Some Things Baptism Will Not Do!

Text: Mark 16:15-16

Introduction:
1. Many erroneous ideas concerning baptism.  Some ridicule 
   New Testament teaching.
2. Many say “baptism is non-essential.”
3. Baptism is very important.  Yet, there are some things 
   baptism cannot do!

Discussion:
  I. Baptism will not change the heart.
     A. What is the heart?  Define:
        1. Intellect which believers (Romans 10:10), 
           reasons (Mark 2:8); and thinks (Proverbs 23:7).
        2. Emotions which desires (Romans 10:1), loves 
           (Matthew 22:37), and trusts (Proverbs 4:7).
        3. Will which intends (Hebrews 4:12), purposes (2 
           Corinthians 9:7), and obeys (Romans 6:17-18).
        4. Conscience which condemns or condemns not (1 
           John 3:20-21).

 II. Baptism will not remove temptations.
     A. Many seem to think it will.
     B. No sin in temptation, but yielding is sin. Hebrews 
        4:15; Matthew 3:13-4:1; James 1:13-14; 1:12
     C. Some who yielded.
        A. Simon – Acts 8
        B. Ananias – Acts 5
     D. God provides a way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:12

III. Baptism will not assure one of a life of sinless 
     perfection.
     A. Many expect such to be perfect.
     B. One still has same lusts and appetites.
     C. Even Holy Spirit baptism didn’t guarantee sinless 
        perfection.
        1. Peter Galatians 2:11-14
        2. 1 John 1:8-10
     D. 1 John 2:1; 1 Corinthians 10:12; James 5:16

 IV. Baptism will not guarantee Eternal life.
     A. We are sometimes falsely charged in this.
     B. We teach that children of God can apostatize and be 
        lost.
     C. Methodists teach salvation by faith only. Baptists 
        teach it is wholly of grace.
     D. We must continue “to obey”.  Hebrews 5:9; 
        Philippians 2:12; Colossians 3:1-2; Acts 2:42; 2 
        Peter 1:5; Revelations 2:10; 22:14
     E. Some act as though they do believe that “baptism 
        guarantees eternal life.”
        1. Fail to assemble – pray – sing – give – teach – 
           break bread.
        2. Fail to live soberly and righteously. Titus 
           2:11-12

  V. Some things Baptism does.
     A. Puts us into the kingdom, the body, the church. 
        John 3:5; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 
        Colossians 1:18.
     B. Puts us into Christ. Galatians 3:26-27
     C. Is “for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38; 22:16
     D. Saves us. 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16
     E. Of course, baptism must be preceded by faith, 
        repentance, and confession.

Conclusion:
1. Have you been scripturally baptized?
2. If you are lost, we invite you to come!