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There Is One Baptism
Introduction:
1. We are presently studying a series of lessons designed to help us know the truth concerning the 7 unique subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6. 2. We have previously examined passages that relate to the "one body," the "one Spirit," the "one hope, " the "one Lord," and the "one faith." 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on the "one baptism" mentioned in vs.5. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST IDENTIFY THE "ONE BAPTISM" A. This is where we need to begin because we actually read about several different baptisms in the Bible. B. For example, the Bible speaks of: 1. "the baptism of John the Baptist" (Mark 1:4-5) that was eventually replaced by the baptism commanded by Christ (Acts 19:3-5) 2. "the baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 3:11) a. John said that Jesus would administer Holy Spirit baptism. b. Holy Spirit baptism was administered on 2 occasions. 1) (Acts 2) The apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit. 2) (Acts 10) Cornelius and his household received Holy Spirit baptism. c. The Lord never commanded everyone to receive this baptism. 3. "the baptism of fire," the punishment for the unsaved at the judgment (Matthew 3:11b-12) 4. "the baptism commanded by Christ" in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). a. This baptism is for "all nations," and it is to be administered "unto the end of the world." b. This is the baptism that the people in Ephesus [to whom Ephesians was written] received (Acts 19:5). C. The "one baptism" that is mentioned in Ephesians 4:5 is the baptism Christ commanded in the Great Commission. II. LET US IDENTIFY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "ONE BAPTISM" A. Prerequisites of the "one baptism:" 1. It must be preceded by belief (Mark 16:16). 2. It must be preceded by repentance (Acts 2:38). 3. It must be preceded by a confession of Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-37). B. The manner in which the "one baptism" is to be administered: 1. It is in water (Acts 8:38). 2. It is a burial (Colossians 2:12). C. The purposes of the "one baptism:" 1. It is necessary for salvation (1 Peter 3:21). a. Sins are washed away at baptism (Acts 22:16). b. It is for the "remission" [removal, forgiveness] of sins (Acts 2:38). 2. It is the point when a person gets into Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). 3. It is the point when a person gets into the one body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:13). III. LET US IDENTIFY PEOPLE IN ACTS WHO EXPERIENCED THE "ONE BAPTISM" A. The 3,000 in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:37-38, 41) B. People in Samaria (Acts 8:5, 12-13) C. The eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:38) D. Saul [Paul] (Acts 9:18) E. Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:48) F. Lydia and her household (Acts 16:14-15) G. The jailer in Philippi (Acts 16:33) H. Many Corinthians (Acts 18:8) I. 12 men in Ephesus (Acts 19:5) | ||