A Good Conscience Toward God

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-10-2025

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Chapter 10 begins with the word “Moreover,” which indicates a continuation from chapter 9. This is important because Paul emphasizes that the Corinthian believers, who were already saved, should continue living a holy life of service as they run their individual races for Christ.

 

B.  I believe that three things are taught in 1 Corinthians 10:1-11: 

 

1.  Verses 1-4.  A history lesson concerning the Nation of Israel.  The Corinthian Church knew some of Israel’s past, but not all of it.

 

2.  Verse 5.  An admonition to not do as Israel did, and therefore, what happened because Israel disobeyed God.

 

3.  Verses 6-11.  A stark warning to the Corinthian Church not to fall into the same condition and also suffer the consequences along with us who now live.

 

C.  It is interesting that the Holy Ghost used the word “baptized” in verse two. 

 

1.  Baptism was a New Testament rite, a public confession of salvation that expressed the believer’s oneness with the Gospel. 

 

2.  There is no mention of baptism in the Old Testament because there was no death, burial, and resurrection of Christ yet to be fulfilled.

 

3.  Baptism means to immerse or submerge. 

 

D.  When I baptize a new believer, I use these words: “Upon your profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, I baptize you, my brother/sister/son/daughter, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Buried in the likeness of His death and raised to walk in newness of life.”  This comes from two portions of Scripture:

 

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  (19)  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Romans 6:1-6  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  (2)  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  (3)  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  (4)  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  (6)  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

E.  Paul gives this example of Israel’s baptism “unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” to the Corinthian believers.  Israel, after God had opened the Red Sea, chose to cross to the other side in faith that God would protect as well as lead them.  They could have just refused to go into the deep (I can only imagine how scary that scenario looked to the people of Israel) and returned to Egypt, a type of the world. 

 

F.  Baptism is a public confession of faith in the finished work of the Gospel and a dedication to follow Christ.  I Peter calls baptism “the answer of a good conscience toward God.”  The phrase “a good conscience” appears five times in the New Testament, each time referring to our life after salvation.  The best Biblical definition of baptism is this:

 

1 Peter 3:18-21  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  (19)  By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;  (20)  Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.  (21)  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

 

G.  The word “Moreover,” ties chapter ten to chapter nine.  In chapter nine, Paul stresses the importance and blessing of living for Christ to these new believers. “A good conscience toward God!”

 

1.  “A good conscience toward God” will lead and protect the believer during the most challenging times, the deepest valleys, and turbulent seas of life!  If God did this for Israel, God would do the same thing for you!

 

1 Corinthians 10:1-2  Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;  (2)  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

 

a.  No matter how difficult the task ahead seems, you can trust and follow God.  No matter how powerful the enemy, in Job’s darkest hour, a time when he did not understand what God was doing and saw no easy fix or way out, Job said:

 

Job 23:10-12  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  (11)  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.  (12)  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

 

b.  The Christians’ life is one of faith, not sight. 

 

2 Corinthians 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

 

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

2.  “A good conscience toward God” will feed you both physical and spiritual food. 

 

1 Corinthians 10:3-4  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;  (4)  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

 

a.  God can meet our physical needs.  Manna from heaven was their food for 40 years in the desert, sufficient for their entire journey to Canaan. 

 

1)  Manna from heaven, angel’s food!  Psalms 78:23-25  Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,  (24)  And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.  (25)  Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.

 

Matthew 6:30-33  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  (31)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

2)  Water from the Rock.  Moses spoke to the Rock, and God brought forth an artesian well.  Psalms 78:15-16  He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.  (16)  He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

 

Ephesians 5:25-27  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  (26)  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

b.  God can meet our spiritual needs.  Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

1 Peter 2:2-3  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  (3)  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

 

3.  “A good conscience toward God” will ensure that God will be there with us and for us through thick and thin, hard times and good times.  We need to understand that God would have gone on without them if some had turned back.

 

1 Corinthians 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

 

a. Israel was protected both front and back.  The pillar of cloud and fire led them and protected them.

