes regeneration (salvation). This is not a Christian view
#2 The Paedo Baptist View: In the Old Covenant, circumcision was the external sign of entrance into God’s covenant community. In the New Covenant, baptism is the external sign of entrance into the “covenant community”
- Baptism is the NT counterpart to OT circumcision
- Therefore, children of believing parents should be baptized as a sign they belong to the
“covenant community” of the Church
- This is not seen as a saving act; the child will need to personally, consciously place faith
in Jesus as Savior like anyone else to be saved
- We disagree with this view, but so long as baptism is not seen as a saving act, it is a
secondary issue
#3 Believer’s Baptism: The ceremony of baptism takes place after a profession of faith has
been made, in obedience to Jesus. Faith precedes baptism.
Colossians 2:11-12
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an external representation of a believer having been buried with Christ and
raised with Christ through faith
3 Reasons YOU need to be baptized:
#1 Jesus commands it
Matthew 28:19-20
#2 Jesus’ friends obey Jesus
John 15:14
-4 excuses people give for not getting baptized
1. I was baptized as a baby
2. I’m scared to be in front of people
3. I don’t want to mess up my hair
4. It’s just a ceremony and I don’t see the point
#3 Baptism proclaims your identification with Jesus
When should someone get baptized? As soon as they have opportunity
Acts 2:41
Acts 8:36 and Acts 8:38
Acts 10:47
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