TEXT:

SUBJECT: Baptism

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variation of shadow of turning".

Baptism is no exception to this rule. It is a gift from God, for no mere man or church invented baptism. It is an ordinance that came from Christ Himself. "All authority is given to Me in heaven and earth, go therefore, and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".

It is also "a good and perfect gift". Because it is "perfect", it may never be discontinued or altered. And because it is "good", it must be observed with joy and thanksgiving. For baptism is not meant to convict or threaten God's people--but to "build them up in the most holy faith". To encourage the one being baptized, of course, but those who attend the ordinance as well.

How is our young candidate being encouraged by her baptism? In this way: it permits a public profession of her faith in Jesus Christ. And this is a desire of all believers: "Let the Redeemed of the LORD say so" as the Psalmist put it. Or--more to the point--"Look, there is water, what hinders me from being baptized? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God".

This ordinance, therefore should be a great encouragement to the one being baptized. But she is only one among many. Should it mean anything to you? It should. It should mean everything to you. For baptism is not an initiation into the church--as some have said. No; it is something better than that, much better. Baptism is a visible presentation of the Gospel. What preaching does for the ear, baptism does for the eye. It displays the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But in what way?

The act of baptizing presents the historical facts of the Gospel. Christ died, was buried, and rose again. When you see our young friend dip into the water, you recall that Christ fell to death, too. When you see her for a brief moment, you remember that Christ "made His grave with the wicked and with the rich". When you see her lifted out of the waters, you remember that first most blessed of all Sunday sermons: "He is not here, but is risen as He told you".

These are not "interpretations" or "opinions" or "perspectives". They are facts, concrete, historical occurences. "We have not followed cunningly devised fables, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty".

The act of baptizing presents our personal interest in the Gospel. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture". This teaches that the Lord did not die as a criminal, a martyr, or an inspiring example! He died as a substitute! He did not die and come under the wrath of God for Himself--for "He did no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth". No, He died in the place of others. What kind people are these "others"? You'd expect the model of holiness, if such a man were to die for them. But you'd be wrong. They are sinners, worthy of God's wrath, and with no way of making an atonement for their sins. "Christ died for our sins"!

Thus, in witnessing this baptism, you should recall that it is you who deserve to die and be buried and come under the judgments of heaven. You! You! But it is not you! It is Christ! Our young friend will descend into the watery grave but for a moment. Sinners might have sunk much deeper and forever! But will not, for "Christ died for our sins".

The act of baptizing presents the theological explanation for the Gospel. That Jesus died, was buried, and rose again has no independent meaning. These acts become significant only "according to the Scriptures" which explain them. And so they do with the clarity of a noon day sun. What do the Scriptures say about His death, burial, and resurrection? This:

And so, when you watch our candidate go into the baptismal waters, you remember what Christ did, for whom He did it, and what it all means: your salvation.

Thus, when rightly understood, baptism is "a good and perfect gift" which God has given us for our undying profit. I wish that He would so seal it to our understandings, for Christ sake. Amen.