Baptism is Essential

It is an absolute fact, that we all are subject to and victims of sin (cf. Romans 3:23).  As a result of such unavoidable subjection, we conclude that every human being needs an opportunity and venue to be remitted of such sins, in order to avoid the devastation of damnation.  So in light of this sad, yet hopeful reality, we ask this question:  what are the means that God has set in place, whereby sinful man can be exonerated of his iniquities and be changed into a child of God?  Friends, the answer is none other than baptism.  Now, I realize that we live in a world where man states that there is no need for baptism.  In fact, if you were to poll various individuals, concerning their take on  how we ought to be saved, you may come up with a thousand answers (i.e. – confess Jesus, obtain a prayer cloth, pray the sinners prayer, have hands laid on you, invite Jesus into your heart, etc.). 

However, the final say ought to be obtained from Jesus himself.  It was Jesus who stated in Mark 16:15-16, “(15) …Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”(KJV)  The mandate found in verse 16 lets us know that “belief alone” while it certainly is the launch pad or catalyst, it is not the independent solution (cf. James 2:19).  We therefore conclude that baptism is not only essential; it is also powerful in its work.  We learn from Peter in Acts 2:38 that baptism is the means whereby we receive “…remission of sins…” and even Paul is exhorted to be baptized in Acts 22:16 so that he might “…wash away [his] sins…”   The reason why these leading apostles were such great advocates of baptism is because they learned from Christ that baptism is the event where we are “born again” (cf. John 3:1-7).  That’s the reason why Paul beautifully tells the Christians in Galatians 3:27, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”(KJV)  Therefore, in light of these and many other reasons, we conclude that baptism is not optional: rather, it is essential in order for one to obtain salvation. 

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
Minister
Eastland Church of Christ