Grow in Jesus

It is the command of Jesus

• Matthew 28:19–20 - 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

Salvation must come first

Baptism does not save us. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus, and baptism is the obedient response of someone who has believed.

• Eph 2:8-9  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Salvation is made possible because Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.

• 1Co 15:3-4  I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.  (4)  He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

Who is to be baptized?

Those who believed were baptized. Baptism is for those who have repented and believed in Jesus Christ.

• Acts 2:41 — “those who received his word were baptized”

• Acts 8:12 — “when they believed… they were baptized”

• Acts 16:31–33 — “believe… and he was baptized at once”

The significance - union with Christ

In baptism, you are identifying with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. Your old life is crucified with Him, buried with Him, and you are raised with Him to walk in new life.

• Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ…”

• Romans 6:3–4 — “baptized into his death… buried… raised…”

When you go under the water, you are united with Christ in His death and burial. When you come up, you are united with Him in His resurrection and new life.

• Romans 6:4–5 — “buried… raised… walk in newness of life”

Baptism in the name of Jesus

New Testament baptism is consistently done in the name of Jesus Christ.

• • Act 2:38  Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Acts 8:16 — “in the name of the Lord Jesus”

• Acts 10:48 — “in the name of Jesus Christ”

• Acts 19:5 — “in the name of the Lord Jesus”

How to baptize

Baptism is by full immersion in water and words similar to this will be spoken:

• Because you have repented of your sins and turned to God I baptize you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

After baptism

Continue to walk in this newness of life with Jesus.

• Rom 6:10-12  When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.  (11)  So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.  (12)  Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.

Go make disciples and baptize others 

• Matthew 28:19–20

Continue your daily walk with Jesus

• Follow Jesus daily in obedience

• Grow in the Word and prayer

• Act 2:42  All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.