I believe that Jesus spoke to us very clearly about Baptism through his servant the apostle Paul. I believe that Jesus is telling us through Paul that baptism is a proclamation! When we publicly summit to baptism we proclaim certain things to all those in attendance and to the world.

There is a lot of confusion about the subject of baptism. Different religions teach different things about baptism. There are those who teach that being sprinkled with water is baptism? Some teach that you can baptize a baby who knows nothing about salvation, sin, or eternal life?

But we need to go to the bible, the word of God, the living word to see what baptism really is. What did Jesus say about baptism?

I. BAPTISM IS PROCLAIMS A PARTICULAR WAY (V.3).
   1. The Particular Word
       A. The word “Baptize” indicates us the mode.“ baptizo” means, “to immerse,  

           to submerge .”

    2. The practice in the New Testament demonstrates the mode.

       A. Jesus was baptized this way (Matthew 3:13-17)

       B. Jesus Commanded this type of baptism for those who believe

            (Matt. 28:18-20).

       C. Peter Commanded it at Pentecost (Acts 2:38).

       D. Every time believers were baptized in the book of Acts, this is how it was

            done (Acts 2:41; 8:12,38; 9:18; 10:48; 16:33).

    3. The Picture presented .

        A. It pictures death burial and resurrection.

II. BAPTISM PROCLAIMS A PROPER IDENIFICATION (VS. 4- 5)

    1. It is a public identification (v4)

        A. When we are baptized, we are openly expressing our faith in the

             substitutionary death that Jesus died for us on the cross

              (2 Cor. 5:21). For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;

              that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

    2. It is a uniting identification

       A. We are identified as becoming united with Jesus (v.5)

       B. Notice Paul’s words, “Baptized into Christ”. This denotes the fact that we

           are in union with Christ.
* When the husband and wife are united at the marriage altar, they become “One flesh”. When we are baptized, we become one with the Savior. Baptism identifies us with Christ as the wedding identifies the bride with her groom.

III. BAPTISM PROCLAIMS A PREFECT GOSPEL (V. 4, 6-8).
    1. Why Jesus had to die Physically

        A. Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).

        B. He arose so that we can be justified (Romans 4:25)”

    2. Why the believer must die spiritually and be born again

       A. The believer must die it to the old life of sin and be raised to walk with

           Christ

       B. The believer is a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

       C. The believer will now be able to allow Jesus live through you (Gal. 2:20).

    3. Where the believer will one day live forever

       A With Christ in heaven (v.8).

       B. When we are saved, we are guaranteed a home in heaven.

            (1 Thess. 4:13-17).

    1. A commitment to completely forsake the ways of the world (v. 11a, 12-13a).

        A. You must commit to see yourself as “dead” to sin .(Ga 2:20)

             1.. The choice must be made not to let sin have dominion over you.

                a. Living like the rest of the world is not a choice. (Ro 6:2)

                b. A commitment to completely live for Christ (vs. 11b, 13b-14).

       B. You must commit to live for Jesus. (Col 3:5-10)

       C. You must commit to surrender your members to serve Christ.

           (Rom. 12:1-2)

CONCLUSION

Baptism is a beautiful picture. It is a witness. It is Powerful. Today we have seen what baptism really means. Are you a Christian? Have you followed the Lord in this beautiful ordinance? If not, why not come and request baptism? Take your stand openly with Jesus in the waters of Believer’s Baptism.

Christian, are you living what you professed at the time of your baptism? Why not commit to living in the newness of life that you have received in Christ?