Lance expresses joy in discussing baptism, emphasizing its significance as a testimony of an inward experience of salvation. He cites scriptures from Acts, Matthew, Romans, and 2 Corinthians to support his points. He highlights that baptism should follow a personal conversion, advocating for believers' baptism rather than infant baptism, as all New Testament examples involve individuals who have accepted Christ. Lance explains that baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection, illustrating a believer's identification with Christ. He stresses that baptism is not merely a command but a living testimony of faith. Furthermore, he discusses the transformation that occurs in Christ, where believers become a new creation, leaving behind the old self. Lance notes that baptism signifies a transition from the old creation to the new, emphasizing its spiritual importance. He concludes by acknowledging the challenges and misunderstandings surrounding baptism but encourages believers to embrace it as a vital part of their faith journey, reflecting their commitment to Christ and the new life they have received.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.