Baptism is an important…

By Joseph P. Anderson

By Pastor Joseph P. Anderson, Frytown Church of Christ, Frytown.

Baptism is an important doctrine of the Bible, therefore we should study it to see what it will really do for us. Paul says baptism is a burial and that it is a planting “together in the likeness of his death” (Rom 6:4,5). Jesus himself was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, and it says: “when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water” (Matt 3:16). The Ethiopian eunuch was immersed by Philip the Evangelist and Acts 8:39 says: “ when they were come up out of the water”. The “they” here means there was enough water for both of them to go down into and come up out of the water. John said that a person had to be born again or he could not be in the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). He also told Nicodemus this second birth had to be of the “water and the spirit” (John 3:5). Paul says in a recount of his own baptism: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16), notice the “wash away thy sins”, that means cleansed of sin. These few scriptures - there are many more - that show us that water is used and it is immersion not sprinkling or pouring.

Peter preached his first sermon in Acts 2 and in verse 38 he said that we receive two things when we are baptized, here is the whole scripture: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), notice the “for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. These two things are a must to be part of the Church. How do you get added to the church? Baptism adds them, read: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

The Bible does state that baptism will save us. It is a clearing of the conscience according to the Apostle Peter: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21). Note: 1. It produces a good conscience toward God, it is not the same thing as taking a bath for the cleansing of the body although the Lord knows that we need that too, but this is a purification of the conscience mind. Jesus himself states in the Gospel by Mark this way: “ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). This verse teaches us that belief is required along with baptism in order to save us. That does not negate the verse on repentance, confession and holy living.

We have learned that baptism along with repentance (Luke 13:3,5), confessing that Christ is “the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16), hearing the word of God spoken or preached is necessary also: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).

Jesus Christ himself stated this in what we call the great commission. Read what he has to say: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (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” (Matt 28:18-20). This was after He had risen from the dead.

May you consider your own salvation important to yourself. Contact me at (319)656-2698 if you have questions on this matter and I will gladly study with you on a private basis or attend our assembly in Frytown.