To Forgive Any Without Baptism (Lesson 2) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

2. To forgive any without baptism

Remarks.

1. This is lesson two, in the sermon-series entitled: "Things too impossible for God." Our scripture lesson declares: "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible," Matthew 19:26. And Paul wrote: "That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, that we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us,” Hebrews 6:18. It would appear right out that we have a conflict in this lesson. Beloved, we are not arguing, what God can or cannot do: but we are discussing, is the Supreme, Divine, and Sovereign will of God. We do not debate what God has willed or chosen to do: to save, forgive, or to impart His favor unto the believer.

2. In this lesson, we will discuss how God can't forgive any without baptism. Peter commanded on Pentecost, unto those seeking the forgiveness of sins: “To repent and be baptized...for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38-41. God has ordained that in the waters of baptism, the repentant believers shall receive the “forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Just like Naaman’s cleansing from leprosy, took place in the water, 2 Kings 5:14. In like fashion, the believer: “washes away his sins,” in the waters of baptism, Acts 22:16. We are not talking about what God can do; but, what He has ordained for the sinner to do, to receive the: “forgiveness of sins,” Acts 2:38. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our second lesson: “God can't forgive any without baptism."

BODY OF LESSON

II TO FORGIVE ANY WITHOUT BAPTISM

A. To forgive any without baptism. There are two clear passages in the New Testament, which outline God's will for Him to save anyone from their sins. We find the Lord’s will in His Great Commission, unto the apostles. Observe--

1. Matthew’s account. Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen,” Matthew 28:19-20. We find in this commission, the real purpose of our work. We will let Jesus speak for Himself. He does not need my commentary. Notice--

a. First, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”

b. Further, “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

c. Finally, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the world's end.”

d. Conclusion: In these verses, we find two sure things: the need to teach all nations and baptize them to become Disciples of Christ. Now keep in mind, this is the Lord speaking, not me, the preacher. I am only stating what Jesus has commanded. Let's look at the other example.

2. Mark’s account. Jesus said: “And he said unto them, Go ye into (all) the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,” Mark 16:15-16. Let's consider Mark's commission. Notice—

a. First, “Go you into (all) the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

b. Further, “He that believeth.”

c. Finally, “And is baptized shall be saved.

d. Conclusion: He warns, “But he that believeth not shall be damned.” Some have argued: “but he didn’t say: he that is not baptized shall be damned.” Correct! Consider—can baptism save anyone without faith? There was no need for the Master to continue: "but he that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned." It is understood that faith and baptism are required to meet His condition for salvation. The absence of either (faith or baptizing) does not fulfill His requirements, and, therefore, salvation is not possible! I wish I had some Help!

3. I asked this in a meeting. Children were in the audience. I asked the parents to let their child respond if they want too. Let’s see how talented our children are, observe--

a. I asked the children, what is: 1 + 1. A child in the audience said: 2.

b. I asked them again, faith + baptism = what? A child in the audience said: salvation. This is plain enough, a child can understand it. Why do adults have problems with it?

c. Definition: The word “and” is a coordinating conjunction. The conjunction “and” is placed between words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank. They are most commonly uses to join two independent terms, or, to connect together several items in a list of things.