Romans 6:1-4

 

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision. … When we accept Christ as Savior, baptism is the standard way to publicly show that the decision was made. Baptism doesn't save you and doesn't make you right with God. It's like a wedding ring, a sign of a commitment. Even though it doesn't save us, it is still important as a visible demonstration of the Gospel. 

 

Four things that baptism signifies

  1. Your public commitment to follow Jesus. … Baptism is an expression of your own commitment to God. No one else can make this commitment for you. Not your parents. Not your grandparents. Not your spouse. It has to be you. Baptism is the sign that tells everyone else about the decision you've made, that you belong to Jesus. It's important for it to be public so that others know you belong to Jesus. For some who see it, it also works as a testimony, encouraging them to also seek Jesus. 
  2. Your new identity in Christ. … When we are saved, we let go of our past selves and receive a new identity as part of God's family. We were dead in our sin and now our sin is dead to us as we have new life in Christ. We are new creations in Christ and this is our new identity. The past no longer defines us. Part of the symbolism of being dunked under the water and brought back up is that we die to our old selves and rise as new creations. 
  3. Your sins have been washed away. … Another aspect of the symbolism of baptism is that it washes away our sins. No normal bath or shower can do that. The baptism itself also doesn't do it, but it is an outward expression of what Jesus has done inside us. 
  4. Your intention to walk with Jesus. … Like any public commitment, it shows other people we intend to carry on doing something in the future. For baptism, that is our intention to walk with Jesus the rest of our lives. 

 

Three common questions about baptism

  1. Who Should Be Baptised? … Believers. If you have accepted Christ as Savior and put your faith in Him you should be baptised. 
  2. When Should You Be Baptised? … After you believe. We believe in what is called believer's baptism. Baptism before belief is not, and cannot be, a sign of inward belief. Being baptised as a baby isn't the same. 
  3. How Should You Be Baptised? … We, as Baptists, do baptism by immersion. That's how they did it in the New Testament, so we continue with that tradition today. 

 

Helpful questions when talking to your kids about baptism

  • Why do you want to be baptised?
  • What do we need to be saved from? Why? What did God do to save you?
  • Do you believe that baptism saves you? Why or why not?
  • Explain to me how someone could know for sure that they are going to heaven.
  • How do you feel about standing up in front of a group of people to share your story of grace?

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ – edited by Thomas R. Schreiner & Shawn D. Wright
  • Baptism and the Lord’s Supper – by Thabiti Anyabwile
  • Understanding Baptism – by Bobby Jamieson
  • Going Public – by Bobby Jamieson