7 Sermon Illustrations on Baptism

Jesus says to identify new believers with God through baptism. Baptism in the Bible is used to mean identification (1 Corinthians 10:1-2; Romans 6:3-4). The relationship between water baptism and spiritual baptism is similar to the relationship of a wedding to a wedding ring. The ring doesn't marry you, but it clearly identifies the wearer as one who is married. The ring identifies one who has made a total, lifelong commitment to another person. Baptism, then, identifies us with Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection into new life. This identification is not only with Christ but also in the name of the Father and Holy Spirit. This is significant because it shows that our lives are to be totally encompassed by the Triune God.

The fish was the earliest and most universal of the Christian emblems; partly as the symbol of water and the right of baptism, and also because the five Greek letters which express the word "fish" form the anagram of the name of Jesus Christ. We find the fish, as a general symbol of the Christian faith, upon the sarcophagi of the early Christians, on the tombs of the martyrs in the catacombs, and as an ornament in early Christian architecture.

In a Chinese Christian family at Amoy, a little boy, on asking his father to allow him to be baptized, was told that he was too young; that he might fall back if he made a profession when he was only a little boy. To this he made the reply, "Jesus has promised to carry the lambs in his arms. I am only a little boy; it will be easier for Jesus to carry me." This logic was too much for the father. He took him with him, and the child was ere long baptized.

A young man, by the name of Henry T., from England, was converted in Dartmouth, Mass., about 1835. Before his conversion, he was a very intemperate, profane, abandoned man. His exercises in conversion were marked and clear; and he soon made application for admission into the church. But it fared worse with him than it fared with Saul when he came to Damascus: Christians were not only afraid of him, but they thought he had better wait a month, till the next covenant meeting. They were inclined to think he would turn back to his cups. But he manifested a Christian spirit, and determined not to forsake his brethren or neglect any of the public or private duties of religion. The next covenant meeting came, and Mr. T., full of hope, presented himself for admission again. The confidence of the brethren in the genuineness of his change was decidedly increased by his conduct during the month; but owing to his former habits, some of the brethren hesitated about having him baptized, and they put him off another month. He said he felt anxious to be soon baptized, for he said he might die without receiving the ordinance; still he would patiently submit to the church's decision, and persevere in doing duty. And he did; he was a regular attendant upon public worship; on conference and prayer meetings, and in the latter took a regular and active part. Indeed he often told how much he loved his brethren—those who were so suspicious of him. Another month passed, and another application was made. His conduct had been so exemplary as to secure the confidence of the minister, and all the members of the church in his steadfastness, but that of one of the deacons. He alone objected. When Mr. T. was told he must wait one month longer, he was deeply grieved. "But," said he, "if you never receive me I shall love you still!" This he said as he went out and closed the door.

"That is too much for me," said the deacon; "call him back." He was called back, received a unanimous vote, and united with the church. By pursuing such a course, by overcoming the temptation to quit the church, he had gained the confidence of the church, and confidence in himself; and a candidate is rarely found more happy than he was, when baptized and received into the fellowship of the saints. He proved to be a happy and steadfast Christian.