What is the significance of Baptism to a Believer?

Baptismal Service:

1. Why we baptize: Matt. 28:18-20

One of Matthew's main thrusts in his gospel narrative is the Kingdom of Heaven, and how Christ, as King, as inaugurated it in these last days. When resurrected, He was declared Lord of all by the Father. As Lord of all, everything belongs to Him, and He reigns sovereignly over His creation. Baptism portrays His lordship over His elect as He reigns over them in grace. Disciples show that Christ is their King by submitting to Him, being baptised into the name of the Trinity.

2. What it signifies: the new birth.

Pastor Ryan explains this concept from John 3, drawing from the OT allusions Jesus is referring to in describing God's renewing, regenerating work in the New Covenant by His Spirit.

He then ties this to the language Paul uses in Titus 3:5, and how baptism beautifully illustrates this principle.

3. What baptism promises: newness of life and holiness.

Ryan looks at Paul's argument in Romans 6, showing that those who are "under grace" have died - through Christ - to the power of sin, and have been raised - with Christ - to newness of life. Baptism reminds us that as believers, we now have the ability to please God, since we have been given the Holy Spirit. What the law and flesh could not do (Romans 7), the Son has done, and now gives His Spirit for His people to empower them to live righteous lives, not sinful ones (Romans 8).

4. The mode: immersion

5. The prerequisite: faith/repentance