Tag Archives: baptism

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The form and spirit of religion

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“Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:13-17

How vain are the hopes that men build upon their good works, and ceremonial observances! How frightful is that delusion which teaches for the gospel a thing which is not “the gospel”, nor “another gospel”; but it is a thing that would pervert the gospel of Christ. Let me ask thee solemnly, what is thy ground of hope? Dost thou rely on baptism? O man, how foolish thou art! What can a few drops of water, put upon an infant’s forehead, do? Some lying hypocrites tell us that children are regenerated by drops of water. What kind of regeneration is that? We have seen people hanged that were regenerated in this fashion. There have been men that have lived all their lives as whoremongers, adulterers, thieves, and murderers, who have been regenerated in their baptism by that kind of regeneration. Oh, be not deceived by a regeneration so absurd, so palpable even to flesh and blood, as one of the lying wonders that have come from hell itself. But maybe thou sayest, “Sir, I rely upon my baptism, in after life.” Ah, my friends, what can washing in water do? As the Lord liveth, if thou trustest in baptism thou trustest in a thing that will fail thee at last. For what is washing in water, unless it is preceded by faith and repentance? We baptize you, not in order to wash away your sins, but because we believe they are washed away beforehand; and if we did not think you believed so, we would not admit you to a participation in that ordinance. But if you will pervert this to your own destruction, by trusting in it, take heed; you are warned this morning. For as “circumcision availeth nothing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature,” so baptism availeth nothing.

For meditation: Baptism is supposed to illustrate the gospel, not to replace it. The command to be baptised follows the new birth, repentance and faith in Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12,36-38; 9:17-18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15,31-34; 18:8).

Sermon no. 186
4 April (1858)

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Importance of Baptism

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Charles Stanley

Matthew 3:13-17

Children will frequently identify themselves with superheroes or other characters. For a time, they will adopt the mannerisms, dress, and speech patterns of their current favorite. As Christians, we are supposed to identify closely with Jesus and emulate His actions.

The Lord has commanded us to follow His example in all things, including baptism (Matt. 28:19). At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist was calling Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. The Son of God—who had no sin—asked John to baptize Him. Jesus was affiliating Himself with sinful man. When we follow His example in the waters of baptism, we are publicly confessing our faith in the Savior and identifying ourselves with Him.

By participating in baptism, we demonstrate our connection not only with Jesus but also with our brothers and sisters in the faith: We are all members of one body under the authority of the same Lord (Col. 1:18). It is important to remember that baptism is not a requirement for salvation; only faith in Jesus Christ is (Eph. 2:8-9). But in order to be obedient, we’re to be baptized after making the decision to follow Him.

Belief in Jesus is not something to be hidden away like a light under a bowl (Luke 11:33). It should be expressed in words and actions. Have you matched your confession of faith with the act of baptism?

 

 

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The form and spirit of religion

Leave a comment

CharlesSpurgeon

“Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:13-17

How vain are the hopes that men build upon their good works, and ceremonial observances! How frightful is that delusion which teaches for the gospel a thing which is not “the gospel”, nor “another gospel”; but it is a thing that would pervert the gospel of Christ. Let me ask thee solemnly, what is thy ground of hope? Dost thou rely on baptism? O man, how foolish thou art! What can a few drops of water, put upon an infant’s forehead, do? Some lying hypocrites tell us that children are regenerated by drops of water. What kind of regeneration is that? We have seen people hanged that were regenerated in this fashion. There have been men that have lived all their lives as whoremongers, adulterers, thieves, and murderers, who have been regenerated in their baptism by that kind of regeneration. Oh, be not deceived by a regeneration so absurd, so palpable even to flesh and blood, as one of the lying wonders that have come from hell itself. But maybe thou sayest, “Sir, I rely upon my baptism, in after life.” Ah, my friends, what can washing in water do? As the Lord liveth, if thou trustest in baptism thou trustest in a thing that will fail thee at last. For what is washing in water, unless it is preceded by faith and repentance? We baptize you, not in order to wash away your sins, but because we believe they are washed away beforehand; and if we did not think you believed so, we would not admit you to a participation in that ordinance. But if you will pervert this to your own destruction, by trusting in it, take heed; you are warned this morning. For as “circumcision availeth nothing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature,” so baptism availeth nothing.

For meditation: Baptism is supposed to illustrate the gospel, not to replace it. The command to be baptised follows the new birth, repentance and faith in Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12,36-38; 9:17-18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15,31-34; 18:8).

Sermon no. 186

4 April (1858)

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Importance of Baptism

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Charles Stanley

Matthew 3:13-17

When we admire someone, it is natural to try and identify with that person. We see this in children, who enjoy imitating their superheroes’ speech, mannerisms, and dress. Older people, too, like to take on characteristics of their chosen role models. And as believers, we are called to emulate the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Savior commanded us to follow His example in all things, including baptism (Matt. 28:19). At the start of His public ministry, Jesus Himself chose to be baptized. John the Baptist was calling the Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance by immersion in the Jordan River. Jesus, the One who had no sin, joined the crowd at the river and asked John to baptize Him. The Lord was affiliating Himself with a sinful man. By following His example in the waters of baptism, we are publicly confessing our faith in the Savior and identifying ourselves with Him.

By means of baptism, we proclaim our connection with Jesus and also with other believers—we are all members of one body under the authority of the same Lord. But remember, neither baptism nor any other work is required for salvation; we are saved by God’s grace strictly through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). However, God has commanded us to be baptized following our redemption, so this step is an issue of obedience.

Belief in Jesus is not supposed to be hidden away like a light placed under a basket (Luke 11:33). Instead, it should be expressed in words and actions. Have you demonstrated your faith through the act of baptism?