Early in my ministry, an eighty-year old elderly woman named Hazel was persuaded by her friends to take the important step of being baptized. Her friends asked me to meet with her and work out the arrangements. But when I met with her she was full of questions and valid concerns. With her walker stationed next to her recliner, Hazel told me that her heart was severely weakened from bypass surgery and from several heart attacks. She looked into my eyes and said, "The doctor says I only have one fourth of my heart working."
She told me how she grew tired easily and that it took all her energy just to stand up and get across the room. She also had osteoporosis in her back, arthritis throughout her body, and high blood pressure. Her daughter took care of her. In addition to all these things she was afraid of water. And she was quite adamant that she did not have the flexibility to be dipped backward under water!
As I listened to Hazel talk I was undergoing a bit of a theological crisis. Newspaper headlines kept flashing through my mind. "Extra! Extra! Read All About It. Minister guilty of manslaughter in baptistry death of elderly woman." In college they just taught me to baptize, but they never prepared me for moments like these! Was it really necessary for her to be baptized at eighty years of age or not? Couldn't God just make an exception in this case because of her health? Couldn't I just assure her of God's blessing and just be done with it? Could I maybe opt for a different mode of baptism like sprinkling or pouring? If I were to try and baptize Hazel would the end result justify the risk to her life? Would I really only be baptizing her out of blind traditionalism or legalism?
When I was confronted with Hazel's baptism, I began digging into scripture. I began reading every single book and article I could find on baptism, regardless of what perspective it was written from. Catholic. Lutheran. Methodist. Faith-only. Baptist. Reformed. Presbyterian. Pentecostal. When an author built a case for or against baptism, I studied the passages they used. I even went to the library and studied the historical development of baptism from the time of Jesus into the present to learn how and why different views emerged.
Baptism?
If I were going to spend my life telling people like Hazel how to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, I wanted to make sure I told them right! I didn't want to be telling people stuff just because my parents told me it was a certain way or because of some church creed or denominational statement or because Billy Graham says or because some Pope made a decree. I didn't care what was practical or convenient or what would grow the church the fastest. I didn't care about what would make becoming a member easiest or what jived best with Christian pop culture. I didn't care about the wit and wisdom of some sacred saint.
Perhaps this morning you are someone who is wrestling with necessity of baptism. Maybe you have never been baptized and want to know if you should be. Maybe you are coming from a denominational background where you were sprinkled as an infant or a small child. Maybe you are coming from a church background where baptism wasn't practiced or even talked about and people dismissed it as "works salvation." Maybe a loved one of yours has never been baptized, perhaps passed away recently, and you aren't sure whether they will make it to heaven. Maybe you have received a different baptism than your parents. Perhaps you wonder if someone can truly be a Christian if they've not been baptized. Maybe you have been considering membership at Lakeside, but want to learn more. There are so many different angles to this subject that it's impossible to cover all the bases!
This morning I want to take you through some of my study. I want to challenge you to study this issue for yourself and take the word of God to heart on this subject. Through the centuries the words of men have muddied up the waters of baptism. Churches have issued decrees. Denominations have crafted creeds. Theologians have written books. Christian talk radio and music has flourished. There are so many conflicting messages out there on the subject that you could travel to ten different churches on Sunday and hear ten different perspectives!
The word of God speaks to the necessity of baptism.
I believe that the word of God is the key for clearing up these muddied waters and for restoring baptism to its proper place in our life and ministry. So let's begin this morning by talking about baptism straight out of God's word.
Baptism was necessary for Jesus.
First and most importantly, baptism was necessary for Jesus. One of Jesus' first orders of business as he began his ministry was being baptized. One day John the Baptist was standing in the Jordan River challenging people to ready their hearts for a relationship with Jesus through faith, repentance, and confession. Jesus came to John and insisted on being baptized. When John pressed him for a reason why, Jesus said in Matthew 3:15 (NIV), " 'Let it be so now (immediately); it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented."
This is really our first clue in the New Testament about the significance of baptism. Jesus' baptism was done to fulfill and complete the righteousness that God required of him. As Jesus was being raised up out of the water, notice the events that unfold. In Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV) we read, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' "
Afterwards Matthew 4 tells us that Jesus was led away by the Spirit and tempted by the devil. After Jesus was baptized three things happened immediately. First, he received the Holy Spirit. The Spirit descended on Jesus. The first mention of Jesus receiving the Holy Spirit came only after and not before baptism. Second, he received his Father's praise. After Jesus' baptism the Father testified, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Jesus' baptism was something that deeply pleased his heavenly father. The Father was proud. Third, the devil started working on Jesus. In Matthew 4 Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit where he was tempted by Satan.
