Baptism

  • Holy Spirit Baptism

    Ephesians 1:13–14

    The New Testament speaks of baptism often because it recognizes the Lord’s presence in this sacrament in a way not found elsewhere. If we truly understand the importance of baptism, we will find our faith and confidence strengthened every ...Read More

  • The Meaning of Baptism

    1 Corinthians 12:13

    Whenever we read the Nicene Creed we confess belief in the communion of saints. This means that we become united to every believer who has ever lived whenever we trust in Jesus. The other Christians we know are not merely ...Read More

  • The Necessity of Baptism

    Matthew 28:18–20

    Many Protestants today dismiss the importance of the new covenant’s signs and seals. But baptism is not a negotiable matter, and all Christians, in obedience to Christ, must be baptized unless they are providentially hindered from this ordinance. If ...Read More

  • The Baptism of John

    Luke 3:1–22

    Jesus was baptized by John, not because He needed to repent, but in order to obey the new command God laid upon His people through the Baptist (Matt. 3:13–17). Unlike Jesus, we are not without sin, and so ...Read More

  • Baptism and Salvation

    1 Peter 3:21–22

    Noah’s curse on his son Ham (Gen. 9:20–25) shows us that not all who were saved by identifying themselves visibly with Noah actually had true faith. Today many outwardly profess Christ and have been baptized, but because ...Read More

  • Coming Home

    Acts 8:36-40

    Philip told the Ethiopian that he could be baptized if he believed with all his heart. Belief is more than intellectual assent; our hearts must be set aflame by the things our minds grasp. As you call unbelievers to faith ...Read More

  • The Infant Baptism Question

    1 Corinthians 1:10-17

    The issue of whether adults or children should be baptized is at once significant and emotionally charged. Because it is so emotionally charged we must speak gently. Because it is so significant we must study the matter carefully and diligently ...Read More

  • Entrance by Cleansing

    Matthew 28:16-20

    Read Hebrews 9:13 and 10:22. Now find Numbers 19. Note the relationship between death and resurrection, unclean and clean, and old covenant baptism. What does this chapter teach you about your new covenant baptism? How many times do ...Read More

  • The Purpose of Sacraments

    Hebrews 6:13-20

    Baptism and the Lord’s Supper pull into themselves all the signs and miracles of the old covenant and the early church. Perhaps one reason why so many Christians look for miracles is that we do not appreciate the hidden ...Read More

  • The Baptism of the Spirit

    Acts 11

    Orthodoxy does not deny that many people have had wonderful reviving experiences in their lives. What orthodoxy denies is that these reviving experiences are to be identified with the baptisms of the Spirit recorded in Acts. The Spirit baptizes every ...Read More