2. Romans 6:1-4 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

3. Romans 6:5-7 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

4. Romans 6:8-11 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

5. 1. Jewish Proselyte Baptism - a “Bath of Regeneration” Titus 3:4-5 - But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit...

6. 2. John the Baptist Titus 3:4-7 - “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

7. 3. Lord Jesus Matthew 3:13-15 - Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

8. 3. Lord Jesus Exodus 29:4-7 - Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breast-piece... Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred diadem to the turban. Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.

9. 4. How does this water baptism fit into God’s Plan of Salvation?

10. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

11. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

12. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 1. Pentecost: Acts 2:38,41 - “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

13. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 2. Paul: Acts 22:16 - And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

14. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 3. The Ethiopian: Acts 8:38 - And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

15. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 4. The Ephesians: Acts 19:5 - On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

16. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 5. Other Conversions where baptism is found: a. The Samaritans - Acts 8:12 I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

17. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 5. Other Conversions where baptism is found: a. The Samaritans - Acts 8:12 b. Cornelius - Acts 10:48 I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

18. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 5. Other Conversions where baptism is found: a. The Samaritans - Acts 8:12 b. Cornelius - Acts 10:48 c. Lydia - Acts 16:15 I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

19. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 5. Other Conversions where baptism is found: d. The Philippian Jailor – Acts 16:33 I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

20. A. Baptism was involved in every conversion in the Book of Acts! 5. Other Conversions where baptism is found: d. The Philippian Jailor – Acts 16:33. e. Crispus & the Corinthians - Acts 18:8. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

21. B. What About Apollos? I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

22. B. What About Apollos? Acts 18:25 - He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

23. B. What About Apollos? Acts 18:25 - He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. Was this a conversion? I. It Fits in By It’s Importance.

24. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

25. A. Christian baptism is not the same as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

26. A. Christian baptism is not the same as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1. The Samaritans. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose. What Happened First What Happened Next Baptized in Water Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

27. A. Christian baptism is not the same as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1. The Samaritans. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose. What Happened First What Happened Next Baptized in Water Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Baptized by the Holy Spirit Acts 8:14-17 - When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

28. A. Christian baptism is not the same as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 2. Cornelius. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose. What Happened First What Happened Next Baptized by the Holy Spirit Acts 10:44 - While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

29. A. Christian baptism is not the same as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 2. Cornelius. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose. What Happened First What Happened Next Baptized by the Holy Spirit Acts 10:44 - While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. Baptized in Water Acts 10:47-48 - Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

30. B. Baptism is a death to sin and a resurrection to life. Romans 6:3-4 - Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

31. C. Baptism is a putting off of the sins of the flesh. Colossians 2:11-12 - In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

32. D. Baptism is putting Christ on like a suite of clothes. Galatians 3:27 - for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

33. E. Baptism brings us into one body, regardless of race. I Corinthians 12:13 - For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

34. F. Baptism produces the final aspect of your new birth. John 3:3, 5 - Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again... Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

35. G. Baptism brings about salvation from sin. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

36. G. Baptism brings about salvation from sin. 1. As an expression of your faith. Mark 16:15-16 - Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

37. G. Baptism brings about salvation from sin. 2. As a response to God’s grace. I Peter 3:21 - this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

38. G. Baptism brings about salvation from sin. 3. As a resemblance to Israel in the Red Sea. I Corinthians 10:1-2 - For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose.

39. I. It Fits in By It’s Importance. II. It Fits in By It’s Purpose. III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

40. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

41. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role. What?When? Made possible the forgiveness of your sins? The blood of Jesus! Matthew 26:28 - This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

42. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role. What?When? Made possible the forgiveness of your sins? The blood of Jesus! Matthew 26:28 - This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. At your baptism! Acts 2:38 - “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

43. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role. What?When? Washes away your sins? The blood of Jesus! Revelation 1:5 - To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.

44. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role. What?When? Washes away your sins? The blood of Jesus! Revelation 1:5 - To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. When does the blood of Jesus wash them away? At your baptism! Acts 22:16 - And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

45. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role. What?When? What purges your con- science from acts leading to death? The blood of Jesus! Hebrews 9:14 - How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death.

46. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! III. It Fits in By It’s Role. What?When? What purges your con- science from acts leading to death? The blood of Jesus! Hebrews 9:14 - How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death. When does the blood of Jesus do the purging? At your baptism! I Peter 3:21 - and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.

47. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! Matthew 7:21 - “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

48. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! II Thessalonians 1:8 - He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

49. A. The act of baptism doesn’t save you, the act of dying on the cross does the saving! 7. Baptism is the act of obedient faith in response to what Lord Jesus did on the cross! III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

50. B. The act of baptism is not something you do to earn heaven! It is something that is done to you! III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

51. C. The act of baptism will not keep you saved. III. It Fits in By It’s Role.

52. The gospel = the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus (I Corinthians 15:1-2) The gospel must be obeyed (II Thessalonians 1:8) Baptism = your personal death, burial & resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:11-12)

53. Base Your Faith Upon the Promises of God’s Word!