Not far from here a church of one hundred people had nearly twenty adult baptisms in one year. God's Holy Spirit was poured out on that church. People were opening themselves up to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God was deeply pleased. But Satan got hold of a few people's hearts and used them to nearly destroy the church! Was it just a coincidence? I don't think so. Those baptisms represented an all-out frontal assault against the kingdom of Satan! They had roused the prince of darkness! Baptism triggers the work of God's Spirit in an individual's life. Baptism stirs the heart of God and brings him pleasure. Baptism provokes Satan to respond.
Jesus began his ministry by being baptized. He also concluded his ministry with baptism. Baptism forms the bookends of Jesus' ministry. He began and ended with baptism. Before he ascended into heaven Jesus commanded his followers in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV). "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' "
Is baptism necessary for us?
The command is to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The recipients are every people group and culture, all the nations. People can receive the message and be taught to obey everything else Christ commanded. The time frame is, "...surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." That Jesus commanded this baptism for all nations and cultures elevates baptism out of the realm of irrelevance and forces us to reconsider its importance in both our life and ministry. In his baptism, Jesus was setting an example for us that we would follow in his steps. In his ascension, Jesus called upon us to obediently follow in his steps by honoring baptism as part of the conversion process in all cultures and in all ages.
Those who reject baptism are really rejecting the example and command of Christ. A lot of people try to argue against baptism by trapping us in word games. They ask, "Is it absolutely necessary for a person to be baptized to go to heaven?" They are just itching to hear us say, "Yes, it is necessary" so they can deliver the whole spiel that we are saved by grace, through faith, and not by works."
But let me ask, which commands of Christ are not necessary for salvation? Which commands are optional? What are the loopholes in the will of God? I'd really like to know, wouldn't you? I've got so much else to work on. What areas can I willfully choose to not please God in? Is baptism the only area? Or are there other areas I don't have to obey God in? Do I actually have to turn away from sin? Do I have to serve God? Do I have to give my money to God? Do I have to worship? Do I have to speak truthfully? Oh, do I really have to say the sinner's prayer? Can't I just think it or feel it? Hey, aren't all these things works? Didn't you say I was saved by grace? Isn't my faith enough?
I don't know about you, but there is something I will never do, ever. I will never look you in the eye and say, "Obey every command of Jesus except..." Baptism is a Christ commanded response of your faith. And you won't ever hear this preacher say, "I'll give you a pass. It's kind of inconvenient. Other churches don't require it. Televangelists don't prescribe it, so don't worry!" If it was necessary for Jesus and significant enough to mention as final instructions to his disciples, then I am going to err on the side of God's word. And all those men who seek to muddy up the clear waters of baptism with their own opinions can opine at risk of their own peril.
God's word teaches the necessity of baptism.
Baptism as new life
In John 3 a teacher of the law named Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. He was excited about the kingdom of God. He was hungry for that relationship. He met with Jesus to learn more. Jesus told him in John 3:3 (NIV), "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." And in John 3:5-6 (NIV) Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." Jesus was telling Nicodemus, "Hey buddy, you need a spiritual rebirth. You need to be baptized and receive my Holy Spirit. You need to follow my example."
Jason (our worship pastor) told me this last week that he isn't sleeping well at night as he waits for the baby to arrive. I thought, "Just wait until after the baby comes. We'll see how he sleeps then!" There is one very clear indicator that the waiting is over and the baby is on its way. The baby is coming when the water breaks! Jesus was using a familiar truth from reality. Every life begins as a child is literally born out from the darkness of the womb, through water, into a new life.
Likewise, Jesus was teaching Nicodemus that to experience a spiritual rebirth, you must be born out from the darkness of this world through water, into a new life in the Spirit. The waters of spiritual birth are the waters of baptism. The Spirit is the Holy Spirit, who is promised to all who become children in God's kingdom. Acts 2:38 (NIV) says, "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." It's a promise!
Baptism and salvation?
Every reference to baptism in the New Testament correlates our baptism with the salvation blessings of a new life in Christ. Just absorb the meaning of the following verses as they appear on the screen. Read them at face value. Ask yourself what is happening at baptism as revealed in these verses.
