TITLE:  Baptism Saves
TEXT:  Mark 16:15-16
PROPOSITION:  Baptism is important to our salvation.
QUESTION:  What?
KEY WORD:  Objections
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

1. Religious debate scheduled on Baptism – debater got sick – another filled in
2. After the 1^st speaker spoke for 45 minutes about baptism not being important or necessary for salvation – substitute read Mark 16:16
3. 1^st speaker spoke another 45 minutes – 2^nd speaker looked in his Bible – "It is still there."
4. Why do so people object to the command of baptism?

Believe that baptism denies the grace of God

1. Ephesians 2:8-9 – We are saved by grace
2. Titus 2:11 – Grace of God brings salvation
3. Grace = a gift, not deserved or earned
4. Baptism does not change or cancel the fact of God’s grace

Reject salvation by merit (works)

1. We are not saved by works (of merit) – Salvation cannot be earned
2. There is another kind of “works” – actions taken to receive the gift
3. Fill out form, drop in box – drawing – given a new car – Did you earn the car? No. Was it a gift? Yes. Did you have to do something to get the car? Yes, fill out form, drop in box
4. We are commanded to obey – Hebrews 5:8-9, Acts 5:32; Galatians 3:1
5. Baptism is NOT a work of merit by which one earns salvation.
6. Baptism is an act of obedience to receive the free gift.
7. BTW – Faith is also a “work” (John 6:29)

Salvation is by “faith alone”

1. Many passages teach faith is necessary for salvation
2. NOT by faith only – James 2:24
3. There are many things said to save us – Blood, Life of Jesus, Death, Faith, Love of God, Obedience, Grace, Hearing the gospel, Repent, Confession of our faith
4. None of these things will save us alone – the combination is required

Saved by the Blood of Jesus – Not the water of baptism

1. From the side of Jesus came blood AND water (John 19:34)
2. 1 John 5:6-8 – NOT by water only – Baptism alone will not save

Conclusion:

1. Jesus died, shed his blood, for the salvation of all men
2. His blood will not save you, until you come to that blood for cleansing
3. The Blood of Jesus is the WHAT of salvation; Baptism is the WHEN of salvation