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We in the Lord's church are often accused of putting
to much emphasis on the act of baptism, but when you consider
all the New Testament has to say about the topic, you quickly
realize the important role it plays in man's salvation. It's
amazing that so many are determined to de-hydrate the plan of
salvation when you consider that baptism is spoken of more than
one hundred times in the New Testament. Many today would rather
argue about the purpose, mode, and necessity of baptism as it
fits into their own theological beliefs instead of faithfully
submitting to what the New Testament commands and teaches through
the examples of those who were baptized. The idea that someone
could become a Christian without being baptized is a relatively
new teaching among those who claim to be Christians. Even protestant
reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin believed that baptism
was essential for salvation, even though many of the modern "churches"
that have adopted their theological beliefs no longer see the
necessity of it today. The key to understanding the purpose
and necessity of baptism is to shun the theological theories
of man, and simply study what the New Testament teaches regarding
the topic. The well-known Bible scholar, F.F. Bruce, once observed that the idea of an un-baptized Christian is not entertained in the New Testament. Baptism is an act that is absolutely essential for salvation. Let's consider what God's word teaches regarding its many different purposes. 1. Baptism is necessary to enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). The kingdom and the church are the same (Matt. 16:18-19), and baptism is the final step we take to enter them. Compare this point with point number six below. 2. Baptism is necessary to contact the blood of Christ. Jesus shed His atoning blood at His death on the cross. The apostle Paul told the Romans, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:3-4). When we were baptized, we obeyed the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Paul referred to it as obeying that "form of doctrine" (Rom. 6:17) which is the gospel of Christ. 3. Baptism is how one enters "into" Christ. In the verse above, Paul told the Romans how they were baptized "into Christ." He told the Galatians the same thing when he said, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27). Salvation (2 Tim. 2:10), Redemption (Eph. 1:7), and spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3) are all found "in Christ." 4. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved…" (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter wrote, "There is also an antitype which now saves us - baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet.3:21). You cannot be saved without being baptized. Jesus makes it clear that belief plus baptism equals salvation. 5. Baptism is for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and is the act where our sins are washed away. Baptism is the final step in the plan of salvation. After we have heard the word, developed faith, repented of sins, and confessed Jesus as the Son of God; we are baptized for the "remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Ananias told Paul "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). 6. Baptism is necessary to get into the church. 3000 Jews were baptized on Pentecost, and the Lord added those who were saved to the church (Acts 2:40-47). The church is the "Body of Christ" (Eph. 1:22-23), and we are baptized into that one body (1 Cor. 12:12-13). -Ed |