Scripture Reading
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved... with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." — ROMANS 10:9-10 "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" — ACTS 2:38
Explanation of the Passage
Confession is the public acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord. Baptism is immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins. In the New Testament, these steps were the culmination of the conversion process.
Giving the Sense
The sense of baptism is union with Christ. It is where we are 'buried' with Him and 'raised' to a new life. It is not a work of merit, but an act of faith where God washes away our sins by the blood of Jesus.
Understanding the Truth
One must be willing to stand for Christ publicly. Baptism is the biblical point at which a believer enters into Christ and receives the promise of the remission of sins.
Supporting Scriptures
Additional passages to read and meditate on alongside this lesson.
Galatians 3:27 Acts 22:16 1 Peter 3:21
Reflection Questions
Think through these on your own, or discuss them with a fellow student or mentor.
1 Why is public confession an important part of following Jesus? 2 How does baptism represent a 'new birth'? 3 What does it mean to be 'in Christ'?
Next Step
If you have not yet been baptized for the remission of sins according to the biblical pattern, contact us today to discuss taking this vital step of obedience.