Baptism: Union with Christ and Assurance of Faith

 

Summary

In our journey through the means of grace available within the church, we have arrived at the sacraments, specifically focusing on baptism and the Lord's Supper. These two ordinances, commanded by the Lord, serve as signs and seals of our faith. Baptism, in particular, is a subject of much debate and discussion within the Christian community. It is crucial to approach this topic with humility and a spirit of unity, recognizing that equally devout and learned individuals hold differing views.

Baptism is primarily a sign of union with Christ, symbolizing our entry into the body of Christ. It is not merely about cleansing but about being united with Christ and His church. This union is the primary meaning of baptism, with cleansing and purification being secondary. Baptism serves as a seal of our justification and regeneration, assuring us of our forgiveness and new life in Christ. It is not a means of salvation but a confirmation of the grace we have already received.

The question of who should be baptized—infants or believers—remains contentious. While some argue for infant baptism based on historical and scriptural interpretations, others advocate for believer's baptism, emphasizing personal faith and awareness. The mode of baptism, whether by sprinkling or immersion, is also debated. Historically, immersion was common, but both methods have been practiced throughout church history.

Ultimately, baptism is a divine appointment, a means by which God seals His promises to us. It is a visible sign of an inward grace, strengthening our faith and providing assurance of our salvation. As we engage in this sacrament, let us focus on the profound spiritual truths it signifies, rather than getting entangled in disputes over its administration.

Key Takeaways:

1. Baptism as Union with Christ: Baptism primarily signifies our union with Christ, symbolizing our entry into His body. It is not just about cleansing but about being united with Christ and His church, emphasizing the relational aspect of our faith. [12:48]

2. Baptism as a Seal of Justification and Regeneration: Baptism serves as a seal, assuring us of our justification and regeneration. It is not a means of salvation but a confirmation of the grace we have already received, strengthening our faith and providing assurance. [18:05]

3. The Debate on Infant vs. Believer's Baptism: The question of who should be baptized remains contentious. While some argue for infant baptism based on historical and scriptural interpretations, others advocate for believer's baptism, emphasizing personal faith and awareness. [36:54]

4. The Mode of Baptism: The mode of baptism, whether by sprinkling or immersion, is debated. Historically, immersion was common, but both methods have been practiced throughout church history. The focus should be on the spiritual truths signified by baptism rather than the method. [46:15]

5. Baptism as Divine Appointment: Baptism is a divine appointment, a means by which God seals His promises to us. It is a visible sign of an inward grace, strengthening our faith and providing assurance of our salvation. Let us focus on the profound spiritual truths it signifies. [48:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Sacraments
- [00:41] - Baptism and the Lord's Supper
- [01:00] - Function and Purpose of Sacraments
- [02:11] - Biblical Doctrine of Baptism
- [03:14] - Approach to Baptism Discussion
- [05:12] - Current State of Baptism Debate
- [06:07] - Historical Perspectives on Baptism
- [08:04] - Early Church Views on Infant Baptism
- [10:18] - Meaning of Baptism in Scripture
- [12:33] - Union and Cleansing in Baptism
- [16:01] - Purpose of Baptism
- [19:28] - Baptism as Church Membership
- [23:16] - Who Should Be Baptized?
- [37:41] - Mode of Baptism: Sprinkling vs. Immersion
- [47:34] - Conclusion: Significance of Baptism

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19 - "Go ye therefore and teach All Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
2. Romans 6:3-6 - "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"
3. 1 Peter 3:21 - "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God)."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two primary sacraments discussed in the sermon, and what is their significance? [00:41]
2. How does the sermon describe the primary meaning of baptism, and what secondary meaning is also mentioned? [12:48]
3. What are the two main positions in the debate over who should be baptized, as discussed in the sermon? [23:33]
4. According to the sermon, what are the historical practices regarding the mode of baptism? [38:15]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of baptism as a "seal" of justification and regeneration challenge or support traditional views of baptism? [18:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the mode of baptism (sprinkling vs. immersion) is less important than the spiritual truths it signifies? [46:15]
3. How does the sermon address the argument that baptism is not essential for salvation, and what implications does this have for the practice of baptism? [04:30]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of personal faith and awareness in the practice of baptism, particularly in the context of infant vs. believer's baptism? [36:54]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism experience. How did it serve as a sign of your union with Christ, and how does it continue to impact your faith journey today? [12:48]
2. How can you approach discussions about baptism with humility and a spirit of unity, especially when encountering differing views within your Christian community? [03:14]
3. Consider the role of baptism as a seal of justification and regeneration. How does this understanding influence your assurance of salvation and your daily walk with Christ? [18:05]
4. In what ways can you focus more on the spiritual truths signified by baptism rather than the method or mode of its administration? [46:15]
5. How can you engage in meaningful conversations with others about the significance of baptism without becoming entangled in disputes over its administration? [48:05]
6. If you have children, how do you plan to approach the topic of baptism with them, considering the debates over infant vs. believer's baptism? [36:54]
7. How can you use your understanding of baptism as a divine appointment to strengthen your faith and provide assurance in times of doubt or spiritual attack? [48:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Sign of Union with Christ
Baptism is a profound symbol of our union with Christ, marking our entry into His body, the church. It is not merely a ritual of cleansing but a declaration of our relationship with Christ and His community. This sacrament emphasizes the relational aspect of our faith, reminding us that we are not alone but part of a larger body of believers. As we participate in baptism, we are reminded of our connection to Christ and to each other, reinforcing the communal nature of our faith journey. [12:48]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: How does your understanding of being part of the body of Christ influence your daily interactions with fellow believers?


