Baptism is one of the most visible and meaningful practices in the Christian faith—and yet, for many people, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Some were baptized as infants and rarely think about it again. Others came to faith later in life but never quite got around to being baptized. Still others wonder whether baptism is necessary, symbolic, or something more.
In this sermon, we explore what Scripture teaches about baptism—why Jesus Himself was baptized, why He commands His followers to be baptized, and why the early church treated baptism as a foundational act of faith.
At its heart, baptism is about identifying with Jesus, receiving God’s promises, and responding in faith to the gospel.
Many People, One Invitation
When we talk about baptism, it’s important to recognize that people come from many different backgrounds and experiences. Some grew up in the church and were baptized as infants. Others were baptized as believers. Some are teenagers who have grown up around faith but are still wrestling with what they actually believe. Others are newer to Christianity and are asking honest questions: What is baptism? What does it do? What does it mean?
The gospel invitation is wide enough to meet all of these places. Baptism is not about pressure or performance—it is about responding to what God has already done in Jesus.
The Example of Jesus: Identifying with Sinners
One of the most important passages about baptism comes from Matthew 3, where Jesus Himself comes to John the Baptist to be baptized.
This moment is surprising. John is calling people to repentance—turning away from sin and preparing for the coming kingdom of God. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, has nothing to repent of. Even John is confused, saying that he should be baptized by Jesus, not the other way around.
But Jesus insists. He says it is fitting “to fulfill all righteousness.”
What is Jesus doing?
Jesus is identifying with sinners. He is stepping into the place of those He came to save. Just as He will later take on sin at the cross, here He stands shoulder to shoulder with repentant people, publicly aligning Himself with them.
At Jesus’ baptism, heaven opens. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove. The Father’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” We see Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together—God affirming Jesus’ identity and mission.
This moment teaches us something profound: the love the Father has for Jesus is the love He gives to those who are united to Jesus. Baptism points to that reality.
Baptism and the Love of God
For many Christians, the most powerful part of Jesus’ baptism is not the water, but the voice from heaven. The Father delights in the Son.
The gospel tells us that this same delight is extended to us in Christ. Through faith, Jesus’ righteousness becomes ours. His status becomes ours. God’s love rests on us—not because we are perfect, but because we belong to Jesus.
This truth has comforted believers throughout history. Martin Luther famously battled seasons of deep darkness and spiritual doubt. One of the ways he fought despair was by reminding himself: “I am baptized.” God had given him a visible promise of forgiveness, belonging, and grace.
Baptism is meant to comfort us—not burden us.
The Command of Jesus: Baptism and Discipleship
Baptism is not only the example of Jesus—it is also His command.
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, after His resurrection, Jesus gives what we call the Great Commission. He declares that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. Then He sends His disciples out to make disciples of all nations.
How?
By baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to obey all that He commanded.
Baptism is not optional in this passage. It is assumed. To follow Jesus is to be baptized. It is one of the first and clearest acts of obedience in the Christian life.
Importantly, Jesus promises His presence: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Baptism happens within that promise. We are never sent out alone.
The Practice of the Early Church
The early church took Jesus at His word.
In Acts 2, after Peter preaches the gospel for the first time, the people are cut to the heart. They ask a simple question: “What shall we do?”
Peter’s response is direct: “Repent and be baptized.”
Baptism was treated as an immediate response to faith. Thousands of people were baptized that very day. It was not delayed, debated, or minimized. It was understood as a first step of obedience and identification with Christ.
The New Testament church may have been confused about many things—but they were never confused about baptism.
Does Baptism Save You?
This is an important question.
Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace through faith—not by works. Baptism does not earn salvation. The thief on the cross was promised paradise without being baptized.
But baptism still matters deeply.
It matters because Jesus commands it. It matters because it publicly declares faith. It matters because it is a means by which God assures us of His promises. Baptism does not save us—but it confirms and displays the salvation God gives.
Grace does not make obedience unnecessary. Grace makes obedience joyful.
Baptism and Families
In Acts 2, Peter says that the promise is “for you and your children and for all who are far off.” Throughout church history, this verse has shaped how Christians think about families and faith.
Many believers were baptized as infants, surrounded by a community that prayed over them, promised to teach them the gospel, and entrusted them to God’s care. That is not something to dismiss—it is something to receive with gratitude.
At the same time, Scripture calls each person to personally own their faith. Baptism, whether as an infant or later in life, invites us into a lifelong response of trust and discipleship.
For parents, baptism is also an encouragement to pray boldly for their children—to trust that God is at work even when faith feels fragile or distant.
Baptism as Comfort and Encouragement
Baptism is not just a past event—it is a present encouragement.
It reminds us that:
- Our sins are forgiven
- We are united with Christ
- The Holy Spirit has been given
- God’s love rests on us
When faith feels weak, baptism stands as a visible reminder that God’s promises are stronger than our feelings.
Why Do You Wait?
Throughout the New Testament, baptism is presented with urgency—not pressure, but invitation.
When Paul becomes a Christian, he is told: “Why do you wait? Rise and be baptized.”
That invitation still stands.
If you believe in Jesus, baptism is not something to postpone indefinitely. It is a gift to receive, a step to take, and a way to publicly say: “I belong to Christ.”
