THE MANY SIDES OF BAPTISM

Matthew 28:18-20

Many of our friends in the denominational world accuse the Church of Christ of over-emphasizing the importance of water baptism. But how can we over-emphasize the very point where we contact the saving blood of Christ and have our sins washed away? Let’s consider several different aspects of baptism.

1. Baptism is like a birth. (Jn. 3:3-5, 22-23)
2. Baptism is like a burial and resurrection.

1. You must first be dead in sin before being baptized.
2. You must also die to sin before being baptized. (Rom. 6:1-4)

1. Baptism is like the purification and preparation of a bride before her wedding. (Eph. 5:25-27)
2. Baptism is like the Old Testament ritual of circumcision. (Col. 2:11-13)
3. Baptism is like the purification rites of the Jews. (Heb. 10:22)
4. Baptism into Christ is the door-way into the church. (I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38, 41,47)
5. Baptism is a union with Christ. (Gal. 3:27)
6. Baptism is like the flood of Noah’s day. (1 Peter 3:20-21)

Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit? If you want to be saved, then "why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)