WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM

Today, it seems that people think Baptism is just an outward sign for an inward change and has nothing to do with salvation. In fact, most would say that all you have to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God and say the sinner’s prayer. However, most people would agree that you must be in Christ and have your sins forgiven to be saved. How do you get into Christ? The Bible says Baptism puts us into Christ (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27) and its how we get into the 1 body (1Co 12:13; Eph 4:4), which is Christ body/church (Col 1:24). It is at this point when God adds us to the church (Acts 2:47). We want to be in that 1 body/church, because Jesus is the savior of that body. (Eph 5:23)

When are your sins forgiven? We can find the answer by examining what Ananais tells Paul in Acts 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Even though Paul believed that Jesus was Lord and had been praying and fasting for 3 days, his sins were not washed away until he was baptized. (Acts 2:38;Rom 6:6). There’s nothing magical about the water and it’s not a work of man. Instead, its your obedience of faith in the operation of God that you know that you are being united together with Christ in his death, having your sins washed away, being raised a new creature, and being added to the body/church of Christ. (Col 2:12-13; Rom 6:3-8). Have you obeyed the plan of salvation? (Rom 6:16-18; Jn 14:15) Let’s take a logical approach now. The Bible says the following things save you: the word, (Js 1:21) grace, (Eph 2:4-5) hope, (Rom 8:24) belief, (Jn 3:16) confession, (Rom 10:9-10) repentance, and baptism. (1Pe 3:21; Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16) Since all of these things save you, is it not logical that it takes all of them working together to save you? Logic would dictate that you are not saved by any of these by themselves, but that they are all necessary in order to be saved. Have you ever wondered why in the NT people were in such a hurry to be baptized when they heard the word of God if Baptism isn’t part of salvation? I hope and pray that you will be like the people at Berea and study what I have presented to you to see if it is so. (Acts 17:11) I have proclaimed this message because I love you and do not want you to be found outside the body of Christ. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, why not repent and confess him as Lord and be baptized into Christ having your sins washed away. Once you get into the body you become a servant of righteousness and we are told to be faithful unto death. (Rev 2:10) If you would like to setup a study or have more info, please email me at study@ardmoreweb.com.