Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

2. The rite of baptism derives its significance from its association of the believer’s repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.

a. Baptism is an outward sign and confirmation of a believer’s inward confession and faith in the person of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Through faith and baptism, the believer now becomes the property of Jesus as Lord of all.

b. Paul speaks of the new relationship through faith and baptism with Christ in terms of ownership.

(1) 1 Cor. 1.12

(2) Gal. 3.27

(3) cf. 1 Cor. 3.23

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c. Baptism appears to have always followed a faith confession in the apostles’ ministry, Acts 8.12.

d. Paul makes plain that while he baptized a few in Corinth, God did not call him to baptize but to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. Baptism is not the cause but the result of saving faith in Jesus Christ.

(1) 1 Cor. 1.13-17

(2) Acts 16.14-15

3. True faith commitment ought to be accompanied by being baptized in water as a sign of one’s allegiance and identification with Christ and his people.

4. A significant effect of baptism is how it identifies the new believer with Jesus Christ in his death, burial, resurrection, and new life.