Sermon on the meaning and importance of Christian baptism, grounded in Romans 6:1–14, the gospel narrative, and examples from Scripture. Emphasis: salvation by grace through faith; baptism as an outward sign of inward grace and new life
- Primary text: Romans 6:1–14 read and expounded.
- Great Commission referenced: Matthew 28:18–20.
- New birth discussed: John 3:1–8 (Jesus and Nicodemus).
- Creation and fall recounted: Genesis 1–3.
- Example of obedient faith: Naaman and the Jordan (Elisha’s instruction)
The Gospel: Creation, Fall, Redemption
- God created a perfect world; repeatedly declared “it is good,” aligned with His holiness.
- Humanity’s fall: Adam and Eve disobeyed; shame, guilt, fear entered; attempted self-covering.
- Universal sin: all are descendants of Adam and Eve; everyday examples reveal sin nature.
- Justice and mercy: wages of sin is death; God is just, merciful, and must satisfy justice.
- Christ’s work: sinless life, substitutionary death, burial, bodily resurrection with many witnesses.
- Result: forgiveness and freedom; justification means God accepted Christ’s sacrifice.
Obedience Illustrated
- Naaman’s healing: not the water but faith expressed through obedience.
- Application: baptism is a work that demonstrates living faith; faith without works is dead.
Baptism: Key Passages Summary
Romans 6:1–14- Believers died to sin; united with Christ’s death and resurrection | Immersion symbolizes death, burial, and rising to new life |
Matthew 28:18–20-Great Commission to make disciples and baptize | Baptism commanded as part of discipleship |
John 3:1–8- Necessity of being born again by water and Spirit | Baptism symbolizes cleansing and spiritual birth |
Genesis 1–3-Creation good; fall introduces sin, shame, death | Need for redemption symbolized in baptism’s cleansing |
2 Kings 5 (Naaman)- Healing through obedient faith | Baptism expresses obedient faith, not saving water |
Practical Implications for Believers
- Baptism follows genuine faith; it does not replace faith.
- Confession, repentance, and obedience evidence new birth.
- Live as those under grace, not law; resist sin’s reign.
- Offer every part of yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Baptism: Immersion in water signifying union with Christ and cleansing from sin.
- Justification: God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, declaring believers righteous.
- Regeneration: The Spirit’s act of making a person spiritually alive (new birth).
- Sanctification: Ongoing growth in holiness by God’s truth and Spirit.
- Grace: God’s unmerited favor saving and enabling believers.
- Sin: Rebellion against God’s law; incurs death as its wage.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Examine faith: ensure repentance and trust in Christ alone for salvation.
- Obey Christ: pursue baptism as the first step of discipleship.
- Live the new life: refuse sin’s reign; present yourself to God for righteousness.
- Seek understanding: study the cited Scriptures and pray for the Spirit’s guidance.
- Pastoral follow-up: speak with the pastor if you have not accepted Christ or desire baptism.
