Welcome to the Encinitas Church of Christ
CHRISTIANITY 101 – THE BASICS “Baptism”
What Christian Baptism IS Some misconceptions It is not “infant” baptism It is not “Holy Spirit” baptism It is not to “join a Church” It is not an “optional” thing to do if you feel like it
What Christian Baptism IS What Christian baptism actually IS It is a command from Jesus – John 3:1-5; Mark 15:15-16; Acts 2:38 It is immersion in water – (Greek baptizo) Acts 8:34-38 It is only for those old enough to believe and repent - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
What Christian Baptism SIGNIFIES It signifies a cleansing from sin Symbolic of washing away sins – Acts 22:16 A spiritual cleansing from all our past sins! – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
What Christian Baptism SIGNIFIES It signifies union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection A reenactment of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and victory over death – Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 2:20 A way to proclaim our faith in the gospel
What Christian Baptism SIGNIFIES It signifies death to self and resurrection to new life We die to our old sinful self through faith and repentance – Romans 6:3-7 The old self is then buried in the watery grave of baptism And we rise up to walk in newness of life
What Christian Baptism SIGNIFIES It signifies being “born again” – John 3:1-5 Nothing more pure and innocent than a new born baby! Baptism is where we start all over in life – Titus 3:3-6
What Christian Baptism DOES It SAVES us When we trust Jesus and do what He commanded, we have assurance that He has saved us! – Mark 16:15-16 It’s not the water, but our sincere faith in Jesus – 1 Peter 3:18-22
What Christian Baptism DOES It puts us IN Christ All spiritual blessings are IN Christ – Ephesians 1:3 When we’re baptized, we clothe ourselves with Christ – Galatians 3:26-27
What Christian Baptism DOES What it does NOT do It does not change a person’s heart It does not save a person who does not trust and obey Christ – John 8:24; 14:6