Water Baptism Is Significant Series

Water Baptism is Significant

The Life of Christ Series

By Greg Johnson

February 4, 2007

http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org

Matthew 3:13-17

Concerning the baptism of Jesus, God’s Word says (Matthew 3:13-17 NIV) "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. {14} But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" {15} Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. {16} 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. {17} And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.""

There are many exciting things that I get to do as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the most exciting things I get to do is baptize followers of Jesus in water. It’s a privilege and a high honor.

In the book of Acts, we read that the early church placed much significance in water baptism. When people would turn their lives over to Jesus, the leaders of the early church were immediately looking for a body of water deep enough to submerse them in. They didn’t wait for weeks or months. They performed this ordinance as soon as possible after salvation.

My grandfather, Andrew Johnson, was an ordained minister of the Gospel. I remember him telling of how they would go down to the creek in the middle of winter and break ice to baptize people that had just got saved. I thank God today that the West Salem Courthouse Athletic club allows us to utilize their heated pool after hours to conduct the water baptisms of Loving God Fellowship.

It is so much easier today to follow our Lord’s example in water baptism, yet many today do not emphasize the importance of water baptism. Please know that water baptism is very significant in the Christian’s life. Water Baptism is so significant that Jesus Himself was baptized in water prior to starting His earthly ministry. May we always endeavor to follow Jesus’ steps in all things.

THE TRINITY WAS PRESENT.

John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, was preaching a message of repentance. People were responding to his message and he was baptizing them in water to wash away their sin and purify them. On one such occasion, Jesus comes to be baptized. Jesus had no sins to wash away as He was sinless, but yet He came and humbled Himself to lead us into all truth.

Notice that the trinity was present at Jesus’ baptism; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The Godhead; the three in one was there emphasizing the significance.

God the Father expressed His love to His Son in a very tangible fashion. (Matthew 3:17 NIV) "And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Jesus, the Son of God, submits Himself to water baptism as our example. As the Son of God, He had no need to be baptized in water. As the Son of Man, our example, He willingly submitted Himself to John to be baptized.

The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus and empowered Him for His upcoming earthly ministry that started now and ended at the cross. (Matthew 3:16 NIV) "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."

WATER BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF SALVATION.

After the resurrection and prior to Jesus ascending to heaven He left His followers with a simple commission. Followers today refer to it as The Great Commission. It is part of the Mission Statement of Loving God Fellowship. This Great Commission is (Matthew 28:19 NIV) "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."

Water baptism is a picture of salvation. Just as at the baptism of Jesus, the trinity is involved in salvation. God the Father loved you so much that He sent His Son to die for your sins. Jesus, the Son of God, came in total obedience to the Father and gave His life for your sins on the Cross. The Holy Spirit came on the third day and brought life back to the body of Christ and Christ rose again and is alive forever more.

For the follower of Christ, they died to sin on the cross with Christ. The Holy Spirit baptized them into the body of Christ. They rose again with Christ into a new life. The old person is gone. The new person is being continually renewed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the ministry of Jesus.