Hebrews 6 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits
Introduction
A. There are three ordinances (sacramental observances) appointed in the New Testament for all Christians:
1. The Lord’s Supper
2. Christian baptism
3. Anointing the sick with oil
B. Matt. 28:19–20—Go and “make disciples” of all nations.19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The outward act that indicates submission to discipleship is water baptism (compare Mark 16:15–16). 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
I. Four Main Requirements For Baptism
A. Acts 2:38—You must repent, i.e., turn from your own way and submit to God. 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
B. Mark 16:16—You must believe the gospel 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
C. Matt. 28:19–20—You must be taught, i.e., commit yourself to discipleship.
D. 1 Pet. 3:20-21—You must be able to answer God with a good conscience. Peter compares baptism to Noah and his family entering the ark. In the ark (= Christ) you pass through the waters (= baptism) into a new world.
20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
II. Examples From The Book Of Acts
A. Acts 2:41—If we “gladly receive” God’s Word, we will be baptized. 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
B. Acts 8:36—Philip preached “Jesus” to the eunuch. As a result, he knew immediately that he needed to be baptized. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
C. Acts 9:18—Paul was baptized immediately after he was converted (compare Acts22:16).
D. Acts 10:47–48—Peter “commanded” the Gentiles to be baptized. This was the
outward sign that the Jewish Christians accepted these Gentiles as fellow believers.
E. Acts 16:33—Paul told the jailer that he could be saved through faith in Christ. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
Immediately after being saved, he and his household were baptized.
F. Acts 19:5—When these disciples of John the Baptist heard the message of Christ
preached by Paul, they were immediately baptized. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
III. Spiritual Significance Of Water Baptism
A. Rom. 6:3–11—Identification with Christ in death, burial and resurrection.3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
B. 1 Cor. 15:2–6—The gospel consists of three simple facts. All three are contained in baptism (compare Col. 2:12; 3:1–4).
IV. Old Testament Patterns
A. 1 Pet. 3:20–21; 1 Cor. 10:1–2, 6,11
1. Entering into the ark (= Christ) we pass through the water (= baptism) The sinful world perished in the water
2. Every Israelite delivered out of Egypt passed through a double baptism:
a. “In the cloud” = in the Holy Spirit
b. “In the sea” = in water (the Red Sea separated them from slavery of the Egyptians, as it will separate us from slavery to sin)
B. These are patterns for us. Final separation from Egypt was accomplished through the water.
Credit: Derek Prince Foundations