“To Whom Does Water Baptism Belong?” sermon (Acts 10:34-48)
“To Whom Does Water Baptism Belong?” is a sermon preached from Acts 10:34-48 by Noah Olguin, pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in New Berlin, Wisconsin – a confessional Reformed Baptist church subscribing to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
Introduction to the Text
Let us turn together in our Bibles to Acts 10:34-48. Please hear the reading of God’s Word:
So Peter opened his mouth and said:
“Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. As for the word that He sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.And we are witnesses of all that He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree, but God raised Him on the third day and made Him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Thus far, the reading of God’s Word.
A Topical Sermon on Baptism
Today, we will focus on baptism in light of the unique occasion of witnessing four baptisms. However, this sermon is not solely for the four individuals being baptized but for everyone—whether you have already been baptized or not.
Reflecting on Baptism
As we witness these baptisms today, it is an opportunity to reflect on your own baptism. Rejoice in the grace God has shown, both to the individuals being baptized and to yourself. Reflect on what baptism meant when you received it, what it still means, and how it declares God’s work in your life.
Baptism as a Means of Grace
Baptism is a God-given ordinance for the church, serving as a means of grace. As we witness it, baptism strengthens and increases our faith. It is also an exhortation to the unbeliever, a vivid reminder that only Christ can cleanse the sinner, remove sin, and make one white as snow. Through union with Christ, baptism declares newness of life, a share in His death, and the hope of resurrection.
The Question: Who Does Baptism Belong To?
Baptism is something every believer should desire, but is it for everyone? This morning, we will consider this question under three points:
- It Belongs to Those Jesus Identified With in His Baptism
Baptism first belongs to those with whom Jesus identified when He Himself was baptized. - It Belongs to Those Who Repent and Believe
Baptism is for those who turn from sin and place their faith in Christ. - It Belongs to Those Who Understand the Ends of Baptism
Finally, baptism belongs to those who understand its purpose: the declaration of God’s promises and grace, the cleansing of sin, and the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
This morning, let us consider these truths and examine our own hearts as we rejoice in God’s grace shown in baptism.
Point 1: Baptism Belongs to Those with Whom Jesus Identified in His Baptism
When we consider Jesus’s baptism, it might not immediately seem connected to our baptism. Many Evangelicals often separate Jesus’s baptism under John the Baptist from Christian baptism, treating them as entirely distinct. However, they are deeply connected, and the two baptisms are essentially the same.
John’s Baptism and the Apostles’ Baptism: The Same Subjects
Who were the subjects of John’s baptism? They were penitent individuals. Matthew 3:6 states that John baptized in the Jordan River those from Jerusalem and Judea who confessed their sins. Similarly, Mark 1:4 describes John proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Now, consider the apostles’ baptism. Were the subjects different? No. Acts 2:38 records Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, where he exhorted the people, “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.” Thus, both John’s baptism and the apostles’ baptism shared the same subjects: those who repented.
The Manner of Performance: Immersion
John’s baptism was performed by immersion, as evidenced by his baptizing in the Jordan River and in places with abundant water. Did this change with the apostles’ baptism? No. For example, in Acts 8, Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch after they both descend into a body of water.
The Form: Baptism in the Name of the Triune God
Both baptisms were done in the name of the Triune God. John, who baptized Jesus, witnessed the Holy Spirit descending as a dove and heard the Father’s voice affirming Jesus as His Son. Thus, John was not ignorant of the Trinity.
In Acts 19, Paul clarifies that John baptized people into repentance, pointing them to Jesus. Although early baptisms were often described as being done in the name of Jesus Christ, this was shorthand for the full Trinitarian formula. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, baptisms were to be performed “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Substitutionary Purpose of Jesus’s Baptism
Matthew 3:14-15 recounts John’s hesitation to baptize Jesus, acknowledging Jesus’s sinlessness. Yet Jesus insisted, saying, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” This act was not for Jesus’s sake but for ours. Jesus identified Himself with sinners through His baptism, symbolically taking on the sign of repentance to fulfill His redemptive mission.
