Baptisms of the New Testament

Sermon Outline: Baptisms of the New Testament

Introduction

• Focus on Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4:4-6 about unity in Christ
• Emphasis on “one baptism” as essential for Christians today

I. The Significance of the One Baptism

• Paul declares there is only one baptism for the Christian dispensation
• Reflects the Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20 & Mark 16:16
• The one baptism Christ commands to be practiced globally

II. The Meaning and Translation of Baptizo

• Greek verb baptizo means to dip, plunge, immerse fully
• Used in everyday language; e.g., ships sinking or objects being submerged
• Cannot mean sprinkling or pouring — baptism involves full immersion

III. The Baptism of John: Preparation, Not Salvation

• Foundational to early Christianity; mentioned in Mark 1:2-5
• Proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins
• Purpose: Prepare hearts for the coming Messiah
• Not in the name of Jesus, as Jesus had not yet died
• Temporary, fulfilled when Jesus' sacrifice was completed (Acts 19:1-5)

IV. The Transition to the One True Baptism

• After Jesus' death, resurrection, and establishment of the church, John’s baptism was phased out
• Paul instructs believers in Acts 19:2-5 to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
• Water baptism is the only baptism that puts us into Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27)

V. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: An Initial, Miraculous Event

• Occurred during the apostolic period (Acts 2 and Acts 10)
• Evidence: Speaking in tongues; meant to confirm divine authority
• Not a baptism believers today are commanded to seek
• Unique, temporary, and fulfilled by the end of the first century

VI. The Final and Finalizing Baptism

• Jesus’ baptism of suffering (Luke 12:50): His immersion in death, not for believers
• The future “baptism of fire”: Eternal punishment for those rejecting obedience
• The “one baptism” today is water baptism in Jesus’ name, for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)

Conclusion

• There is only one valid baptism today—water immersion in the name of Jesus Christ
• This baptism is essential for salvation and entry into Christ’s church
• Rejecting this act results in eternal separation and fire
• Obey the Lord’s command to be baptized and receive the forgiveness of sins

Invitation

• Encourage all to submit to the only valid baptism now for salvation

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