Question 21: What Is Baptism?

26 Questions (You Should be Asking)

Question 21: WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Answer: ‘Christian baptism … is a sign from God that signifies inward cleansing and remission of sins (Acts 22:16; 1 Cor 6:11; Eph 5:25–27), Spirit-wrought regeneration and new life (Titus 3:5), and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit as God's seal testifying and guaran-teeing that one will be kept safe in Christ forever (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 1:13–14). Baptism carries these meanings because first and fun-damentally it signifies union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Rom 6:3–7; Col 2:11–12); and this union with Christ is the source of every element in our salvation (1 John 5:11–12).' – J.I. Packer, Concise Theology, 212.

------------------

1. WHERE DO WE GET THE WORD?

2. THE OLD TESTAMENT BACKGROUND

3. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT STORY
--- A. Believers were baptized
--- B. Only believers were baptized

4. WHAT DOES BAPTISM SYMBOLIZE?
--- A. The washing away of sins
--- B. Union with Christ in his death and resurrection
--- C. Passing through (the waters of) judgement safely

5. WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH OUR CORE VALUES?
--- A. Truth
--- B. Humility
--- C. Delight