Jesus as the Second Adam
While Adam represented humanity in his failure, Jesus, the second Adam, came to perfectly obey God’s law and ordinances, including baptism. Jesus’s baptism was part of His obedience to redeem us. By taking upon Himself the sign of repentance, Jesus demonstrated His willingness to bear God’s wrath and judgment in place of sinners.
The Significance of Jesus’s Baptism for Us
When we undergo baptism, we identify ourselves with Jesus, just as He identified Himself with us. By entering the waters, we acknowledge Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, signifying our union with Him and with His body, the church.
Baptism Belongs Only to Believers
Baptism is reserved for those for whom Jesus came as substitute—those who repent and believe. It is an ordinance meant for believers, signifying their unity with Christ and the benefits of His redemption. Jesus’s baptism established the pattern, and our baptism reflects our identity in Him.
Baptism Belongs to Those Who Repent and Believe
This leads us to point number two: baptism belongs to those who repent and believe. Scripture is clear that baptism is for those who understand and believe the gospel. Baptism is not for those ignorant of the Gospel or of baptism. The message is clear: “Believe and be baptized.” That’s the Great Commission: “Go, make disciples, baptizing the nations.” It begins with teaching and then baptism.
Knowledge Precedes Baptism
A message must be understood before baptism. Our confession of faith, in Chapter 29, Paragraph 2, states: “The proper subjects of baptism are only those who profess repentance toward God and faith in Christ.”
Baptism is for the Repentant and Believing
Baptism is for those who acknowledge their sinfulness and their need for Jesus. For this to happen, they must first understand and be informed of certain truths.
Peter’s Preaching to Cornelius: Laying Out the Gospel
In Acts 10:34–43, Peter lays out the gospel to Cornelius and his family so they may hear and believe.
Understanding is Essential Before Baptism
In Acts 11, Peter recounts how Cornelius had a vision instructing him to send for Peter, who would deliver a message by which Cornelius and his household would believe and be saved. Knowledge and acknowledgment were necessary before they became proper subjects of baptism.
Baptism Follows Knowledge and Repentance
In Acts 10:47, Peter says, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people?” Knowledge must precede repentance and faith in Jesus. Understanding sinfulness and misery is essential, or baptism has no basis.
Mourning Over Sin and Dependence on Christ
There must be mourning over sin, sorrow for it, and acknowledgment of its evil. It must be understood that sin leads to not only physical and spiritual death but eternal death.
Baptism is Not for the Self-Righteous
Baptism does not belong to those who think themselves good or believe their deeds can earn God’s favor. Instead, it is for those who realize their total inability to do good and understand their utter corruption from birth.
Acknowledging Sin and Believing in Christ Alone
Those to whom baptism belongs are those who believe the wages of sin is death and recognize their need for Jesus.
Faith in Christ’s Work, Not Our Own
Baptism is not merely for the repentant. Many acknowledge their sin, saying, “I’ll try harder and do better,” but still trust in themselves. Baptism belongs to those who know they cannot achieve salvation through their efforts but must rely on Christ’s perfect obedience.
Looking to Christ for Salvation
Baptism is for those who look away from themselves and to Christ, trusting in His works and merits for salvation.
Faith in Christ’s Perfect Work
We are saved by works, but not our own. It is Christ’s perfect works, done on our behalf, that save us. Christ is our representative—not merely a creature, but the God-Man.
Grace Through Repentance and Faith
It is essential not only to repent but to believe that Christ was sent as a gift of God’s grace for sinners. Full forgiveness is found only in Christ, the only acceptable atoning sacrifice who satisfies God’s wrath.
Repentance and Faith: Gifts from God
Neither repentance nor faith come from human effort. Both are gifts from God, granted in His mercy, enabling us to see our sinfulness, confess it, recognize our need for a Savior, and embrace the gospel by faith.
Active and Enduring Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are not static but living, active, and enduring. These are given by the power of God.
Fruitful Repentance Evidences True Faith
John the Baptist warns the Pharisees in Matthew 3:7-8: “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Baptism is not for those who repent once or make a one-time confession. Without fruit, there is no evidence of the Holy Spirit, and such individuals remain in the flesh.