 

b.  The Rock that was Christ followed them.  For 40 years, Jehovah God, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, led, fed, and protected a rebellious nation.  Talk about the goodness of God?    Now, look at these Corinthian believers along with us at the end time.

 

Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

 

Conclusion: Let us study Bible history so as not to repeat the mistakes of those who have gone before us. The philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  Though not Scripture, it is Biblical.

The Why And What Of Baptism

Temple Baptist Church - 8-21-2011

Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:18-22

Introduction:

A. There were 2 ordinances given to the local church:

1. The Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

2. Baptism – Matthew 28:18-20

B. Both have been perverted:

1. They have been perverted in their meanings.

a) A method of dispensing grace.

b) Necessary for salvation.

1) Transubstantiation practiced by Roman Catholicism

2) Co-substantiation practiced by some Protestants

2. They have been perverted in their methods.

a) The Lord’s Supper – Real Wine instead of Fruit of the Vine

b) Baptism – Sprinkling, pouring, pedo-baptism

C. 1 Peter gives the true meaning of baptism in verse 20-21.

D. Baptism is a transliterated word - baptizo

1. to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)

2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging

3. to overwhelm

E. The Commandment of Baptism – Obedience Is Required

1. Baptism Is Not Optional

Matthew 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2. Baptism Is Conditional

a) Must be saved

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

b) Bearing fruit would be good. I leave that up to God though.

Matthew 3:6-8 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

F. The Meaning of Baptism

1. Baptism is Obedience, not Salvation

a) Noah Was Saved Spiritually By Grace – Genesis 6:8

b) Noah Was Saved Physically through His Obedience – 1 Peter 3:20-21

2. Baptism is Identification, not Qualification

a) We are identified with His death, burial and resurrection

b) We are identified with His body, the Church

c) We are identified with His people

d) We are identified with His reproach

G. The Analogy of Baptism

1 Peter 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

A. Baptism is a Confession of Who He is - Lord

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

B. Baptism is An Identification of What Took Place

1. Baptism Identifies Us With A Past That Is Forgiven

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

2. Baptism Identifies Us With A Heart That Is Changed

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fireMr 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 6:4-6 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

3. Baptism Identifies Us With A Future That Is Secure

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

4. Baptism Identifies Us With A Rejected Saviour (reproach)

Matthew 20:22-23 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

5. Baptism Identifies Us With The Church Of The Living God

Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

6. Baptism Identifies Us With Christ’s Death

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

a. Dead to self - James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

b. Dead to sin - Romans 6:2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

b. Dead to the world - Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

7. Baptism Identifies Us With Christ’s Life

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Baptized Into Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 6-10-2009

Galatians 3:26-29

Introduction:

A. Tonight, I will be teaching on an area of great controversy—both in the world of religion and also in the ranks of fundamental Bible believers. It does not take long to “rile up” the Charismatics or some independent Baptists when you teach what the Bible says on the subject. Much of this division is caused by biblical ignorance. I will not take the time to deal with the entire doctrine of the church as I go through Galatians but will try to clarify what “baptized into Christ” is and is not.

B. There are many misconceptions concerning “baptized into Christ” or the “baptism of the Holy Ghost.” I am not here tonight to convince those who disagree with me because they are not here. I want to look at the Bible and see what it says on the subject. I believe that this doctrine is as simple as it is profound. I want to look at several things that will help to clear up what Paul is saying in these verses.

1. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of “church?” The word “church” means to “be called out” or a “called out assembly.” Israel was certainly “called out of Egypt” to assemble, the local church is “called out” of this world to assemble, and the believers, as a body, will be “called out” to assemble one day with Him. Some teach erroneously that every instance of the word “church” found in the Bible is in reference to a local church.

a. Israel is called “the church.” Acts 7:37-38 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: (This is the same word used for Israel that is used to reference a local church. Israel was “called out” of Egypt and assembled in the wilderness.)

b. The Body of Christ is called “the church.” Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Christ will present to himself the church—the Body of Christ—not the local church.)

c. The local church is called “the church.” 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: (Most references to the “church” do speak of the local assembly. I am a local church man! Everything concerning the work of Christ should go through and under the authority of a local, Bible believing church. But, not every reference to the “church” speaks of the local church.)

