What Is Baptism?. Why Another Sermon On Such An Old Topic? Objection to preach it due to the fact...

What Is Baptism?What Is Baptism?

Why Another Sermon On Such An Why Another Sermon On Such An Old Topic?Old Topic?

Objection to preach it due to the fact that it has Objection to preach it due to the fact that it has been discussed and debated for years yet never been discussed and debated for years yet never settled – then why continue to preach on it?settled – then why continue to preach on it?– I believe this objection is a serious mistakeI believe this objection is a serious mistake– True, in one sense not settled – not everybody agrees True, in one sense not settled – not everybody agrees

about itabout it– But in another sense, it’s been settled thousands of But in another sense, it’s been settled thousands of

times in the minds of men & women who have to give times in the minds of men & women who have to give an account to God in judgment – and they have acted an account to God in judgment – and they have acted accordingly to the settlement of it in their own mindsaccordingly to the settlement of it in their own minds

Why Another Sermon on Baptism?Why Another Sermon on Baptism?

Likewise, necessity is laid upon you! You Likewise, necessity is laid upon you! You cannot avoid it – you must also settle the cannot avoid it – you must also settle the question in you own mind and for your question in you own mind and for your own soulown soul

You are compelled to decide in your own You are compelled to decide in your own mind what baptism is, and that will be mind what baptism is, and that will be settling the question so far as you are settling the question so far as you are concernedconcerned

ObjectionsObjections

The question was settled for me when I The question was settled for me when I was a baby – my parents baptized me…was a baby – my parents baptized me…– Even this does not enable you to escape the Even this does not enable you to escape the

necessity of conclusion – must decide for necessity of conclusion – must decide for YOURSELF as we all stand in judgment – YOURSELF as we all stand in judgment – Rom.14:12Rom.14:12


Don’t be impatient when someone Don’t be impatient when someone proposes to discuss the subject with you – proposes to discuss the subject with you – don’t be unwilling to hear him – weigh it don’t be unwilling to hear him – weigh it fairly, so that you may decide the question fairly, so that you may decide the question intelligentlyintelligently


““I can’t understand…requires knowledge I can’t understand…requires knowledge of dead languages, especially Greek in of dead languages, especially Greek in order to make an intelligent decision as to order to make an intelligent decision as to what baptism is; and as I am no scholar, I what baptism is; and as I am no scholar, I don’t think God will hold me accountable if don’t think God will hold me accountable if I happen to decide incorrectly”I happen to decide incorrectly”– Mistaken, Good common sense and a careful Mistaken, Good common sense and a careful

study of the N.T. you can learn what God study of the N.T. you can learn what God requires of you and live a life pleasing to Godrequires of you and live a life pleasing to God

Proposed MethodProposed Method

If my mind were unsettled in regard to baptism, I If my mind were unsettled in regard to baptism, I would take this course: would take this course: I would take my own N.T. and beginning at the I would take my own N.T. and beginning at the first chapter of Matthew, I would read it all the first chapter of Matthew, I would read it all the way through, watching for that word “baptism”, way through, watching for that word “baptism”, and everywhere I found it, I would examine and everywhere I found it, I would examine carefully the passage in which I found it, and carefully the passage in which I found it, and learn all I could about it…and when I got learn all I could about it…and when I got through, put it all together and make up my through, put it all together and make up my mind. That way I would feel sure it was God mind. That way I would feel sure it was God teaching, and approve my decisionteaching, and approve my decision


I’m convinced this is the best way to settle I’m convinced this is the best way to settle controversial questionscontroversial questions– Does not involve a single word in any Does not involve a single word in any

language but our ownlanguage but our own– Does not involve arguments & disputations on Does not involve arguments & disputations on

the subject from other menthe subject from other men– It involves nothing but listening to the It involves nothing but listening to the

utterances of God’s word as you have it in utterances of God’s word as you have it in your possession and forming your own your possession and forming your own conclusion and acting upon itconclusion and acting upon it


If this method is not safe, then nothing is!If this method is not safe, then nothing is!– May seem an impossible task to read the N.T. May seem an impossible task to read the N.T.

through, but not much more reading than the through, but not much more reading than the newspaper or favorite book, journals, etc.newspaper or favorite book, journals, etc.

– Easier way would be to use a concordance to locate Easier way would be to use a concordance to locate the word “baptism” but I don’t believe it would be as the word “baptism” but I don’t believe it would be as effective as what I suggestedeffective as what I suggested

– Don’t get upset when I propose to study the whole Don’t get upset when I propose to study the whole N.T. ….Save time by having marked the passages so N.T. ….Save time by having marked the passages so we won’t have to hunt for them.we won’t have to hunt for them.


