Introduction:
I. What is the nature of baptism?
A. Acts 7:8 – It is closely connected to the idea of covenant.
B. Romans 4:11 – It is a sign and seal of what God is doing.
It is to be the outward sign of an inner reality.
C. Genesis 17 – There are certain parallels to circumcision.
II. What is the New Testament fulfillment?
A. Colossians 2:11,12 – Here circumcision and baptism are
so closely interrelated that they are practically
interchangeable.
B. Acts 2:39, Genesis 17, I Cor. 7:14 – We see that childen
are included in the covenant and thus receive the sign
of the covenant.
III. How should baptism be performed? Some would object to
Sprinkling, claiming you must immerse. However, we can see--
A. Exodus 30:19 – The priest was not immersed, only parts of
him were symbolically cleansed although he was a sinner
throughout.
B. Exodus 12:22 – At the Passover, the people “dipped” then
sprinkled.
C. Exodus 24:6,8 – The blood of the covenant, symbolizing
Jesus’ blood, was sprinkled on the people.
Key = I Peter 3:21 – Ultimately, baptism looks to God, for God
to cleanse us on the inside, to cleanse our consciences. |
