| Course Outline |
|
|
We continue to look at the answers given in the Bible to the different occasions when people asked “What must I do to be saved?” We return now to the occasion in Acts 2:37,38. We saw earlier that Peter’s reply began with the need to repent. Then he continued by stressing the need for baptism in water. We can see from the lips of Jesus that baptism is not an optional extra (Mark 16:16) - so now we shall consider this important subject.
1. Read the account of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew’s gospel. As Jesus submitted to baptism, what was the response of God the Father? (Matthew 3:17)
2. Why did Jesus say he needed to be baptized? (Matthew 3:15) [He did not undergo John’s baptism of repentance because he was a sinner needing repentance. Rather, it was part of his identification with sinners, bearing their sins in himself to fulfill the need for righteousness. He was fulfilling Isaiah 53:12]
3. Read Matthew 28:16-20. Who has been given all authority in heaven and earth? (Matthew 28:18). What does this mean that our response to him should be?
4. What four commands did Jesus give, having established his authority to give such orders? (Matthew 28:19,20)
5. What promise did he give to those who obey these commands? (Matthew 28:20)
6. Read Romans 6:1-14 carefully. What is the significance of baptism? (Romans 6:3,4)
7. If baptism signifies sharing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, do you think that baptism by total immersion in water or by sprinkling with water is the more appropriate method?
8. What is the consequence of having been crucified with Christ? (Romans 6:6,7)
9. What is new about Christ’s position, having died and been raised? (Romans 6:9,10)
10. What are we to do in the same way? (Romans 6:11)
11. When people in the New Testament were drawn to put their faith in Jesus, what was their first response? Read Acts 2:37-41; 8:34-38; 9:17-19; 10:44-48; 16:13-3
Jesus’ desire was that the first disciples should make more disciples. His command was that these new disciples should be baptized. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, he assumed that they had all been baptized. Have you been obedient to Jesus’ command? Have you understood the importance and significance of baptism?
|
|
