Articles
The Truth About Baptism
I suppose there will always be a great deal of controversy when it comes to the Bible subject of baptism. It continues to be one of the most divisive religious topics. I think that is so sad and tragic since New Testament teaching on it is so clear, and how many countless souls will be lost because of the error that is taught and accepted concerning it.
Please set aside for a moment your religious upbringing, the particular denomination you are affiliated with, or even what you currently believe about baptism. Do your best to take a fresh and honest look at what the Scriptures actually teach about baptism and what it does for the sinner who has obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16).
For starters, the Bible teaches that there is only “one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). No doubt, that “one baptism” is what Christ commanded to be obeyed in the Great Commission.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Notice what Jesus taught about baptism is the exact opposite of what so many teach today. Many teach baptism does not save us. Jesus taught those who believe the gospel message and are baptized would be saved!
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter told those who asked what they needed to do to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism that is by the authority of Christ is for the forgiveness of sins!
Ananias told Saul that baptism would wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). In his epistle to the Romans, Paul wrote “that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death” (Romans 6:3). Baptism brings us into contact with the cleansing blood of Christ (Matt. 26:28; Rev. 1:5).
Only after one is baptized do they put on Christ (Gal. 3:27). Those who gladly received the word and were baptized were added to the Church by the Lord (Acts 2:41, 47). Paul wrote: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (I Cor. 12:13). That “one body” is the “one” church that was built by Christ (Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23; Matt. 16:18).
Peter plainly declared that baptism saves us (I Peter 3:21)! This is the truth about baptism according to the Scriptures. You can choose to reject it, get mad at me, believe what you want to believe on the subject, or whatever else. But that does not change the truth that will set you free (John 8:31-32). Please take the time and make the effort to search the Scriptures to find out whether these things are so (Acts 17:11).
