Baptism

Purpose:

After preaching about the cross, Peter calls his hearers to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). This study helps establish the link between Christ’s sacrifice and our forgiveness of sins by means of baptism.

Scriptures:

Colossians 1:13-14 - What is salvation or redemption? It’s the forgiveness of sins by the blood of Jesus.
Acts 2:36-41 - When do we receive the forgiveness of sins? Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, because it is our connection to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Those who accepted this message were baptized, thus they were saved (note the parallel in v. 47).
Romans 6:1-4 - We are baptized into Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. (Thus, Peter directed his hearers to be baptized in response to the cross – Act 2:38). We, too, will be raised to a new life through baptism. Thus, we are born again.
Romans 10:5-13 - (note the reference to Deuteronomy 30:12-13 and Joel 2:31) Like Paul, all in Rome who were baptized, were baptized to be raised to a new life. Also like Paul, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 22:16). We profess Jesus to be Lord (Thus, we are no longer Lord of our life – a statement of Repentance. See 2 Timothy 2:19 and Acts 2:21, 38) at our baptism. Are you ready to make Jesus your Lord?
Acts 22:7-16 - After encountering Jesus, repenting, praying, fasting (see Acts 9:9-11), being healed, and being called by God, Paul still remains in sin until he is baptized. He calls on the name of the Lord at his baptism. Have you made Jesus the Lord of your life? Then… “What are waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away!”

Additional Scriptures:

John 3:3-5
John 13:6-11
Titus 3:3-5
Colossians 2:11-14
Acts 8:26-40
Acts 18:24-26
Hebrews 10:22
1 Peter 3:21
Ephesians 4:4-6
Ephesians 5:26
Galatians 3:23-27
Mark 16:16