One other thing…preparation of mind:One other thing…preparation of mind:– If you want to investigate any question without bias of If you want to investigate any question without bias of

mind, it is good to throw out of your mind by effort of mind, it is good to throw out of your mind by effort of imagination, all you know about it and come to imagination, all you know about it and come to investigate the subject as if you never heard or read investigate the subject as if you never heard or read about it before.about it before.

– The mind as a blank sheet of paper ready for God to The mind as a blank sheet of paper ready for God to write on it whatever is found in His word.write on it whatever is found in His word.

– We will not go to the dictionary to define it or to the We will not go to the dictionary to define it or to the Greek but we will see if the Book itself will explain it to Greek but we will see if the Book itself will explain it to us. And if so, we will have God’s definitionus. And if so, we will have God’s definition

Book of MatthewBook of Matthew

Mt 3:5,6- Then went out to him Mt 3:5,6- Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.sins.– Here we learn people were baptized in the Here we learn people were baptized in the

river Jordan (where) it was done. Plainly no river Jordan (where) it was done. Plainly no mistakemistake


Mt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water Mt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:– Here we learn a little more…”water” is the Here we learn a little more…”water” is the

element used in this thing called baptismelement used in this thing called baptism


Mt 3:13-16 - Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan Mt 3:13-16 - Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.14 But John forbad him, unto John, to be baptized of him.14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:lighting upon him:– From this, we learn what He did when he was through with the From this, we learn what He did when he was through with the

baptizing – he “went up straightway out of the water”.baptizing – he “went up straightway out of the water”.– But that’s all – it does not tell us what the baptizing was… we But that’s all – it does not tell us what the baptizing was… we

are still in the darkare still in the dark


From this whole chapter we learn only this:From this whole chapter we learn only this:– When John baptized, it was in the river When John baptized, it was in the river

JordanJordan– That he used (in some way, we don’t know That he used (in some way, we don’t know

how) water,how) water,– And that after Jesus was baptized, he went up And that after Jesus was baptized, he went up

straightway out of the water, showing that he straightway out of the water, showing that he had been down into it.had been down into it.

– But that’s all we learn, so we read onBut that’s all we learn, so we read on


We do not find the word again in its literal sense until we We do not find the word again in its literal sense until we come to the last chapter of Matthew 28:18,19come to the last chapter of Matthew 28:18,1918 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Ghost: – Here we learn that those men were to baptize in all nations – it Here we learn that those men were to baptize in all nations – it

was to be a universal thingwas to be a universal thing– They were to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy They were to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit…a very solemn thing – universal thingSpirit…a very solemn thing – universal thing– Becomes very interesting…wonder more than ever what it isBecomes very interesting…wonder more than ever what it is


We’re through with Matthew now and We’re through with Matthew now and ready to begin at Markready to begin at Mark

May have to read whole N.T. through May have to read whole N.T. through before we get our question answered!before we get our question answered!

Book of MarkBook of Mark

Mr 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and Mr 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. remission of sins. – Here is another place of baptizing…in Matthew we Here is another place of baptizing…in Matthew we

found he baptized in Jordan. Here in the wildernessfound he baptized in Jordan. Here in the wilderness– May puzzle us until we know the geography of May puzzle us until we know the geography of

Palestine…we remember a portion of the river Jordan Palestine…we remember a portion of the river Jordan near it’s mouth runs along a barren wilderness on its near it’s mouth runs along a barren wilderness on its western bank, so this tells us what part of Jordan western bank, so this tells us what part of Jordan John was baptizing…lets seeJohn was baptizing…lets see


Mr 1:5 And there went out unto him all the Mr 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.Jordan, confessing their sins.– We were right, it is in the river Jordan and in We were right, it is in the river Jordan and in

the wilderness at the same time.the wilderness at the same time.


