For the past several weeks, we’ve been exploring the sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper—the two holy practices Jesus Himself instituted for His church. These sacraments are not empty rituals or religious checkboxes. Scripture calls them signs and seals of everything Jesus has done for us.
In this final message of the series, we are invited to rediscover baptism—not as something distant in our past, but as a present gift meant to comfort, strengthen, and shape the way we live today.
Many of us have been baptized. But how often do we actually draw comfort from it?
Rediscovering a Forgotten Gift
Have you ever rediscovered something you forgot you owned? A jacket buried in the closet. A photo from a meaningful trip. Something that once mattered deeply, now tucked away.
Baptism can feel like that.
For many Christians, baptism happened long ago—maybe as a child, maybe years back—and it quietly faded into the background. This sermon calls us to rediscover what God has already given us and to see baptism the way Scripture does: as a rich, living gift.
The Bible connects baptism to four profound realities:
1. Salvation
2. The Holy Spirit
3. The washing away of sins
4. Union with Christ
Each of these connections deepens our understanding of what baptism means and why it matters.
Baptism and Salvation
The New Testament consistently speaks of belief and baptism together. In Mark 16, Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Faith and baptism belong together as a unified response to the gospel.
Does that mean baptism saves us apart from faith? No. Scripture is clear that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. The thief on the cross was saved without being baptized.
But baptism is not meant to be optional or delayed indefinitely. In the early church, baptism was the first act of obedience—the natural next step for those who believed.
The Bible’s language is strong. The apostle Peter can say that baptism “now saves you,” not because water removes dirt, but because baptism is an appeal to God—a calling on the Lord to save us through Jesus Christ.
Baptism doesn’t replace faith. It expresses faith.
Baptism and the Holy Spirit
"Scripture also tightly connects baptism with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Hundreds of years before Jesus, the prophet Ezekiel spoke of a future time when God would sprinkle clean water on His people, give them new hearts, and place His Spirit within them. Joel echoed this promise, declaring that God would one day pour out His Spirit on all flesh—men and women, young and old, servants and leaders alike.
John the Baptist later announced that while he baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
That promise is fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descends on believers with visible, audible signs. Peter explains that this outpouring fulfills Joel’s prophecy and proclaims the proper response: “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This gift was not limited to that one moment in history. Paul later reminds believers in Titus 3 that salvation involves the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, poured out richly through Jesus Christ.
When we trust in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the sign and seal of that gift.
Baptism and the Washing Away of Sins
Another powerful biblical connection is baptism and forgiveness.
When Saul—later called Paul—encounters the risen Jesus, his life is completely disrupted. He is blinded, humbled, and confronted with the truth. After receiving healing and instruction, he is told plainly: “Why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Baptism uses the language of washing because God wants us to know something with certainty: our sins are truly forgiven.
They are not lingering.
They are not half-removed.
They are not waiting to be brought back up.
They are gone.
This is not because of water, but because of Jesus. Baptism gives us a visible reminder of an invisible reality—cleansing through Christ.
Baptism and Union with Christ
Perhaps the deepest connection is baptism and union with Christ.
In Romans 6, Paul explains that those who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into His death and resurrection. This means something staggering: everything Jesus accomplished now counts for us.
His death becomes the death of our old self.
His resurrection becomes our new destiny.
His life becomes our life.
Union with Christ means sin no longer reigns over us the same way. Sin remains, but it no longer rules. We are no longer slaves—we are sons and daughters.
This truth gives real hope for real change. Longstanding patterns of sin, addiction, bitterness, or shame are not final. New life is possible because we are united to Jesus.
Why Community Matters in the Fight for Freedom
Scripture does not call us to live this new life alone. Confession, prayer, and mutual encouragement are essential to healing and growth.
When believers confess struggles to trusted brothers and sisters, shame loses its grip. Healing begins. The gospel is spoken aloud: You are forgiven. You belong to Jesus. Keep going.
This is one reason the church emphasizes groups and shared life. God designed His family to fight sin together—not as orphans, but as beloved children.
Know the Gift You’ve Been Given
This sermon ends with a simple but profound invitation: know the gift you’ve been given.
If you’ve been baptized, remember:
- You are saved.
- Your sins are washed away.
- You are filled with the Holy Spirit.
- You are united with Jesus forever.
Nothing—natural or supernatural—can separate you from Him.
And if you haven’t been baptized, the invitation remains: Why do you wait?
