WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Introduction:

A. Much importance placed upon baptism.

B. What is baptism?

1. Information written to Christians.

2. Symbolism helps us see what is accomplished.

Body:    John 3: 1 - 6

I. Acts 2: 37, 38

A. Remission of Sins.

1. Cancer in remission - make inactive, stop destruction.

2. Must take care, keep watch.

B. Forgiveness of Sins.

1. Have done wrong, evil.

2. Not held against us, written off.

II. Acts 22: 16

A. We have "played in the mud."

B. We must be spiritually cleaned.

III. Romans 6: 1 - 6

A. Death, Burial and Resurrection.

1. Baptized into Christ.

2. Baptized into His Death.

3. Buried with Him.

4. Raised to newness of life.

B. United - A wedding.

1. Joseph from Son to slave to prisoner to king.

2. From life of shambles to queen.

IV. Galatians 3: 26, 27

A. Baptized into Christ.

B. Put on, clothed ourselves with Christ.

V. Colossians 2: 11, 12

A. A sign of our covenant.

B. Cut off sinfulness.

VI. 1 Peter 3: 20, 21

A. Baptism now saves us.

B. It is the answer of disobedience.

C. The same which saves also destroys.

1. Obedience to God’s command.

2. Ready and accepting.

Conclusion:

A. The example of Namaan - why question?

B. Are you "washed in the blood of the Lamb?"