BAPTISM
Baptism is the outward sign of a person’s accepting Christ as their Savior.
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. (Matthew 28:19-20)
The root of “baptism” is “baptizo” with the concept of immersion, placing the entire body completely under water momentarily. This form of Baptism best symbolizes that a person has died to the old life (goes under the water) and begins a new life in Christ (arises from the water). Sprinkling or pouring do not illustrate this death and resurrection analogy but are alternate methods as public witness that the person has been saved.
Nowhere in the Bible is immersion commanded, but the example of Christ’s own baptism is compelling. Matthew 3:16 records that, at His baptism by John, Jesus went "up out of the water." This indicates immersion, although He could have been standing in the water and been sprinkled or poured upon.
Dedication of a baby is appropriate, but baptizing babies is unbiblical. A baby cannot make a decision by faith to be saved.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Baptism does not save a person. Baptism is a work, so it cannot save.
THE INVITATION
★ You can't depend on your own goodness to get to Heaven. We've all sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus paid the penalty for your sins with His death on the cross and His resurrection (John 3:16).
★ To be forgiven and be guaranteed a place in Heaven, you need to repent of sin, confess that you are a sinner, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart (Acts 2:21).
★ You can use the following prayer or your own words, but you must actually believe in your heart that your prayer is real:
Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. Please forgive all my wrongdoing and let me live in relationship with You from now on.
I receive You as my Savior and recognize that the work You accomplished once and for all on the cross was done on my behalf.
Thank You for saving me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You.
In Your name I pray, Amen.
Dr. Nicholas J. Gray, Pastor Broadway Baptist Church Sedalia, Missouri 2015
