Table of Contents
Date: SUN 11:30 AM 18th May 2025
Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlin
Bible Reference: 1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Sermon Summary: “The Christian and Why Baptism Matters” by Rev. David McLaughlin
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:15–22, with the primary text being verse 21:
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Date and Context: Preached on the morning of 18 May 2025 by Rev. David McLaughlin, this sermon explores the significance of baptism within the Christian faith, addressing its controversial and divisive nature within the Reformed Christian Church.
Introduction
Rev. David McLaughlin introduced the sermon by acknowledging the contentious nature of the doctrine of baptism, noting its potential to divide the church. He referenced the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster’s Articles of Faith (Article 6A), which recognise the controversy surrounding baptism and grant members liberty to decide their stance while rejecting baptismal regeneration and the notion that baptism is necessary for salvation. The sermon, titled The Christian and Why Baptism Matters, uses 1 Peter 3:21 as a springboard to explore biblical teaching on baptism, emphasising its importance while clarifying common misconceptions.
Main Points
- The Mention of Baptism: A Principal Command to Be Obeyed
- Biblical Basis: Baptism is frequently mentioned in Scripture (23 times as “baptism,” 59 times as “baptise,” and 51 times as “baptised” in the Authorised Version), indicating its significance in the New Testament.
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20): Jesus’ command to “go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” establishes baptism as an integral part of discipleship. It is not merely about evangelism but includes making disciples, baptising them, and teaching them to observe Christ’s commands.
- New Testament Examples: Acts 2:41 (3,000 baptised on Pentecost), Acts 8:36–39 (Ethiopian eunuch), Acts 9:18 (Paul’s baptism), Acts 10:47 (Cornelius’ household), Acts 16:33 (Philippian jailer), and others demonstrate that baptism was a standard practice following conversion in the early church.
- Key Point: Baptism is a command from Christ, inseparable from the Great Commission. Neglecting it undermines obedience to Jesus’ instructions. Rev. McLaughlin quoted F.B. Meyer: “The word of God is not given to be admired for its beauty or studied for its detail. It is given to be obeyed.”
- The Mandate for Baptism: A Pattern of Genuine Faith
- Baptism and Faith: Baptism is closely tied to genuine faith in Christ, serving as an outward sign of inward belief. The New Testament pattern is consistent: belief precedes baptism (e.g., Acts 8:37, where the Ethiopian eunuch professes faith before baptism).
- Evidence of New Life: True conversion results in a transformed life, marked by a love for Christ, hatred for sin, and a desire to obey God’s commands (1 John 2:4–5). Baptism is an outward confession of this inward change, not a prerequisite for salvation or church membership.
- Misconceptions Corrected:
- Not Church Membership: Baptism is not the door to church membership; the new birth (being born again) places one in the universal church (Acts 2:47). Local church membership follows profession of faith, not baptism.
- Not Washing Away Sin: Acts 22:16 (“arise, and be baptised, and wash away thy sins”) does not mean baptism cleanses sin. Rev. McLaughlin clarified that the washing of sins occurs through calling on the Lord, not the act of baptism (1 John 1:7; 1 Peter 3:21).
- Not a Condition for Salvation: Baptismal regeneration (the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation) is rejected as heresy. John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasise faith alone as the requirement for salvation. The example of the thief on the cross, who was promised paradise without baptism, reinforces this (Luke 23:43).
- The Meaning of Baptism: Identification with Christ
- Baptism as Identification: The Greek word baptizo (to dip, immerse, or plunge) signifies identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–6; Colossians 2:12). Baptism publicly declares the believer’s union with Christ, symbolising the death of the old self and the rise to new life.
- Symbolic Significance: Baptism illustrates the believer’s dependence on Christ for salvation, forgiveness of sins, and new life. It is a public testimony to both the converted and unconverted, declaring allegiance to Christ.
- Comparison to Noah’s Ark (1 Peter 3:21): The floodwaters symbolise God’s judgement, with the ark representing Christ. Just as Noah’s family was saved through the ark, believers are saved through faith in Christ, with baptism symbolising this salvation, not effecting it.
- The Members of Baptism: Who Should Be Baptised?
- Only those who have exercised faith in Christ, repented of their sins, and exhibit new life in Christ should be baptised, aligning with the New Testament emphasis on believers’ baptism.
- The Mode of Baptism
- Historical Practice: In the early church, baptism was typically by immersion, reflecting the Greek verb baptizo (to dip, immerse, plunge). Rev. McLaughlin noted that immersion symbolises burial (going down into the water) and resurrection (coming up out of the water).
- Modern Practices: Today, baptism may involve pouring, dipping, or sprinkling. The King James translators transliterated baptizo as “baptise” rather than translating it, possibly due to the Church of England’s preference for sprinkling.
- Biblical Examples: References such as John 3:23 (John baptising in Jordan) and Acts 8:38–39 suggest immersion, as do historical accounts of proselyte baptism in Judaism (e.g., Alfred Edersheim’s description of 1st-century practices).
- Formula: Baptism is typically administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), indicating allegiance to the Trinity, though baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is also used (e.g., Acts 19:5) without negating Trinitarian belief.
- The Memory of Baptism: Obedience Brings Reward
- Obedience to Christ’s Command: Baptism is an ordinance appointed by Christ, and obeying it brings spiritual reward, as Psalm 19:11 states, “in keeping of them there is great reward.” Fulfilling Christ’s command to be baptised brings a sense of joy, satisfaction, and alignment with God’s will.
- Call to Action: Rev. McLaughlin challenged believers to reflect on whether they have been baptised, noting that obedience to this command is evidence of a genuine love for Christ and a desire to follow Him.
Key Themes and Applications
- Baptism’s Importance: Baptism is a vital act of obedience to Christ’s command in the Great Commission, integral to discipleship and a public declaration of faith.
- Clarifying Misconceptions: Baptism does not save, wash away sins, or serve as the entry to church membership. It is an outward symbol of an inward transformation through faith in Christ.
- Identification with Christ: Baptism signifies the believer’s union with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, serving as a testimony to the world.
- Liberty in Practice: While Rev. McLaughlin leaned toward believers’ baptism by immersion, he acknowledged the Free Presbyterian Church’s allowance for differing views (e.g., infant baptism among Presbyterians) and the need for unity in love despite disagreements.
- Call to Obedience: Believers are urged to take baptism seriously as an act of obedience, reflecting their commitment to Christ and His commands.
Additional Notes
- Historical Context: Rev. McLaughlin referenced a 1998 sermon by John MacArthur, who noted the declining emphasis on baptism within evangelicalism. This highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing baptism’s significance in modern Christianity.
- Future Sermons: The preacher indicated that this sermon focused on believers’ baptism but suggested a future message might explore the Presbyterian perspective on infant baptism, following the tradition of figures like Luther and Calvin.
- Free Presbyterian Stance: The church’s Articles of Faith reject baptismal regeneration and the necessity of baptism for salvation while affirming that every believer should be baptised, allowing members to decide their approach to the ordinance.
Conclusion
Rev. David McLaughlin’s sermon underscores baptism as a significant yet often misunderstood ordinance within Christianity. By grounding his message in Scripture, he clarifies that baptism is an act of obedience, a public declaration of faith, and a symbol of identification with Christ—not a means of salvation or church membership. He calls believers to reflect on their obedience to Christ’s command to be baptised, emphasizing the joy and reward that come from following God’s Word. The sermon balances theological clarity with a pastoral call to unity, acknowledging differing views within the church while upholding the centrality of faith in Christ.
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