The
Bible Teaching on Baptism
In our modern
religious world there is much confusion about the subject of baptism. There
are those who say it is good to do, but not necessary. Also, there are those
who say that nothing needs to be done since were saved by Jesus grace. In the church of Christ we believe that the Bible must be our final word and authority on this
subject. We do not believe baptism earns one’s salvation into Heaven. We
believe it is simply a condition of God that must be met to please the father
(Eph. 2:8-10). Notice what the Bible teaches about this subject.
- “He who believes and is
baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned”
(Mark 16:16). It is clear from this text that Jesus believed and taught
that baptism was essential to one’s salvation.
- “Then Peter said to them,
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Notice how Peter taught that baptism was FOR
the remission of one’s sins.
- At Paul’s conversion he was
commanded to do the following. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be
baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts
22:16). He we learn that baptism, as the final culminating condition, was
done to wash away one’s sins. Also, we learn that one calls on the Lord’s
name by being baptized for the forgiveness of his sins.
- The Apostle Peter stated,
“baptism does now also save us” (1 Peter 3:21). One of the key words here
is the little word also. Not alone, but also combined with hearing God’s
Word (Heb. 11:6), believing in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), Repenting of
one’s past sins (Luke 13:3) and confessing Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:10) one
is saved. Truly, as the final condition of salvation baptism does wash
one’s sins away.
- Our Lord clearly emphasized the
importance of baptism in John 3:3-5. Jesus said, “Most assuredly I say to
you, unless one is born of water and the spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” It’s hard to miss the point that baptism is essential to get into the
kingdom in this text.
Dear friend, have you
truly obeyed the gospel as the Bible teaches. There are many who will just
teach that all you have to do to be saved is believe in Christ. That’s all.
Nothing more is required. This is not the full plan of salvation. In fact,
the Bible teaches that we are not saved “by faith only” (James 2:24). If you
would like to study further about the subject of baptism or have any questions,
please don’t hesitate to contact us at the McLish Avenue church of Christ. Also, if you would like to learn more about the subject of baptism, please log on to
our website at www.mclishchurchofchrist.com
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