Article - 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 (Ephesians 2:8-10). Notice what the Bible teaches about this subject.

  1. “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. 
     
  2. “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). Here 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. 
     
  3. 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 (Hebrews 11:6), believing in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), Repenting of one’s past sins (Luke 13:3) and confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10) one is saved. Truly, as the final condition of salvation baptism does wash one’s sins away. 
     
  4. 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.

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Study GuidesJoey FerrellBaptism