This Sunday, we are having our first baptism at Cornerstone in a very long time. It is a part in Cornerstone’s 32nd church anniversary. Come join us for a wonderful time of celebration and dedication. Bring a salad, a desert and bottle of something to drink if you plan to attend. We don’t want to be like the thousands who followed Jesus who were unprepared without food save a little boy’s five loaves and two fishes.
Now, according to Jesus, being baptized was a very important part of salvation. He said this about being baptized in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In another eye-witness account, Jesus said it this way through Mark
“Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Now there is a whole lot of stuff to unpack in these 2 portions. However, all I want to illustrate really is the emphasis that Jesus placed on water baptism. In fact, some denominations such as some “Baptists” and “The Church of Christ” don’t believe you are saved until you are water baptized. However, I believe that would emphasize salvation by works and not by faith; Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. “
This belief was made invalid by Jesus’ own baptism as recorded in Matthew 3. Jesus did not need to be baptized to experience salvation. Jesus was not “born again” at His baptism. This is His own testimony in Matthew 3:13-15 (ESV)
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.”
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness”? I believe that Jesus was demonstrating the emphasis of water Baptism, a complete surrender and resignation to the will of God for my life. Water baptism is saying, “I am dying to my own life and desires and giving myself totally to God and His purposes in my life”. Total immersion shows that I am buried in Christ and coming out of the water is a symbol of being resurrected to new life. It has been said that Jesus won in the “Garden of Gethsemane” because He was obedient to His Father through water baptism three and a half years earlier.
There are many groups that believe in infant baptism. I don’t see any scriptural support for such a practice. In fact, I believe it can create a false sense pf security because the practice joins me to a church or denomination. Denominations can’t save anyone. Baptism involves a submitting of a persons will to the purposes of God in their life.
There is another aspect of baptism that I believe evangelical groups who are cessationist miss. Follow this in Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV)
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus was immediately baptized in the Holy Spirit when He came out of the water. He was empowered to live the life that His Father had destined for Him. We can’t fulfill our purpose in Christ without receiving the fulness of Holy Spirit. The Father then confirmed His love and relationship with His son and Jesus was ready for the next step, being tried and tested to make sure He could handle the stress and seduction of ministry without falling to temptation. This event in Jesus’ life was crucial to the next 31/2 years which would culminate in His arrest, scourging, crucifixion and resurrection.
Baptism then is the recognition of God’s purpose for my life and my surrender to it. One the other hand, many charismatic churches miss this important step. We baptize people in the Spirit without first making sure they understand and surrendered to the Lord in the waters of baptism.
The must be death before there can be new life empowered by Holy Spirit.
As we come back to this understanding, I believe that water baptism and baptism of Holy Spirit will begin to happen simultaneously. John the Baptist said this as recorded in Matthew 3:11 (ESV)
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
The transactions that takes place in baptism in the future will be as follows; water, Holy Spirit, fire and transformation.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
“ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
So be it Jesus, so be it!!!
Directions for those getting baptized this Sunday
1. Prepare a 1-2 minute testimony of what Jesus means to you.
2. Wear a bathing suit covered by a t-shirt, preferably a dark t-shirt.
3. Wear water shoes or waterproof sandals
4. Bring towel for drying oneself after baptism
5. There will be a change area available in Charlene’s house.
God bless you all and see you Sunday