1. According to Jesus,: a. a person's soul is his most valuable possession -- He made this point when He asked 2 thought-provoking questions that are found in Matthew 16:26 b. saving our souls is a matter of utmost importance -- He made this point when He revealed His purpose for coming to earth (Luke 19:10). 2. Recently, we have been studying some important Bible subjects that relate to "the salvation of our souls," including: a. the grace of God b. the death of Christ c. hearing God's Word d. believing that Jesus is the Son of God e. repentance f. confession. 3. In this lesson we are studying a number of passages that relate to "baptism." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. "BAPTISM" IS A KEY COMPONENT OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION
A. Jesus included "baptism" in the Great Commission. 1. (Matthew 28:18-20) "Baptism" is: a. a command of Christ who has "all power [authority]" b. for "all nations" [everyone] c. "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" d. to be administered "unto the end of the world." 2. (Mark 16:15-16) "Baptism": a. is for those who believe (Acts 8:36-38) b. results in salvation. B. Acts shows how people were baptized as the Great Commission was carried out, including: 1. 3,000 in Jerusalem on Pentecost (2:37-38, 41) 2. people in Samaria (8:12) 3. the eunuch of Ethiopia (8:38) 4. Saul (9:18; 22:16) 5. Cornelius and his household (10:48) 6. Lydia and her household (16:14-15) 7. the Philippian jailer (16:33) 8. the Corinthians (18:8) 9. the 12 men in Ephesus (19:5). C. The Great Commission and these examples of conversion clearly teach that "baptism" is a part of the Lord's plan of salvation.
II. PASSAGES WRITTEN TO CHRISTIANS [Those who have been saved] 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 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 ends (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?