2. What the churches above mentioned are not:

a. Old Testament Israel is not the same as the New Testament local church. We that are saved are not of the nation of Israel! Doctrines such as British Israelism, taught by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church of God, are erroneous. In the Body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile. All are the same in Christ Jesus.

b. The local New Testament church is not the Body of Christ. I love the local church and have given my life for it but it is a mixture of saved and lost. The local church is flawed because of our human natures. There is fighting and arguing, mixtures of truth and error, and so on.

C. The Body of Christ is neither the local church nor some “universal” or “mystical” entity.

1) The Body of Christ is not a “Universal Church.” The word “universal” simply means all or a whole number. Though the Body of Christ is the summation of every born again believer, this is not the proper term to be used when speaking of the Body of Christ. The word universal is a generic term which could refer to almost anything and, in our day, does. Many who deny the Body of Christ are afraid of the TV churches, radio churches, and house churches (By “house church,” I do not mean churches started in homes by missionaries and church planters).

2) The Body of Christ is not “Mystical.” Some use the phrase “Mystical Church” because that term is derogatory in its meaning. It is meant to demean the Body of Christ. “Mystical” normally refers to the occult and its practices. What a shame that it has been applied by some who profess to know the Bible to the Body of Christ! The Body of Christ is neither “universal” nor is it “mystical.”

3) The Body of Christ is not an organization. Though the Body of Christ is real and alive, it has neither organization nor function. It does not have pastors and deacons. It does not evangelize at home or abroad. It does not teach and admonish believers. It is Christ’s Body. God has ordained that those saved are to assemble with, be faithful to, work through, and with the local church.

3. The baptism mentioned in Galatians 3 is not water baptism! There are several baptisms mentioned in the New Testament of which I will quickly deal with two.

a. Israel’s Baptism - 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (God’s deliverance and protection is taught in these verses. They went in and through the sea. NOT ONE PERISHED! They were led and protected by the cloud.)

b. Believer’s Baptism - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (Water baptism is an act of good conscience. Christ died, was buried, and rose again—ever living for us. We are telling the world that we have died with Christ, have been buried [speaks of permanent death of the old man], and have risen again to live for Him.)

1) The word “baptize” means to immerse or to place completely into something. This is the reason that we immerse new converts instead of sprinkling or pouring. Immersion is the correct means and the only means of water baptism. Believer’s baptism is an act that takes place after salvation, not at the moment of salvation.

2) Believers are baptized as public confession of Christ. Today’s act of “joining a church” is not taught in Scripture. Joining a church is church tradition, which I have no problem with as long as it is not taught as a commandment of God. We have many in our church that have never “joined” by letter, baptism, or statement of faith. They are members of Temple Baptist Church and are both loved and appreciated. Again, these methods are traditional and I have no problem with them but none can be found in the Bible! In the New Testament, people were saved and baptized. Those who were saved and obedient in the act of water baptism had no problem assembling with the local church.

3) Believers are baptized in obedience to God’s command. It is the answer of a good conscience towards God.

c. Spirit Baptism - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (This one I will deal with in a little more detail in order to explain our text verses.)

Baptized Into Christ

1. What the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not:

a. It is not a second blessing or second work of grace. Many believe that it is a “second blessing” which is evidenced by speaking in an unknown tongue. This is about as far from the truth as you can get! These “fire baptized” individuals have no interest in truth. They thrive on emotion, and self-exaltation. They are neither soul winners nor are they missions hearted. They are proselyters!

1) Tongues were a sign to the unbelieving Jew. We are not going to discuss tongues in this study but I will say that the modern day tongues movement is not of God. Their tongues are neither scriptural nor do they obey the Scriptures.

2) Boldness of preaching was the sign of being Spirit filled.

b. Some Baptists teach that it is an experience whereby they become “filled with the Holy Ghost” and are empowered for service. I have heard of some well known men who gave this impression. This also is also a far stretch from the truth.

1) We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Ghost! Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Spirit filled is an obligation!)

