Acts 2:38     Openly Identify with God

Kowloon International Baptist Church Kowloon Tong

Harry Lucenay, Pastor

26 November 2006

The Baptist church practices an ordinance called “baptism.” When a person commits his/her life to Jesus Christ, trusting Him to be their only Lord and Savior, this person is baptized. Today we explore the meaning behind this practice.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38

What is baptism?

When new believers in the early church made their commitment to Jesus Christ, they studied what we call the Scriptures, and prepared for baptism in prayer and fasting. Early baptismal statements made before baptism acknowledged belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Evidence suggests that the early church practiced water baptism.

Later in church history different ways to baptize were developed. People continued dunking in water, called “immersion.” Others began pouring water on the candidate, called “affusion.” Another practice involved sprinkling a small amount of water on the head of the candidate, called “aspersion.” Since the word “baptizo” in the Greek is best translated “immerse” Baptists practice immersion.

Why should one be baptized?

Jesus began His ministry with His baptism.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11

The last words Jesus gave the disciples were: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

The first command to those responding to the gospel was: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38

What does baptism do?

Baptism is a symbol of cleansing from sin. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.

Acts 22:16

Baptism is an appeal to a clear conscience. Peter says not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience.

I Peter 3:21

Baptism is a symbolic picture of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day… 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

Baptism is our identity with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

Identity in Death: I was put to death on the cross with Christ, and I do not live anymore — it is Christ who lives in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself to save me. Galatians 2:20 New Century Version

Charles Hodge: There can be no participation in Christ’s life without participation in His death.

Identity in Burial: Going under water was a burial of your old life.

Colossians 2:12 The Message

Identity in Resurrection: And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12 New Living Translation

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:5

Jesus died not only FOR me but AS me.

The New International Version is used unless otherwise noted.