Through the Waters

What actually happens in the waters of baptism?

And why does this ancient practice still matter?

1. The Waters Tell a STORY

Throughout the Bible, water marks where old worlds end and new ones begin. Water often represents chaos and creation, judgment and rescue, death and life.

Passing through the waters points to God’s work of REDEMPTION.

2. Jesus STEPPED into the Waters for US

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. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus did not enter the waters because He needed CLEANSING.

Jesus entered the waters to identify with the PEOPLE He came to SAVE.

3. In Baptism, We IDENTIFY with Jesus.

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:3-4

Baptism declares that my old life is BEHIND ME and my new life BELONGS to JESUS.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who has PLACED their FAITH in Jesus.

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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38-39

Why Should I Be Baptized?

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

• Follow the EXAMPLE of Jesus

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• Obey the COMMAND of Jesus.

• Publicly IDENTIFY as a follower of Jesus.

Do I Have to Be Baptized to Be Saved?

We are saved by GRACE through FAITH in Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8–9

When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as I have PLACED my FAITH in Jesus.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:41