Mr 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with Mr 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.Holy Ghost.– We knew this before…already read thatWe knew this before…already read that


Mr 1:9,10 - And it came to pass in those days, Mr 1:9,10 - And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: dove descending upon him: – We learned from Matthew that he “went up FROM the We learned from Matthew that he “went up FROM the

water”…and now it says in Mark that he “came up water”…and now it says in Mark that he “came up OUT of the water”…showing he had been down in itOUT of the water”…showing he had been down in it

– So Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan, and after So Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan, and after he was baptized he went up out of the wateer, but we he was baptized he went up out of the wateer, but we still don’t know what it was…we read onstill don’t know what it was…we read on


Mr 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye Mr 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.believeth not shall be damned.– Same idea of its universality in MatthewSame idea of its universality in Matthew– But also have an additional thought…v.16But also have an additional thought…v.16– This adds interest but still no light on the act This adds interest but still no light on the act

itself…what it isitself…what it is

Book of LukeBook of Luke

Lu 3:3 And he came into all the country about Lu 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;the remission of sins;– Here we learn that not only Jordan but “all the country Here we learn that not only Jordan but “all the country

about Jordan” that John preachedabout Jordan” that John preached– Also learn that he preached the “baptism of Also learn that he preached the “baptism of

repentance for the remission of sins.”repentance for the remission of sins.”– If it was a baptism of repentance, a baptism that If it was a baptism of repentance, a baptism that

required a person to repent before he submitted to it, required a person to repent before he submitted to it, …and “unto remission of sins”, it must have been a …and “unto remission of sins”, it must have been a matter of supreme importance.matter of supreme importance.

Book of LukeBook of Luke

The subject grows on us by the words used in The subject grows on us by the words used in connection with it…but no light comes yet as the connection with it…but no light comes yet as the what this particular act itself was.what this particular act itself was.

If we had started out knowing what the meaning If we had started out knowing what the meaning of the word was, we wouldn’t have any trouble.of the word was, we wouldn’t have any trouble.

But we want the N.T. to show us its meaning…But we want the N.T. to show us its meaning…so we read onso we read on

We read through Luke and into John without any We read through Luke and into John without any additional light on itadditional light on it

Book of JohnBook of John

Joh 3:22,23 - After these things came Jesus and his Joh 3:22,23 - After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.there: and they came, and were baptized.– We learned in Matthew & Mark that John used water in We learned in Matthew & Mark that John used water in

baptizing.baptizing.– Now we learn that when he left the Jordan, he went to Aenon Now we learn that when he left the Jordan, he went to Aenon

near to Salem because there was “much water there”. This near to Salem because there was “much water there”. This shows he wanted much water with which to baptize. But this is a shows he wanted much water with which to baptize. But this is a very vague expression…A picture full is much compared to a very vague expression…A picture full is much compared to a glass full etc. So the text is extremely vague when it says “much glass full etc. So the text is extremely vague when it says “much water”.water”.

Book of ActsBook of Acts

Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ac 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word Ac 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.added unto them about three thousand souls.– We learn the apostles did as Jesus commandedWe learn the apostles did as Jesus commanded– Also learn that the gift of the Holy Spirit is connected Also learn that the gift of the Holy Spirit is connected

with it…its importance grows on us, but still, nothing with it…its importance grows on us, but still, nothing here to tell us what baptism ishere to tell us what baptism is


Ac 8:12 But when they believed Philip Ac 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.women.– Nothing here to explain the act itselfNothing here to explain the act itself


Ac 8:36 And as they went on their way, Ac 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?hinder me to be baptized?– We learn additional items from this verse…We learn additional items from this verse…– Before baptizing, both the baptist & candidate Before baptizing, both the baptist & candidate

went down into the waterwent down into the water– While down in the water, the baptizing was While down in the water, the baptizing was

donedone– Then they came up out of the waterThen they came up out of the water


We haven’t found the answer yet, but we’re We haven’t found the answer yet, but we’re getting it hemmed in…getting it hemmed in…– John baptized in the river Jordan & Aenon where John baptized in the river Jordan & Aenon where

there was much waterthere was much water– We see the performing act was where they went We see the performing act was where they went

down into the water, and then they came up out of the down into the water, and then they came up out of the water…and this explains how Jesus came up out of water…and this explains how Jesus came up out of the water when He was baptizedthe water when He was baptized

– But what Philip did to the eunuch called “baptism” and But what Philip did to the eunuch called “baptism” and what John did to Jesus called “baptism”, the question what John did to Jesus called “baptism”, the question that we started out with is not yet answeredthat we started out with is not yet answered


Ac 9:18 And immediately there fell from his Ac 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.– Saul of Tarsus was baptized, but nothing is said to Saul of Tarsus was baptized, but nothing is said to

indicate what the acts was.indicate what the acts was.– Same with Cornelius (Acts 10), Lydia (16), Jailer (16)Same with Cornelius (Acts 10), Lydia (16), Jailer (16)– The apostles are carrying out the commission to The apostles are carrying out the commission to

baptize men but we find no words in these passages baptize men but we find no words in these passages to indicate what it wasto indicate what it was

Book of RomansBook of Romans

Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?baptized into his death?– Here we have 2 new thoughts:Here we have 2 new thoughts:

When we’re baptized, we’re baptized into ChristWhen we’re baptized, we’re baptized into Christ

At the same time, we are baptized into His death.At the same time, we are baptized into His death.

