Jesus, Salvation & Catholicism, Part 4: “Baptism”
May 15, 2022

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Baptism is THE THING that has caused enormous amounts of confusion, division, fear, uncertainty, family pressure, emotion, and tension. But why? The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation while the Protestant Church teaches that baptism is simply an outward proclamation of one’s profession of faith in Jesus. So, who’s right? According to the writers of Scripture, Baptism is evidence of salvation, not a requirement for it.

Main Point | Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus. It’s evidence of salvation, not a requirement for it.

Scripture References | Matthew 28:19; Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38; Ephesians 2:8-9

Challenge Question | How is a person saved? By faith in Jesus alone, or by baptism, or by faith plus baptism?

Questions

  • If you have history with the Protestant Church, what have you been taught regarding Baptism? If you were part of the Catholic Church, what were you taught about Baptism?

  • If you’ve been baptized, what did you believe the role of baptism played in your salvation and life?

  • Read Matthew 28:19. Pastor Ronnie said two important things about baptism. 1) Baptism is a public declaration of a new association, and 2) baptism is a personal declaration of a new association. What is meant by the words public and personal regarding baptism and why is baptism being both personal and public important?

  • Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What saves a person? Where does baptism fit salvation according to this passage?  

  • Have you found that you have had any gray areas in your understanding about baptism? What are they and were any of them cleared up for you during this week’s message?

Next Step Challenge

Here are a few thoughts to consider this week. Have you put your faith in Jesus? If not, why not? What is stopping you? Have you been baptized after putting your faith in Jesus? If not, why not? What is stopping you? For those wondering whether or not you should be “re-baptized” Pastor Ronnie left you with three questions to consider.

  • Was it a personal decision? If not, maybe you should be.

  • Was it a public declaration of your decision to follow Jesus? If not, maybe you should be.

  • Was it done as evidence of my faith, or for my salvation? If not evidence, then maybe so.

If any of the above leads you to wanting to be baptized, please let us know by texting “baptized” to 55444.

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.