2) Filling is a way of life, not an “experience!” Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Spirit filled is a life choice!)

2. What the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is:

a. It is Spirit Baptism - This is not water baptism but another baptism—the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It does not say that they were baptized with water upon their profession of faith in Christ. Paul told the Galatian believers that they were “baptized into Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (These verses deal with our salvation, not the local church. If it were the local church, then there would only be “one body.” This is the baptism of the Holy Ghost that is referenced here. Water baptism has nothing to do with salvation.)

b. It is a onetime event - Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. (Notice that “baptisms” here is plural while “baptism” in Ephesians 4:5 is singular. This is for a reason. Ephesians 4:5 speaks of the salvation of the believer while Hebrews 6:1-3 speaks both salvation and the Christian experience in general. Hebrews recognizes both Spirit baptism and water baptism. It also says “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ.” Both baptisms are a onetime event not to be repeated.)

c. Spirit Baptism happens to every believer - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (This baptism involves all of the redeemed. Paul was not “baptized” into the Corinthian Church. His home church was at Jerusalem. Yet, he was baptized into the same body as the Corinthians.)

d. Spirit Baptism places us into “Christ.” Into His Body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

e. Spirit Baptism is done by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (Notice that the word “Spirit” is capitalized. It is a direct reference to the Holy Spirit. This is not being baptized by a man but by God Himself. There is nothing charismatic about it.)

f. Spirit Baptism or Baptized into Christ takes place at the moment of salvation. Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (There are many expressions in the Bible such as “in Christ,” “in him,” and “in Christ Jesus” that refer to our position in salvation.)

Conclusion: There are those who will argue about the Body of Christ and the Baptism into Christ but I believe that this statement is clear when it says, “Baptized into Christ.” They were immersed into Christ himself! This is the work of God, not the work of man.

The Why And What Of Baptism

Temple Baptist Church - 7 December 2008

Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:18-22

Intro:

A. There were 2 ordinances given to the local church:

1. The Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
2. Baptism – Matthew 28:18-20

B. Both have been perverted:

1. They have been perverted in their meanings.

a. A method of dispensing grace.
b. Necessary for salvation.

1) Transubstantiation practiced by Roman Catholicism
2) Co-substantiation practiced by some Protestants

2. They have been perverted in their methods.

a. The Lord’s Supper – Real Wine instead of Fruit of the Vine
b. Baptism – Sprinkling, pouring, pedo-baptism

C. 1 Peter gives the true meaning of baptism in verse 20-21.

D. Baptism is a transliterated word - baptizo

1. to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging
3. to overwhelm

E. The Commandment of Baptism – Obedience Is Required

1. Baptism Is Not Optional

Matthew 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2. Baptism Is Conditional

a) Must be saved

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

b) Bearing fruit would be good. I leave that up to God though.

Matthew 3:6-8 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

F. The Meaning of Baptism

1. Baptism is Obedience, not Salvation

a) Noah Was Saved Spiritually By Grace – Genesis 6:8
b) Noah Was Saved Physically through His Obedience – 1 Peter 3:20-21

2. Baptism is Identification, not Qualification

a) We are identified with His death, burial and resurrection
b) We are identified with His body, the Church
c) We are identified with His people
d) We are identified with His reproach

G. The Analogy of Baptism

1 Peter 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

A. Baptism is a Confession of Who He is - Lord

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

B. Baptism is An Identification of What Took Place

1. Baptism Identifies Us With A Past That Is Forgiven

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

2. Baptism Identifies Us With A Heart That Is Changed

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire

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

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 6:4-6 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

3. Baptism Identifies Us With A Future That Is Secure

a. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

b. John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

4. Baptist Identifies Us With A Rejected Saviour (reproach)

a. Matthew 20:22-23 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

5. Baptism Identifies Us With The Church Of The Living God

a. Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

b. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

6. Baptism Identifies Us With Christ’s Death

a. Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

1. Dead to self - James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2. Dead to sin - Romans 6:2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

b. Dead to the world - Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

7. Baptist Identifies Us With Christ’s Life

a. Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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

c. Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.