Day 2: Baptism as a Seal of Justification and Regeneration
Baptism serves as a seal, assuring us of our justification and regeneration. It is not a means of salvation but a confirmation of the grace we have already received. This sacrament strengthens our faith and provides assurance of our forgiveness and new life in Christ. As we reflect on our baptism, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's grace in our lives, encouraging us to live out our faith with confidence and hope. [18:05]

"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you live out the assurance of your justification and regeneration in your daily life?


Day 3: The Debate on Infant vs. Believer's Baptism
The question of who should be baptized—infants or believers—remains a topic of debate within the Christian community. Some advocate for infant baptism based on historical and scriptural interpretations, while others emphasize believer's baptism, highlighting personal faith and awareness. Regardless of the position one holds, it is essential to approach this topic with humility and a spirit of unity, recognizing the diversity of thought among equally devout and learned individuals. [36:54]

"For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." (Acts 2:39, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage in discussions about baptism with others in a way that promotes unity and understanding?


Day 4: The Mode of Baptism
The mode of baptism, whether by sprinkling or immersion, is another area of debate. Historically, immersion was common, but both methods have been practiced throughout church history. The focus should be on the spiritual truths signified by baptism rather than the method itself. As we consider the mode of baptism, we are reminded to prioritize the profound spiritual truths it represents over the specifics of its administration. [46:15]

"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you focus more on the spiritual significance of baptism rather than the method by which it is performed?


Day 5: Baptism as Divine Appointment
Baptism is a divine appointment, a means by which God seals His promises to us. It is a visible sign of an inward grace, strengthening our faith and providing assurance of our salvation. As we engage in this sacrament, we are called to focus on the profound spiritual truths it signifies, allowing it to deepen our faith and commitment to God. [48:05]

"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing baptism as a divine appointment influence your understanding of God's promises in your life?

Quotes


A Sacrament is first and foremost a sign; it indicates something, it points to something, it's a representation of something. But secondly, we saw that it was also, and this is much more important, a seal, something that seals blessings to us. [00:01:08]

The primary meaning of baptizing is not cleansing but Union, that you become identified with a certain medium, that you are put into a certain atmosphere. We are baptized into the body of Christ and so on. [00:13:02]

Baptism speaks to the one who is baptized and it gives him an assurance that his sins are remitted and are forgiven and that he's Justified. He is not justified because he's being baptized; he is baptized because he's Justified. [00:17:36]

It is a sign and seal of regeneration and our Union with Christ and our receiving the Holy Spirit. Now again, you notice I say it is a sign and a seal. I do not become regenerate as I am baptized; I only have a right to be baptized because I am regenerate. [00:18:25]

The purpose, the function of baptism primarily is to seal all that to the believer. So you see that it is not primarily something that you and I do; it is primarily something that is done to us. It is something that we receive and in which we are passive. [00:20:07]

The main thing and the first thing about baptism is that it is something that God has chosen to do to us. It is God giving us this seal of our regeneration, and as we are baptized, He is speaking to us and He's telling us that we are regenerate. [00:20:52]

It is meant therefore primarily to assure us and to reassure us and to strengthen our faith and to increase our faith. And I say it is very wrong just to represent it as an occasion for bearing witness and testimony and an Evangelistic medium. [00:22:25]

The mode of baptism is not the vital thing; it's the thing signified that matters, the sealing that counts. And for myself, I would be prepared to immerse a Believer or to sprinkle a Believer. [00:45:48]

Baptism is a divine appointment, a means by which God seals His promises to us. It is a visible sign of an inward grace, strengthening our faith and providing assurance of our salvation. Let us focus on the profound spiritual truths it signifies. [00:48:05]

Baptism serves as a seal, assuring us of our justification and regeneration. It is not a means of salvation but a confirmation of the grace we have already received, strengthening our faith and providing assurance. [00:18:05]

Baptism primarily signifies our union with Christ, symbolizing our entry into His body. It is not just about cleansing but about being united with Christ and His church, emphasizing the relational aspect of our faith. [00:12:48]

Ultimately, baptism is a divine appointment, a means by which God seals His promises to us. It is a visible sign of an inward grace, strengthening our faith and providing assurance of our salvation. [00:48:05]

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Transcript
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