Washed In Baptism
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
3/29/2009 AM
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Text:
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Romans 6;
Lord's Day 26
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Psalters: |
400, 35, 234, 142 |
- A sign and a seal.
- The sacrament consists of an outward sign and of an inward spiritual reality.
- As water washes away physical dirt, so Jesus’ sacrifices washes away sin.
- Christ instituted water baptism to portray the washing away of sin from our souls (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16).
- The apostles used it that way: Acts 2:38; 8:36; 22:16; I Peter 3:21.
- The sacraments are more because God’s promise is joined to it.
- The Reformed churches have condemned the idea that the sacrament is merely an empty sign.
- The Reformed churches also rejected Rome’s position that the sacrament has an inherent power.
- The blessing in the sacrament and the grace given are always connected with faith.
- What is the essence or the spiritual meaning? And what is it to be washed in the blood?
- How much water is to be used in baptism?
- Real baptism is spiritual; it is a spiritual cleansing (Titus 3:5).
- Baptism assures me that I am washed of all my sins by the blood of Christ.
- By His death Jesus took away (washed) the guilt of our sins (forgiveness) and merited life and salvation for us.
- Also portrayed is incorporation into Christ and cleansing by the Spirit..
- We are buried into Christ’s death and we are risen with Him into newness of life (Rom. 6:3-5,8,11).
- First we are renewed (regeneration) and are continually cleansed in sanctification (I Peter 1:2).
- Thus the truth taught in baptism assures believers.
- Our baptism gives faith the answer of a good conscience toward God.
- Baptism assures us that we have been washed in Christ, so our conscience is free before God.
- Also our baptism gives a great power to cause us to live an antithetical life.
- And the knowledge of our baptism gives us strength to bear life’s burdens and to fulfill our calling.
- When we, through weakness, fall into sin, we must not despair of God’s mercy and covenant and forgiveness.
- Let us remind ourselves that we were baptized and remember what it signifies.