Obeying the Gospel Involves Baptism (Mark 16:15-16)
Introduction:
1. According to Mark 16:15, Jesus wants everyone to hear the Gospel. 2. He wants everyone to hear the Gospel because we must obey the Gospel to be saved from our sins (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). 3. Recently, we have shown from the Scriptures that obeying the Gospel involves: a. hearing God's Word b. believing that Jesus is the Son of God c. repentance d. confession. 4. In this lesson we are studying a number of passages which teach that "obeying the Gospel involves baptism." 5. Let us begin by showing how . . .
Discussion:
I. THE GREAT COMMISSION INDICATES THAT BAPTISM IS A KEY COMPONENT OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION
A. (Mark 16:15-16) "Baptism": 1. is for those who believe (Acts 8:36-38) 2. results in salvation. B. (Matthew 28:18-20) "Baptism" is: 1. a command of Christ who has "all power [authority]" 2. for "all nations" [everyone] 3. "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" 4. to be administered "unto the end of the world." C. The Great Commission clearly indicates that "baptism" is a part of the Lord's plan of salvation. D. With the Great Commission in mind, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. PASSAGES WRITTEN TO CHRISTIANS [Those who have been saved] THAT REVEAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT BAPTISM
A. (Romans 6:3-7) We are "freed from sin" when we are baptized into the Lord. B. (1 Corinthians 12:13) We are baptized "into one body" [the body is the church -- Ephesians 1:22-23]. C. (Galatians 3:26-29) When we are "baptized into Christ" we become "children of God," we "put on Christ," and we become Abraham's spiritual descendants. D. (Ephesians 4:5) There is only "one baptism." 1. The Bible speaks of other baptisms that have been fulfilled: the baptism of John (Matthew 3:4-6), the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11), and the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). 2. The Bible speaks of the baptism of fire that will occur at the judgment (Matthew 3:11-12). 3. The baptism in effect at the present time is the baptism commanded by Christ in the Great Commission -- it is to be obeyed until the world comes to an end (Matthew 28:19-20). E. (Colossians 2:12) We are "buried with him [Christ] in baptism." F. (1 Peter 3:21) We are saved when we are scripturally baptized.
Conclusion:
1. Jesus invites everyone to come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). 2. According to Hebrews 5:9, Jesus is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." 3. Have you followed the Lord's instructions for the salvation of your soul?
