Baptism When God Says So

 

2Ki 5:9-13-14  (Re: Naaman’s Baptism)  Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, "My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" 

At first, Naaman was so justified in his own mind to reject the counsel of God for himself.  However, when good reason spoke, the opposite answer seemed so clear and easy.  Naaman was willing to travel afar with pomp and payment but initially unwilling to go a few more steps to receive a priceless free gift through humble faith obedience.  Why is the call to baptism often so offensive?  Perhaps we think ourselves clean already.  Perhaps we too look down with disdain on the waters of the promise land.  In time and through the Grace of God, He reveals our own deep need as well as His own great supply.  Are willing to do great things for God, but sometimes resist the simple things God asks of us?

 

First, notice the 1,2,3 simplicity of the Gospel as revealed in God’s Holy Word:

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  (19)  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  (20)  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 2:38  And Peter said to them, “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.

Hebrews 6:1-3  Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,  (2)  and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.  (3)  And this we will do if God permits.

 

There is a clear pattern laid out here and played out in the book of Acts (and the Gospels and the Epistles). 

  

In the past we have spoke more of the “Who, How, by Whom and Why” of baptism; today we will talk more of the “When”: in short, when God says and quickly. 

 

Acts 2:37-42 The post sermon fellowship was very different here compared to the response brother Stephen received in Acts 7.  Stephen’s audience was also cut to the heart but instead they closed their ears and hid their uncircumcised hearts from the sharp edge of the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 2 they were also pricked in their hearts but the response was so different; their faith filled humble response was, “Men and Brethren, what shall we do?”  The answer was clear: 1. Repent, 2. Be baptized, 3. Receive/Continue.  “And the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls.”  Baptism looks nature, anticipated and expected.

Acts 8:26-39 It would be interesting to know more of this Eunuch’s background story;  the text gives us only a brief glimpse into this Ethiopian official’s background, yet what we are told is enough. Exactly where he stood in his faith or covenant relationship at the beginning of the account is unclear, but by the end we plainly see him following Jesus in faith. Step by step, his understanding and pursuit of Almighty God were growing. God was already at work in this man’s heart, directing what he read, arranging whom he would meet, and ultimately where he was going. Though the narrative concludes in verse 39, God’s work in his life certainly did not end there. The One who began a good work in him would continue drawing him nearer to Himself.

It is easy to see how Philip could use Isaiah 53 to preach Jesus to this man. What is less obvious from the passage alone is why the eunuch specifically asked about baptism. Nevertheless, in light of both the preaching of Jesus as well as Isiaih’s clear presentation of Jesus’ humble faith obedience, it is easy to see the natural direction and progression of this man’s faith.  When Christ is lifted up from the Earth we cannot help but want to follow Him in every way.  

Acts 9:17-18  So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  (18)  And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;  On the road to Damascus, Paul was told by Jesus to “ rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 

Ananias was told to “go” and “lay his hands on” Saul.  So where did both of them get the idea of having a baptism?  Clearly, this too came from God; while the command may not be included in the recorded dialogue, each of their hearts got the memo.  They did not need probation because they both had a proclamation.  Ananias did not require Paul to attend 10 consecutive Sunday School classes prior to baptism.  They both had all that they needed, God’s instruction.  We believe the same thing here today: God will lay His will on our willing hearts.  Just as he did here with Ananias and Saul, He will make His will known to both those who need baptized as well as those that are responsible for baptizing.  Notice: neither of them were dragged down into the water. 

 

But what about the Cornelius question?  In Acts 10:47-48 we see an apparent contradiction or exception to the rule or pattern of faith, baptism and fellowship.  Yes, but even in this case, the exception to the rule really just establishes the pattern.  Peter was guarded, but how could they withhold #2 (baptism) when God had already provided #3 (His Spirit).  Once again, God made His will clear, despite man’s confusion. 

 

Acts 16:14-15  One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.  (15)  And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Again, were Lydia is starting from is not entirely clear (partial believing gentile vs a disperse Jew or Jewish proselyte), but where she ends up is as a Christian in Christ’s Church.  Her conversion is quick and her faith obedience was both prompt and lasting. 

 

Acts 16:25-34 shows that if anyone understood that time is of the essence, it was the Philippian jailer; he had to act quickly. That night, the Lord shook more than prison walls; the very heart of this man was shaken, and he found himself like putty in the hands of his Maker.  From that moment on, his life could not and would not remain the same. The command was simple: “Believe.”  Yet the result was life-changing. In an instant, he moved from hopelessness to hopeful and was transformed, as it were, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”

 

From the Jordan River to the roads of Gaza, from prison cells to riversides, God has always been drawing people to Himself.  He meets us in our confusion, pride, fear, and need but then invites us into simple, life-changing obedience.  The same grace that began the work in these believers continues today, and the same faithful God will finish what He starts in every heart that responds to Him.  Is God calling you to be scripturally baptized?  Stop waiting, simply listen, trust and follow.  If Jesus comes to you with a towel and a basin, the correct response is “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 

The Great I AM is Our Salvation

Exodus 3:7-14

Deliverance is tied to knowing God rightly, not merely knowing about Him, but knowing who He truly is and trusting what He has said and done.   

