Memorize

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19)

A sacrament is a holy ceremony that Christ began while He was here on earth. Although there were many ceremonies in the Old Testament, there are only two sacraments in the New Testament. These are BAPTISM and the LORD’S SUPPER (or communion). They are symbols given by God to His people.

Baptism shows what happens in the soul of a believer in Jesus Christ. The element used is water, which pictures being cleaned or made pure from sin by the blood of Jesus, and being united to Him by faith.

In the Old Testament, God showed the Israelites His ways through different symbols. Circumcision of baby boys showed God’s promise to Abraham. “He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised” (Rom. 4:11). Baptism is a sign of God’s promises and His great love. Baptism is clearly commanded in the New Testament by Christ among His last instructions to His disciples in Matthew 28:19.

In baptism, a Christian minister applies water in the name of the Trinity. God the Father promises to make us His children and forgive our sins. God the Son shed His blood to wash away our sins. God the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts to guide us in right living. All three Persons of the Trinity work together to make us ready for heaven. That is the reason the minister says, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Adults are baptized when they profess their faith in Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Savior. The Bible teaches that the children of believers are included in God’s covenant promises and are to be baptized too. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter preached, “For the promise is for you and for your children” (Acts 2:39). An example in the New Testament was Lydia, who “was baptized, and her household as well” (Acts 16:15).

Do you remember seeing someone being baptized recently? Christ did not say how much water to use, so often the water is sprinkled by hand on the person’s head.

When parents bring their children for baptism, at least one parent must be a believer. They promise to instruct the child in the Scriptures, to pray with and for the child, to set right examples, and to bring him up to love and obey God. They take on a great responsibility when they make these promises before God and the congregation.

If you were baptized as a baby, you are now a baptized member of the church. You are not a full member, one who can take communion, because when you are older, you must still express your personal belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and say you want to become a communicant member of His church.

We will learn about communion next time. Remembering the vows your parents took when you were baptized should remind you to be thankful for loving parents who believed God’s promises and brought you into His church.

—Excerpted from When We Worship God by Max and Fran Mann.

Activity Page

1. Who instituted the sacrament of baptism?

1. The disciples

2. Moses

3. Jesus

4. Paul

2. How many sacraments are we told to celebrate?

1. Two

2. Seven

3. Ten

4. Nobody Knows

3. In whose name does the minister baptize a person?

1. The Father

2. The Son

3. The Holy Spirit

4. All three

4. Who is supposed to be baptized?

1. Children of believers

2. New adult believers

3. Both 1 & 2

4. Anyone can be baptized

5. What element is used in baptism?

1. Perfume

2. Water

3. Oil

4. Honey