What the New Testament Teaches Concerning Baptism

Baptism is a subject that divides many.  Religious division is sinful (I Corinthians 1:10-13).  Can we know what the Bible teaches on this subject?  John 8:32 says we can and must know the truth.  There are different things taught in the religious world concerning baptism.  The Jehovah’s Witness group in “Make Sure of All Things,” (Watchtower, 1953, p. 30), say concerning baptism, “Repentance must precede, but sins not washed away by baptism.”  That’s what they teach.  Now listen to God’s Word: “And now why tarriest thou?  arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). 

The Baptist church puts out a book called The Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches, copyright 1964.  On page 87 it says, “Baptism may not be essential to salvation, but it is essential to obedience.”  The obvious question that follows then would be: is obedience essential to salvation?  The answer is yes!  Therefore, baptism is essential for obedience and salvation.

What does the word “baptism” mean?  Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines baptism as “immersion, dip, plunge.”  Colossians 2:12 shows it is a burial.

Next, consider the following chart on the conversions in the book of Acts.

        Preach         Believe    Repent   Confess Baptism

Notice that baptism is mentioned in all of the above Bible examples of conversion.

Next, consider what Jesus and the apostles taught concerning baptism:

Romans 6:1-4 – We reach the blood through baptism.

I Peter 3:21 – Baptism saves.

Mark 16:16 – Belief plus baptism equals salvation.

Acts 2:38 – Repentance and baptism are required before salvation.

Galatians 3:27 & I Corinthians 12:13 – We are baptized into Christ.

Consider the purpose of baptism:

Mark 16:16 – “shall be saved”

Acts 2:38 – “for the remission of sins”

Acts 22:16 – “wash away thy sins”

I Peter 3:21 – “baptism doth also now save us”

We also learn from the New Testament that baptism is not for babies:

Mark 16:16 – must believe

Acts 2:38 – must repent

Acts 8:37 – must confess with the mouth Jesus

Acts 22:16 – Baptism washes away sins; babies have committed no sin

There are no examples in the book of Acts where any person was saved, then baptized.  Since baptism is for the remission of sins, it is for a lost person, not a Christian.

Are you honest enough to receive what the Bible says on this subject?  Study your Bible; obey God’s word.

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