God answers Moses:  “I AM WHO I AM… Thus you shall say… ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”  God is the proof and incentive we need.  The self-existent One.  The eternal One.  The unchanging One.  The Uncaused First Cause and the ever-present Sustainer of everything is what stirs us toward freedom.    

 

Now fast forward many centuries to John 8:56-59 

Jesus stands in Jerusalem, speaking with the religious leaders. The conversation grows intense because Jesus keeps making claims about Himself that disturb them.  These comments culminate in vs 58 when Jesus says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”  He deliberately uses the name from the burning bush.  They picked up stones to kill Him, because they understand exactly what He was claiming.  Jesus is saying: “The God who spoke to Moses… that is Me.”  The Deliverer of Exodus is now standing before them in human flesh.  This is no misunderstanding; Jesus is  directly revealing His deity.  Further, He does so for humanities benefit.

In this same chapter Jesus reveals that He is not merely engaging in a theological discussion with them, but is advocating for their salvation.  He is telling them what they desperately need to hear.  John 8:24: “Unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.”  Deliverance hinges on recognizing who Jesus truly is.  He is not merely a teacher, a prophet, a good moral example… He is revealed as God in the Flesh, the Great I AM that has appeared for their deliverance. 

Many religions acknowledge basic facts about Jesus, but don’t go nearly far enough. 

Islam teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin and was a great prophet, even performing miracles, though they deny His deity and crucifixion.  

Qur’an 4:171 (Surah An-Nisa)

“The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, ‘Three.’ Cease—it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son.”

Judaism acknowledges Jesus as a historical Jewish teacher, though not the Messiah.

Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 11:4:

“But Jesus of Nazareth who aspired to be the Messiah… caused Israel to be slain by the sword, scattered and humiliated, and led the majority of the world to serve a god other than the Lord.”

Hinduism:  Mahatma Gandhi:

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”  And elsewhere:  “I cannot accept Jesus as the only son of God. God cannot be the exclusive Father and I cannot ascribe exclusive divinity to Jesus.”

Secular historians, who reject Christianity entirely, agree that Jesus lived and was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

“Hinduism often sees Jesus as one of many holy teachers or divine manifestations. Buddhism respects Him as an enlightened teacher. Islam calls Him a prophet. Judaism sees Him as a teacher but not Messiah. Even secular historians agree He lived and was crucified.  But simply believing Jesus existed does not save.  James tells us: “Even the demons believe and tremble” (James 2:19).  Demons know who He is. They recognize His authority. Yet they remain in rebellion.   Knowledge without surrender does not equal salvation.

Jesus does not leave room for multiple paths to heaven; we believe we are saved “by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  Jesus says, ‘Unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.’”  He exclusively says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes to the Father except by Me” (John 14:6).   The Apostle Paul understood this clearly and wrote by inspiration, “There is One God and there is One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5) and Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he said, “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).   

Two Gospel Tracks:  #1 “What must I do to go to hell…Nothing” (Because apart from Christ, we are already headed there). #2 How good is good enough and how bad is too bad?”  

Salvation is possible not because we are good enough but because Christ was completely good.  When Christ spoke from the Cross, “it is finished”, He spoke not only of His own work but also our work.  “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

 

So, now we too Cry out, “What must I do to be saved?”  then, like the Philipian Jailor we hear the simple and clear answer:  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved ” (Acts 16).

Ephesians 2:8-10  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  (9)  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  (10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Romans 11:6  But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Titus 3:5  He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Galatians 2:16  … know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Romans 3:10  as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:20  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:21-24  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—  (22)  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:  (23)  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  (24)  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Abraham was promised some amazing things by God, and “he believed God and it was reckoned unto his as righteousness”.   He was justified, made right, by faith.  BTW, that promise had much to do with Messiah. 

We as well have been told some things, we have been promised some things.  It is now our turn to believe, to take God at His Holy Word, and to be made right with God.  In essence we are now doing the opposite of what was long ago done in the Garden.

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 1:12-13  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,  (13)  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

When Jesus cried, “It is finished,” the debt was paid in full.  Nothing needs to be added. Nothing can be improved.  Deliverance is accomplished by the Great I AM.

Here is the beautiful connection: the God who said “I AM” in Exodus speaks again in the Gospels:

“I AM the bread of life.”
“I AM the light of the world.”
“I AM the door.”
“I AM the good shepherd.”
“I AM the resurrection and the life.”
“I AM the way, the truth, and the life.”

Their Deliverer in Exodus and in the Gospels is still our Deliverer today.

Our bondage may not be Egypt, but sin still enslaves hearts, ruins lives, burdens consciences, leaves people without hope and eventually, both actively and passively, paves the way to hell. 

Yet Jesus says: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

So, the question this morning is not whether you know about Jesus. The question is: Do you believe He is the Great I AM?  Have you trusted Him for your Salvation?  Can you see not only how insufficient you are but also how utterly altogether, completely sufficient Christ is?  Bad news, you are not good enough; good news Jesus is.      

Jesus says:  “Unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.”

