Understanding The Ordinances - Part 2 - Baptism

Understanding the Ordinances: Baptism Part 2

 

Jesus came and said them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. 
Matthew 28:18-20

 

The Essence of Christian Baptism

 

Baptism is the church's act of affirming a believer's profession of faith in Christ with the symbolic application of water.

 

Key Errors Concerning Christian Baptism

 

1. The Roman Catholic View

 

Ex opere operato "by the work worked"

 

Because baptism was considered to effect the forgiveness of sins, and because infants are born with Adamic guilt and corruption (original sin), they must be baptized in order to be saved. With this theology firmly in place by the beginning of the fifth century, infant baptism became the official practice of the church.
- Gregg R. Allison

 

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift - not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

 

2. The Lutheran View

 

Of Baptism they teach that it is necessary to salvation, and that through Baptism is offered the grace of God, and that children are to be baptized who, being offered to 
God through Baptism are received into God's grace.
- The Augsburg Confession Article 9, "Of Baptism"

 

3. The Reformed Paedobaptist View

 

10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision - the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Colossians 2:10-12 NLT

 

Entrance into Old Covenant community

 

Involuntary Physical External

 

Entrance into New Covenant community

 

Voluntary Spiritual Internal

 

Baptism is the church's act of affirming a believer's profession of faith in Christ with the symbolic application of water.

 

Our Experience of Christian Baptism

 

1. Baptism honors the Lord.

 

2. Baptism strengthens your faith.

 

3. Baptism helps you share your faith.