FoundationsSample

Baptism

Baptism isn’t a religious checkbox; it’s a declaration. It’s standing up in front of everyone and saying, "I belong to Jesus now."

Going under the water is a picture of dying to your old life. Coming up is a picture of resurrection, new life, new identity and a new family. Paul says in Romans 6 that we were buried with Christ and raised with Him. Jesus commanded every believer to be baptised. Not to earn anything, but to publicly step into what’s already true: you are a child of God and a member of His family.

Matthew 28:18–20

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Acts 2:38–41

Peter replied, "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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words, he warned them, and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Romans 6:3–4

Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Galatians 3:26–27

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

RESPOND

Read: Matthew 28:18–20 | Acts 2:38–41 | Romans 6:3–4 | Galatians 3:26–27

1. What do you notice across these passages about what baptism means?
2. What does it tell you about God that He invites us into something this public and this personal?
3. Romans 6 describes baptism as dying and rising with Jesus. What do you think needs to "die" in your old life?
4. Why do you think Jesus commands baptism rather than just leaving it as optional?
5. Have you been baptised? If not, what's stopping you?