There are a number of requirements God has placed between an individual and his or her salvation. Is baptism one of them? It doesn’t hurt to take a second look at what God’s word reveals about the subject.
In issuing the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mk. 16:15-16). Did Jesus place baptism before or after salvation? Take a second look. Doesn’t it sound like baptism, along with belief, comes before salvation?
In Acts chapter two, Peter’s sermon was interrupted by those who asked: “Brethren, what shall we do?” (vs. 37). Peter answered them, saying, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (vs. 38). Did the inspired apostle place baptism before or after the forgiveness of sins? Take a second look. Doesn’t it sound like baptism, along with repentance, comes before forgiveness of sins?
Baptism is described in Romans six, where the apostle Paul says, “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (vs. 4). Does “newness of life” precede or follow baptism into the death of Christ? Take a second look and observe the progression of thought. We die with Christ. We are buried with Him. And, then, we are raised up with Him in newness of life. How could Paul have more accurately described what takes place when we are immersed into Christ.
In Galatians chapter three, Paul writes, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” When did they come into Christ? Take a second look and take note of the fact that they were baptized “into” Christ. If they were baptized “into” Christ, where were they before their baptism? They were outside of Christ. If “all” spiritual blessings are found “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3), how many spiritual blessings are found outside of Christ? There are no spiritual blessings outside of Christ. If baptism, preceded by genuine faith and repentance, brings us “into” Christ, how can we be saved without it? Therefore, baptism is essential to salvation from sin.
Take a second look at these passages. Open your heart to what God says about baptism and act accordingly.
–Glen Elliott–