Baptism Belongs to the Spirit-Born
Baptism belongs to those born of the Spirit, who, though imperfect and weak, demonstrate faith through their lives—a life marked by ongoing confession of sin, not just a one-time act.
Daily Repentance and Faith
Jesus teaches in the Lord’s Prayer to daily confess sins: “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” The Christian life is one of daily repentance and faith.
Faith in the Son of God
Paul declares in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Conclusion: Baptism Belongs to Those Who Live by Faith
To live by faith means daily looking to Christ for pardon, comfort, peace, and hope. Baptism belongs to those who repent and believe, placing their trust in Christ alone.
Baptism Belongs to Those Who Understand Its Purpose
This leads us to our third and final point as we consider to whom baptism belongs: those who understand the ends of baptism. Jesus says to the apostles in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.”
As mentioned earlier, this means we teach, then baptize. Instruction must precede baptism. There is no point in baptizing someone who does not understand the gospel or the meaning of baptism. We teach about baptism before baptizing.
Baptism as a Sign of Fellowship with Christ
The first thing baptism signifies is our fellowship with Jesus in His death and resurrection. Baptism signifies our union with Jesus, being engrafted into Him in His death and resurrection.
- Symbol of Burial and Resurrection
Plunging into the waters signifies being united with Jesus in His death and burial. Coming out from the water symbolizes our union with Christ in His resurrection and newness of life. - Immersion as the Proper Mode of Baptism
Baptism by immersion is the only proper mode because it represents the burial of Christ. Just as Jesus was fully covered in the tomb, baptism requires full immersion to accurately symbolize burial. Paul states in Romans 6:4, “We were buried with Him by baptism into His death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life.” - Short Duration Underwater as a Symbol
Just as Jesus remained in the grave for a short time, so we stay under the water briefly. Rising from the water demonstrates that Jesus has cleansed us from all sin and unrighteousness, granting us new life through Him.
Paul says in Galatians 3:27, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ.” As John Gill explains, baptism is a public profession of Christ, both in deeds and words, declaring Him as Lord and King and exercising faith in Him as Savior.
Baptism as a Sign of the Forgiveness of Sins
Baptism also signifies the remission of sins—the cleansing of sin received by faith. It is a sign of forgiveness in Jesus, representing what has already taken place in the believer’s life.
- Symbol of Death and New Life
Being plunged under the water symbolizes the death of the old self, and rising from the water signifies the new self, cleansed from all sin and unrighteousness. - Encouragement to Trust in Forgiveness
Baptism encourages believers to trust that Jesus will continue to forgive sins. This is why we confess our sins every Lord’s Day, knowing we have an advocate who is faithful and just to forgive.
Paul recounts in Acts 22:16 how Ananias told him, “Rise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Baptism as a Commitment to Newness of Life
Baptism signifies the believer’s giving of themselves to God through Christ, committing to live and walk in newness of life. It is a representation of new life and a reminder to pursue holiness daily.
- Primarily About God’s Work
Baptism primarily represents what God has done. Today, many think of baptism as celebrating the person’s decision or first act of obedience. However, it is primarily about what God has done: uniting us to His Son, cleansing us from sin, and giving us new life. - Secondarily About the Believer’s Response
Baptism also symbolizes our response in faith and obedience. However, we wouldn’t respond without God’s work in us. Baptism demonstrates what Christ has done in the gospel and celebrates God’s work above all.
The Means of Grace for Growth in Holiness
God continues to shape believers into the image of Christ through means of grace:
- Daily Devotion
Live upon God’s Word daily and remain devoted to prayer. - Corporate Worship
Attend worship services every Lord’s Day, receiving the means of grace through the preaching of the Word.
Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life, not its end. It is God’s ordinance, graciously given to His Church, showing what He has done for those He saves.
Conclusion: Praise and Assurance in Baptism
Today’s baptisms are a testimony of God’s work and should cause us all to praise Him. They remind us of His love, grace, and the assurance of eternal life through faith in Christ.
May these baptisms encourage us to grow closer to God by faith and to live lives worthy of our calling, reflecting Christ more and more each day.
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