 

Romans 10:8-11  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);  (9)  because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  (10)  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.  (11)  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Job    Job 19:25   “I know that my Redeemer lives.”

John the Baptist   John 1:29   “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Andrew    John 1:41   “We have found the Messiah”

Philip   John 1:45    “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth…”

Nathanael   John 1:49   “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Peter   Matthew 16:16   “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

John 6:68–69   “We have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

The Disciples in the Boat   Matthew 14:33   “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Martha   John 11:27   “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming

               into the world.”

The Man Born Blind   John 9:38   “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him.

The Samaritan villagers   John 4:42   “We know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Palm Sunday crowds   Matthew 21:9   “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The Thief on the Cross   Luke 23:42   “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Roman Centurion at the Cross   Matthew 27:54   “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Thomas   John 20:28   “My Lord and my God!”

Ethiopian Eunuch   Acts 8:37   “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Paul’s Immediate Preaching   Acts 9:20   “He is the Son of God.”

John the Beloved Revelator    Revelation 1:5–6 

“…To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

 

Time is of the Essence: Choose Christ While It Is Still Today

 

Time presses on all of us. We talk about “saving time,” “losing time,” “wasting time,” and “making time,” but the truth is that time moves forward with or without our permission. That’s why people say, “Time is of the essence.” It’s a reminder that some things cannot wait because delay can change the outcome. Time matters because it is limited, and once it passes, we cannot reclaim it.  Working clocks and calendars move one direction, forward (unless God says otherwise).  We too are moving forward, like it or not, one step at a time closer to our eternity. 

Few moments in life remind us of this more clearly than standing at a funeral.  This week I will officiate my grandmother-in-law’s funeral.  At a funeral, my goal is always to honor God 1^st and also to honor the memory of the one we have lost; thereby best helping those who are left behind.  We can and should deal honorably with the body, possessions and memory of the one who is past, but in reality, I can, at that point in time, do nothing for their soul, which has already departed into eternity.  However, there is much to be done for the souls that still operate here in our time. 

 

While time feels so limited and controlling to us, Scripture reminds us that time does not control God.

Psalm 90:1–6, 9–12

God existed before geography, before history, before clocks, calendars, or galaxies. Time, space, and matter are His creations; they are boundaries for us, but not for Him. He is not shaped by time as we are; rather, He Himself shapes time.

The psalmist paints this vivid picture:  Psalm 102: 1–4, 24–27

Creation is like clothing; God is the One who wears it, folds it, and sets it aside. Time does not age Him. He does not remember the past or anticipate the future the way we do; rather, He inhabits all of it all at once.  Past, present, and future are always before Him and subject to Him.   We exist in time; God exists outside of it. Time rules over us; however, God rules over time.

 

Our time is short; Scripture urges us to take it seriously. Some say time is our most valuable resource. In one sense, that’s true because in our flesh, time is painfully limited. Our days are brief, our strength is seasonal, and our current opportunities are not guaranteed to be there later.

That’s why the Bible presses this point: 

“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart… But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin… Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 3:12–15 (quoting Psalm 95)

The emphasis is unmistakable: Today matters. Not tomorrow. Not “someday.” Today, because today is the only day you can respond to God.

 

Now Is the Day of Salvation

~~ Examples of this week ~~

Christians throughout history have wrestled with how God deals with imperfect people when they die.  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

Scripture consistently points believers to this hope: when we leave this life, we are with Christ in the next.

“We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Philippians 1:23

“Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

The best way to prepare for our future is to yield to our king today.  The best way to prepare our friends and family for the future is to reflect the light and love of our Savior today. 

Justification – we are declared righteous in Christ at first faith
Sanctification – we are being made holy by the Spirit through continued faith
Glorification – we will be made like Him at the resurrection, completing faith

The Bible does not clearly instruct us to pray for the dead, because our eternal state is fixed after death:

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

We pray for those who are living, we pray for those who are dying, but once they are gone we commit their spirits into the hands of our Just and Merciful God. 

Jesus’ account (or parable) in Luke 16 reinforces this reality: the dead cannot return, and their condition cannot be altered by the living. If anything, the story may suggest that it is more likely that the dead would influence the living than that the living would influence the dead.

So, Scripture calls us to deal with eternity now while we still have breath, and while it is still called “today.”  We cannot change the past. We cannot control the future. But we can change today.  So, say what needs to be said…today. Do what needs to be done…today. Choose whom you will serve…today.  When God calls you, do not wait to commit your life to Christ through scriptural faith, baptism, church membership and daily obedience.  Don’t wait to say you are sorry, and do not wait to forgive.  Do not put off till tomorrow that which needs to be done today.   

 

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”  (Augustine)

 

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1–2 (quoting Isaiah 49:8)

Ephesians 5:16-17  Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the

 best use of the time, because the days are evil.  (17)  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:5  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Ecclesiastes 9:10  Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work

or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

 

Time is of the essence, not because time is in control, but because God is in control and our time is short. God is eternal, but we are not. He is timeless, but our days are numbered. He is patient, but this window of opportunity is not endless.  Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart.  Both for us and for our friends and family, today is the day of salvation.

 

Time is short, eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity. Charles Spurgeon