1. This morning we studied a number of passages that relate to the "one baptism" mentioned in Ephesians 4:5. 2. This evening we are examining additional passages recorded in the New Testament epistles [letters written to congregations and individual Christians]. 3. The epistles reveal important information concerning the "one baptism." 4. Christians in the first century needed to be reminded of the Lord's will on this subject, and we occasionally need to be reminded of it today. 5. Let us begin our study with . . .
Discussion:
I. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17
A. People who believe that baptism is not essential to salvation sometimes appeal to this verse written by Paul. 1. This is interesting because the same inspired apostle wrote most of the verses we will examine. 2. Paul made it very clear that baptism is essential for salvation. B. By looking at this verse it its context we can understand it. 1. (vs.10-13) Division existed in the Corinthian church, and it was sinful. 2. (vs.14-16) Paul showed why he was glad that he had personally baptized only a few people in Corinth. 3. (vs.17) Paul's main mission was to preach the Gospel. 4. The Gospel leads people to Christ, and they will want to be baptized because it is His will. 5. (Acts 18:8) As a result of Paul's preaching in Corinth, "many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." 6. Paul was not teaching that baptism is not essential for salvation.
II. ROMANS 6:3-7
A. Two verses in the New Testament show that we are "baptized into Christ" -- vs.3 is one of them. B. (1 Corinthians15:1-4) Christ made salvation available through His death, burial, and resurrection. C. Baptism is a likeness of the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection. D. When we are baptized into Christ we are made free from sin, and we are able to walk in newness of life. E. Those who take the position that baptism is not essential are in reality saying the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection were not necessary. F. Christ made a great sacrifice on our behalf, and these verses show us how to receive the salvation that He made available.
III. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:13
A. This verse mentions the "one body" ["the church" -- Ephesians 1:22-23]. B. This verse shows us how to get into the one body -- we are baptized into it. C. This applies to everyone: Jews, Gentiles, bond, and free. D. There are not many ways to get into many bodies -- there is one way to get into the one body.
IV. GALATIANS 3:26-29
A. Vs. 27 is the other verse that shows us how to get into Christ -- we are baptized into Him. B. When we are baptized into Him we put Him on. C. This applies to everyone: Jew, Greek, bond, free, male, and female. D. When we are baptized into Christ we become heirs to a very special promise made to Abraham many years ago.
V. COLOSSIANS 2:11-13
A. Baptism is a "burial" [immersion]. B. We are buried with the Lord, and we are raised with Him. C. When we are raised with Christ we receive forgiveness of sins through the faith of the operation of God.
VI. 1 PETER 3:21
A. We are saved when we are baptized. B. Baptism is not just an outward cleansing. C. Rather, it is the response of a person who is honestly seeking to do the Lord's will. D. Illustration: Noah (vs.20).
Conclusion:
1. These verses from the epistles reveal some very important information about the "one baptism." 2. Have you complied with these passages that we have studied?
