DCLM Higher Everyday 8 November 2023 — Benefits Of Water Baptism
Topic: Benefits Of Water Baptism
Text: Acts 2:37-42
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Key Verse: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).
Message
Water baptism is an ordinance instituted by the Lord Jesus after his resurrection and shortly before his ascension. It is to be administered to converts who believe and receive the gospel. The early Church practised it diligently as Jesus commanded. From Christ’s teaching and the apostles’ doctrine, baptism is by one immersion in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
Though water baptism is not equal to salvation, it has many benefits.
- It is a mark of obedience. Jesus commanded it.
- It signifies the beginning of discipleship – outward declaration of our faith in Christ.
- It is an identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And this has spiritual blessings attached to it.
- It strengthens our faith. This ordinance helps us reflect on the work accomplished by Christ on the cross.
- It is a witness, both to the world and to the brethren. When we are baptised, we testify to the world that a new life has begun.
If you have believed, you must be baptized.
Quote: It strengthens our faith
Challenge: If you have believed, you must be baptized.
Prayer for today: Lord, I am ready to obey your word on water baptism.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
