The Lord's Plan of Salvation Includes Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20)
Introduction:
1. This morning we studied 3 occasions when Jesus forgave sins. a. He forgave a man afflicted with palsy (Luke 5). b. He forgave a woman who washed and anointed His feet (Luke 7). c. He forgave one of the thieves crucified with Him (Luke 23). 2. By forgiving sins Jesus demonstrated His divine authority. 3. To be forgiven today we must obey the Lord's will (Hebrews 5:9). 4. The Lord's requirements for salvation are revealed in His Word. 5. According to the Scriptures, baptism is a requirement. 6. In our lesson we are examining baptism in: a. the Great Commission b. the book of Acts and the New Testament letters.
Discussion:
I. THE GREAT COMMISSION
A. One account of the Great Commission is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20. B. We are especially interested in the baptism of the Great Commission because: 1. it is commanded by Christ who has all divine authority (Matthew 28:18) 2. it is for everyone -- "all nations" 3. it is to be practiced until the world ends. C. We learn from Mark's account of the Great Commission (16:15-16) that: 1. baptism is for those who believe 2. baptism results in salvation. D. Let us turn our attention to:
II. PASSAGES FROM ACTS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS THAT RELATE TO BAPTISM
A. Acts 1. 2:38, 41, 47 2. Other conversions: a. 8:12 -- people in Samaria b. 8:38 -- the eunuch of Ethiopia c. 9:18; 22:16 -- Saul d. 10:48 -- Cornelius and his household e. 16:14-15 -- Lydia and her household f. 16:33 -- the Philippian jailer g. 18:8 -- the Corinthians h. 19:3-5 -- men in Ephesus B. The New Testament letters 1. (Romans 6:3-4) We are baptized into Christ. 2. (1 Corinthians 12:13) We are baptized into one body. 3. (Galatians 3:26-27) We are baptized into Christ. 4. (Ephesians 4:5) There is only one baptism. 5. (Colossians 2:12) We are buried with Christ in baptism. 6. (1 Peter 3:21) We are saved when we are scripturally baptized.
Conclusion:
If you believe that Jesus is God's Son, will you repent of your sins, confess the Lord, and be baptized?