WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?

Becky Clanton

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Woodland Church

1. What is Water Baptism?

Going under the water represents our old life being washed away.

Coming up out of the water shows that we are starting a new life with Jesus.

A. Baptism is an outward symbol.

“My wedding ring is a symbol that I am married to my husband, but my wedding ring isn’t my husband and it’s not my marriage. It’s just an outward symbol to show other people that I am married. Baptism is similar. It’s not our walk with Jesus and it’s not what gets us into heaven. Instead, it’s an outward symbol to show other people that we’ve accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for us and that He is a major part of our lives. Water baptism is making a public confession of our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.” -Rebekah Clanton

B. Baptism is a public acknowledgment of a personal commitment.

(Matthew 3:5-6) People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  

(John 3:21) But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

2.  Why Should I be baptized in water?

(Acts 2:38) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

A. Baptism is an act of obedience.

(Mark 16:15) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”

B. Baptism was exemplified (shown by example) by Jesus. 

(Matthew 3:13-16) Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.

3.  When am I ready for baptism?

Baptism should follow soon after salvation.

(Acts 8:36) As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”

(Acts 8:12) But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

4. What if I was baptized as an infant?

You can be baptized again to show your obedience and remembrance.

• Obedience to the commands of scripture.

• Remembrance by reflecting on the moment of our personal commitment to Christ.

5. How do I talk to my kids about baptism?

A. Keep it simple.

B. Explain the symbolism.

C. Answer their questions.