There Is One Baptism
Ephesians 4:4
Introduction
The Apostle Paul was once a persecutor of Christians known as Saul of Tarsus. It was only during an encounter with the Risen Savior that he experienced a turnaround and began to tell everyone about Jesus. (Acts 22:6-16)
In our series on Seven Foundations of Fellowship we have been focused on Ephesians 4:4-6 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Today: There is one baptism. I have no doubt that when Paul writes that there is one baptism he reflected upon that moment when he was baptized and became a follower of Jesus.
Baptism is a subject in five of Paul’s Letters.
Romans 6:3-5 “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. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Colossians 2:12 “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Galatians 3:26-29 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
In the book of Acts Paul is involved in the baptisms of Lydia, the Philippian Jailer, disciples at Ephesus who only knew John’s baptism. Peter and even Jesus spoke about baptism as well. We’ll explore two key truths about this one baptism: it’s a moment of decision, and a moment of blessing.”
1. Baptism is a Time of Decisions
We Decide to Trust Him (John 3:16). We trust Jesus and believe in him as the Son of God. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
We Decide to Obey Him. (Romans 6:17-18). We leave service to the world to become servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:17-18 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
We Decide to Confess Him. (Romans 10:9-10 ESV “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
-While this passage emphasizes confession and belief, these are never separated from obedience in baptism in the early church.
-When we confess Jesus we intend to obey Jesus!
We Decide to be Baptized Into Him (Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”)
Gospel Enacted and Re-Enacted. Baptism is a time of decision that relates to accepting the new life that Jesus
wants to give us.
2. Baptism is a Time of Blessings
Forgiveness. (Acts 2:38 Peter replied, 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."
Forgiven in the name of Jesus
Immediately Holy Spirit to Help in new life to follow
New Beginning. (1 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 clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”)
New Life. (Romans 6:4 “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.”)
What do you think that new life looks like?
Is it marked by peace? By purpose? By freedom from shame? Baptism is the gateway into this kind of life.
New Creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”)
New Identity (Galatians 3:26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.…)
New Family. (1 Timothy 3:15 “God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”)
Conclusion
Baptism is a time of Decisions and Blessings. God has invited you into a new life … the decision is up to you.
Decisions of baptism: Trust, Obey, Confess, Be Baptized
Blessings of baptism: Forgiveness, New Beginning, New Life, New Creation, New identity, New Family.
Acts 22:16 “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
If you’ve not yet been baptized into Christ — what’s holding you back? The invitation is open, and the time is now.
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Bible Class Discussion Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, “There is one baptism” in Ephesians 4:5? How does this unify the Christians in Ephesus? What about Christians today?
2. According to Romans 6:3-5, what happens in baptism spiritually? What does it mean to be “baptized into Christ’s death”?
3. Why do you think Paul reflected on his own baptism when writing about it (Acts 22:16)? What does this tell us about the personal nature of baptism?
4. Why do you think baptism is described as a “time of decision”? What are some of the decisions a person is
making when they are baptized?
5. How has your understanding of baptism changed over time?
6. Which of the blessings of baptism mentioned in the sermon (forgiveness, new life, identity, family) stands out to you the most—and why?
7. What does “new life” in Christ look like in daily practice? How is your life different now than before you were baptized?
8. What would you say to someone who believes in Jesus but hasn’t been baptized yet? Based on Acts 22:16, what might God be saying to someone today who is hesitant about baptism?
9. What steps could someone take if they’re unsure about whether or not they’ve been baptized for the right reasons or with understanding?
