Scripture Reading: Titus 3:4-8
The Appeals of Baptism
Intro.
1. When a person knows he is in trouble he cries out for help. (cf. Peter, Matt 14:30)
2. Sinners learn they are “in trouble” (lost in sin) by the gospel that is preached, 1 Cor 1:21.
3. Sinners learn of grace and salvation by the gospel, Col 1:5-6.
4. The place baptism has in the sinner’s salvation shows it is an earnest appeal made to God to obtain His grace (Eph 2:8-9).
I. BAPTISM IS AN APPEAL. (Plea, petition, call)
A. It is an Appeal made by Sinners to God, Acts 2:21.
1. Call on the name of the Lord: To invoke, to cry out; to call upon for help.
2. Acts 2:36-41: Explanation given and obeyed – Saved.
B. Without making this Appeal You Will Not be Saved, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 16:30-34.
1. Acts 2:38: eis – towards, in order to remission of sins.
2. Acts 16:30-34: “Believe” – Heard…Believed…Repented…Baptized…Rejoiced, having believed in God.
II. THE APPEALS OF BAPTISM.
A. It is an Appeal of Faith, Acts 8:30-38; Mk 16:15-16.
1. “Your faith has saved you”, Lk 7:48-50 (Acts 18:8).
2. Lydia had shown herself faithful to the Lord, Acts 16:14-15.
3. Living faith, Jas 2:17.
B. An Appeal for Mercy, Titus 3:4-7.
1. A plea for forgiveness, Acts 2:37-38.
2. A plea to be saved from death, Acts 16:30-34.
3. A plea to wash away sins, Acts 22:16.
4. A plea for entrance into the kingdom, Jno 3:3-5; Acts 8:12.
C. An Appeal of a Good Conscience, 1 Pet 3:21.
-(“Inquiry…avowal of consecration to God after inquiry”, RWP; “earnest seeking, craving, an intense desire”, Thayer)
1. A new creature; purged of sin, 2 Cor 5:17.
2. Brought forth through the gospel, 1 Cor 4:15; 1 Pet 1:22-23.
D. An Appeal for New Life, Rom 6:3-4.
1. To reach His death, Rom 6:3.
2. To die to sin, Rom 6:4 (6).
3. Circumcision of Christ: Putting off of sins, Col 2:11-13.
E. An Appeal to be United with Christ, Rom 6:4-5.
1. To put on Christ, Rom 6:3; Gal 3:26-27.
2. In the name of: Authority and relationship, Matt 28:19; Acts 19:4-5.
F. An Appeal that Justifies God, Lk 7:29-30.
1. By their obedience in baptism they declared God to be just in what He required of them; they accepted the will of God, cf. 7:30; Matt 3:15.
2. These did not resist His will; cf. Rom 9:19-20.
Conclusion
1. Now it is left for you to decide whether you wish to appeal to God for His grace and the salvation that is in Jesus Christ:
a. If you believe, you may. Acts 8:36-37
b. Do not wait any longer. Acts 22:16
c. If you will receive this word, then be baptized. Acts 2:41
2. Obey Jesus in faith and be saved by God’s grace, Heb 5:9; Eph 2:8-9 (1 Pet 1:22-23).