Book of RomansBook of Romans Ro 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into Ro 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.newness of life.– Here we learn that we are buried with him through baptism into Here we learn that we are buried with him through baptism into

deathdeath– Again we have learned before that persons to be baptized and Again we have learned before that persons to be baptized and

man who baptized went down into the waterman who baptized went down into the water– The baptizing was done there…and done with water.The baptizing was done there…and done with water.– Then they came up out of the waterThen they came up out of the water– Now learn that in baptism they were buried…and if water is the Now learn that in baptism they were buried…and if water is the

element, we conclude that they were buried in water!element, we conclude that they were buried in water!– We now know what the acts was! It was a “temporary” burial…We now know what the acts was! It was a “temporary” burial…

not to be left there…Jesus came up out of the water.not to be left there…Jesus came up out of the water.

Book of ColossiansBook of Colossians

Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.dead.– Christ was buried in the tomb and on the 3Christ was buried in the tomb and on the 3rdrd day he day he

came upcame up– We are buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye We are buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye

are risen with him…” makes our burial in water a are risen with him…” makes our burial in water a representation of His burial in the tomb, and our rising representation of His burial in the tomb, and our rising from the water, of His rising from the dead.from the water, of His rising from the dead.


This burial explains some of the things that we This burial explains some of the things that we met with before:met with before:– It explains why a river like Jordan was used instead of It explains why a river like Jordan was used instead of

some smaller body of watersome smaller body of water– It explains why “much” water was needed and found It explains why “much” water was needed and found

at Aenon…enough to bury a personat Aenon…enough to bury a person– It explains why, previous to the baptism, they went It explains why, previous to the baptism, they went

down into the water…they couldn’t bury a person down into the water…they couldn’t bury a person without doing sowithout doing so

– It explains why, at the end of it they always came up It explains why, at the end of it they always came up out of the water.out of the water.


We learn then,We learn then,– That baptism is an act in which a person is That baptism is an act in which a person is

buried in water and raised again in imitation of buried in water and raised again in imitation of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christthe burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ

– It is done by the command of Christ HimselfIt is done by the command of Christ Himself– The blessing which follows the act is the The blessing which follows the act is the

remission of sins…the act that brings us into remission of sins…the act that brings us into Christ…into the name of the Father, Son, and Christ…into the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spiritthe Holy Spirit

– And it is followed by the gift of the Holy SpiritAnd it is followed by the gift of the Holy Spirit

SummarySummary

If all of this is true, then it is a most solemn and If all of this is true, then it is a most solemn and precious thing!precious thing!

Cannot overestimate the value of it or speak Cannot overestimate the value of it or speak lightly of itlightly of it– If I could go to Palestine and find the sepulchre of If I could go to Palestine and find the sepulchre of

Joseph of Arimathea where the Savior once laid till Joseph of Arimathea where the Savior once laid till His resurrection, I would be glad to lay in that tomb His resurrection, I would be glad to lay in that tomb and have some one roll a stone to the mouth of it that and have some one roll a stone to the mouth of it that I might realize by an act of imagination my Savior’s I might realize by an act of imagination my Savior’s burial…But I cannot do that!burial…But I cannot do that!

SummarySummary

But in baptism, I am permitted to the next But in baptism, I am permitted to the next thing to it…thing to it…– We can lay down in a watery grave in We can lay down in a watery grave in

obedience to His command and allow the obedience to His command and allow the water to close above our heads, and then, as water to close above our heads, and then, as though we were dead, we are lifted out of the though we were dead, we are lifted out of the grave and begin to walk in a new life!grave and begin to walk in a new life!

– It is a sacred and blessed privilege to do this!It is a sacred and blessed privilege to do this!

SummarySummary

Baptism stands midway in the life of a Baptism stands midway in the life of a person who submits to it…person who submits to it…It points back to the death, burial and It points back to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ…resurrection of Christ…But points forward to our own death, burial But points forward to our own death, burial and resurrectionand resurrectionIt brings us into Christ…the forgiveness of It brings us into Christ…the forgiveness of sins and imparts to us the blessed hope of sins and imparts to us the blessed hope of heaven hereafter!heaven hereafter!

What Is Baptism?. Why Another Sermon On Such An Old Topic? Objection to preach it due to the fact...

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Transcript of What Is Baptism?. Why Another Sermon On Such An Old Topic? Objection to preach it due to the fact...