Ephesians 4:5 - “One Baptism”

-Introduction

-In a couple of recent sermons, we have looked at Eph 4:1-6.

            -vs 5 - “...one baptism”

-What does Paul mean?  What is the “one baptism?”  How many baptisms had there

  been?  What happened to them?

-John’s Baptism

-Matt 3:1-6

     -water baptism - John 3:22-23

-Mark 1:4 (Luke 3:3) - repentance and remission of sins

     -So, John’s baptism served a very importance purpose within his role of preparing

       the way for the Lord.

-So, is John’s baptism the “one baptism” of Eph 4:5? - no

     -How do we know? - Acts 19

     -When Paul returned to Ephesus, he encountered some who had been baptized

  according to John’s baptism.  After Paul instructed them, they were baptized into

  Christ.

-So, the baptism of John had already been done away with.

-Baptism of Fire

-Matt 3:11-12

-First of all, what is the baptism of fire?  Allow the context to provide the answer.

     -vs 12 - “gather the wheat, burn up the chaff”, “unquenchable fire”

          -parable of the tares - same illustration - Matt 13:39-40

          -Mark 9:42-48

-So, is this the “one baptism” of Eph 4:5? - no

     -This is being used as a reference to punishment that awaits the disobedient.  Such

        a reference shows it’s severity. 

     -It is in reference to that which will begin, not when Paul was writing, but at the

       time of judgment.

-Baptism of the Holy Spirit

-Matt 3:11-12

-Luke 24:49

     -Acts 1:1-5

-Acts 2 - fulfilled

-Acts 10 - Cornelius  (Acts 11:15-16)

-Is this the “one baptism?” - No.

     -We see that this was something very specific in purpose.

     -The baptism of the Holy Spirit was not something intended for all.  It, too, was

       temporary.

     -Therefore, it was not the “one baptism” of Eph 4:5.

-Baptism Into Christ for the Forgiveness of Sins

-By process of elimination, we know that this is the “one baptism” of Eph 4:5.

-And, we see that it was continually and consistently taught.

      -Great commission - Matt 28:18-20

      -It was not temporary - “...even unto the end of the world.”

-Rom 6:3-4

-Col 2:12

-Gal 3:26-29

-immersion into water for the forgiveness of sins

      -Acts 8:35-39

      -Acts 2:38

           -avenue through which we are added to the church - Acts 2:47

-1 Pet 3:21

-Summary and Invitation

-various baptisms:  John’s baptism, baptism of fire, baptism of the Holy Spirit, baptism

  into Christ for the forgiveness of sins

-The “one baptism” of Eph 4:5 is water baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

-Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ?  If not, that’s what you need to do.

      -Believe (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess (Matt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10), Repent (Luke 13:3,5,

        Acts 17:30), Be Baptized (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel, have you remained faithful?  If not, confess your  

  shortcomings, repent of them and pray for God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).