Mark 16:16 (NIV)says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
1 Peter 3:21-22 (NIV)tells us, "...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. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven..."
In Acts 2:38-41 (NIV) Peter says, "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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."
Acts 22:16 (NIV) tells us, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV) Paul says, "Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Colossians 2:11-12 (NIV) tells us, "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."
Titus 3:5-6 (NIV) assures us that, "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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV) says, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Romans 6:3-4 (NIV) says, "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."
Luke 7:29-30 (NIV) admonishes, "All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John."
What happens at baptism?
At baptism, something transcendent is occurring. A new life in Christ is being birthed! God is conferring his Holy Spirit. The Father is receiving pleasure. Sins are being washed away. The forgiveness of sins is being made available. A soul is being added to the universal body of Christ, the Church. A believer is assured of a personal resurrection hope in Christ. A believer is clothed with Christ. A believer is saying "yes" to God's purpose for his life. A believer is making a pledge to live with a clear conscience before God. A believer is accepting the gospel message and staking his life on it.
In baptism, God is working powerfully on the life of the believing candidate! And just think, people today ask, "Do I have to be baptized? Do I gotta?" In Acts 8:35-38 (NIV) Philip the evangelist shares the good news of Jesus Christ with the Ethiopian eunuch. "Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him."
The Ethiopian eunuch didn't say, "Do I have to?" He said, "Stop me! I'm crazy for the water! I can't wait to invite God's Spirit into my life. Let's get wet!"
Practical considerations.
I want to wrap up with just a few more thoughts and I want to tell you about Hazel. In the New Testament the candidate for baptism was always an individual capable of expressing personal faith in Jesus Christ. The candidate was always a person capable of repenting from sin after hearing and accepting the gospel. For many of you who were sprinkled as infants, baptism was the occasion of your parent's faith. It was a moment of decision in which they dedicated you to God and promised to raise you according to his covenant of grace. In the Bible, baptism is always the occasion of personal faith, not a parent's faith. It is the occasion when you take your parents' faith and make it your own. Another person's faith, not even your parents' faith, can save you in baptism.
If you come from a Catholic background, the Catholic Church teaches that you are saved at baptism. They believe that this is not because of your faith or your parent's faith, but because of the Church's faith! But again, the Bible teaches that baptism is the occasion of personal faith. It is your personal decision to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Why not honor the faith of your parents and the faith of Christians through the ages by embracing your faith personally in baptism?
Some of you come from a background where original sin was the disease and infant baptism immediately at birth was the cure. I need to preach a sermon or two about original sin because it's an important subject. But assuming original sin is the problem. There is nothing in the New Testament that suggests taking an infant who does not know the gospel, who cannot express faith, who is not conscious of sin, and who cannot even speak, let alone understand the gospel, and baptizing that infant. The New Testament does not say that this kind of baptism will cleanse the infant forever from sin.
A vibrant faith, authentic repentance, and sincere confession is always present whenever baptism is described in the New Testament. If these didn't need to be present in baptism, we could just baptize the world and not bug them about church and Christian obedience.
Again, baptism has to be your personal decision. It is something that flows from the heart and something that is prompted by a desire to please God. It comes on the heels of your confession of faith in Jesus Christ.
I continued to meet with Hazel. She had a lot of health concerns, but she needed to be baptized and deep down, she wanted to be baptized. As we spoke, I discovered that she wasn't so much afraid of the waters of baptism as she was afraid of opening herself up to the work of God in her life. Eventually we worked things out and set up the church for a special baptism. I called the emergency squad in to observe the ceremony. I had multiple people stationed in and around the baptistry to help guide her in slowly. We even made a special chair for her in the baptistry so that she would not pull a muscle or break a bone or whatever.
Once we got situated, she went down through the water with a concerned look on her face. But when she rose up, she was all smiles and the joy of the Lord swept across her spirit. We didn't make any headlines in the local newspaper that day, but Hazel made the headlines in heaven. The angels rejoiced. The Father was pleased. The Spirit of God went with Hazel. Jesus adopted a new child into his kingdom.
This morning is your chance to make the headlines of heaven. This morning is your chance to take that step of faith, repentance, confession, and baptism and open yourself up to Jesus Christ as never before. No one is going to pressure you. It has to be your decision. But for heaven's sake, what are you waiting for?