THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

Lesson 47Faith Foundations

Course One

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

1. Matthew 3:6 and Mark 1:5,8,9 show examples of baptisms by John the Baptist. What earthly element is used in Baptism?Water.

The word baptism means the use of water in various ways—immersion, washing, pouring, or sprinkling.

TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

2. Recall the account of the man from Ethiopia in Acts 8:26-38. Demonstrate that the water used in Baptism isn’t special water.

Philip and the Ethiopian were traveling along and simply came to some water and used that for Baptism.

TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

3. The water in Baptism signifies the spiritual washing that takes place in Baptism. Read Ephesians 5:25,26. Show that this statement is true: Baptism is more than just a symbol of spiritual washing.Jesus cleansed the church by the washing of water through the Word.

TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

4. Read Matthew 28:18,19. Evaluate this statement: Jesus spoke about his authority to show that he was serious about what he was going to say.Yes.

TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

5. These words are Christ’s Great Commission to the church. What does he tell the church to do?Make disciples of all nations by baptizing in the name of the triune God.

TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

6. Explain how the following passages show that we are to baptize children also.a. Psalm 51:5Children are sinful and need Baptism.b. Acts 2:38,39This promise was for them & their children.c. Acts 16:29-34The jailer requested Baptism for all his family.d. Matthew 28:19,20Jesus commands us to baptize all nations.

KEY POINT #1

Baptism is water used by God’s command.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

7. What do we learn from each passage?a. 1 Corinthians 12:3We’ve been baptized into one body & have become part of the holy Christian church.b. 1 Peter 3:21Baptism saves us.c. Galatians 3:27Through Baptism we’ve been clothed with Christ.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

8. 2 Corinthians 5:21 helps us understand what it means to be clothed with Christ. When we are clothed with Christ, what are we “wearing”?Christ’s righteousness.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

9. Read John 17:17. How do we know that Baptism does save us and does clothe us with Christ’s righteousness?God’s Word says so & God’s Word is true.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

10.Evaluate this statement: Bringing their child to be baptized is one of the most important things parents can do for their child. Yes.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

11.What blessing do these passages tell us is ours because of our new relationship with the triune God?a. Numbers 6:27God puts his name on us to bless us. We are his.b. Ephesians 2:19We are members of God’s household.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

12.Kara was having a very bad day. Yet she remarked: “At times like this I find a lot of comfort in thinking about my baptism. It reminds me that God put his name on me. I am his. He won’t leave me alone. He will guide me through life.” How can Kara be sure of all these things?God’s Word promises her all those things.

A DIVINE CEREMONY

13.Recall the spiritual cleansing that takes place in Baptism according to Ephesians 5:25,26. What makes it possible for this spiritual cleansing to take place?The power of God’s Word.

KEY POINT #2

Baptism is water connected with God’s Word.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

1. Baptism is water used by God’s command.2. Baptism is water connected with God’s

Word.

SUMMARYBaptism is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

LESSON 47 CONNECTIONS

1. Which statement most clearly expresses the truth about Baptism?a. Baptism symbolizes a spiritual washing that takes place in our hearts. b. Baptism is a spiritual washing that takes place in our hearts.

LESSON 47 CONNECTIONS

1. Which statement most clearly expresses the truth about Baptism?a. Baptism symbolizes a spiritual washing that takes place in our hearts. b. Baptism is a spiritual washing that takes place in our hearts.

LESSON 47 CONNECTIONS

2. What does Baptism have to do with Christ’s Great Commission of Matthew 28:19,20?Jesus tells us to make disciples. One of the ways we do that is by baptizing.

LESSON 47 CONNECTIONS

3. Someone says, “Baptism isn’t for little children.” How would you answer?Babies are born sinful and need the forgiveness that comes in Baptism. And Jesus commanded us to baptize all nations, which includes babies.

LESSON 47 CONNECTIONS

4. What is Baptism?Baptism is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s Word.