The fact that all but two Christian denominations practice baptism shows that churches and people in general connect “baptism” with Christianity. Through the years, men have changed the way baptism is performed and the purpose for which it is done. Of course, men are not the authority when it comes to any kind of Christian practice. The Bible is the sole authority. Let’s just look at what the Bible says about baptism.
How is baptism to be performed? Without me commenting on the following verses, what do they teach?
“Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized,” (Acts 8:36).
“Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead,” (Colossians 2:12).
What is the purpose of baptism? Without me commenting on the following verses, what do they teach?
“Why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name,” (Acts 22:16).
“Baptism now saves you,” (I Peter 3:21).
“Repent, each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” (Acts 2:38).
“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved,” (Mark 16:16).
“All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death” (Romans 6:3). “We were all baptized into one body,” (I Corinthians 12:13).
Concluding Questions
If we have been sprinkled or poured, have we then been baptized the way the Bible teaches?
If in the act of baptism, we have our sins washed away, then what is our condition if we have not been immersed?
If baptism saves us, then what is our condition if we have not been baptized?
If baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, then what is our condition if we have not been baptized?
If we are saved when we believe and are baptized, then what is our condition if we have not been baptized?
If baptism puts us into Christ, then what is our condition if we have not been baptized?
If baptism puts us into the body (church), then where are we if we have not been baptized?
Easy or Hard
Is it hard to understand what the Bible teaches about baptism? The truth is that the Bible is easy to understand what the Bible teaches about baptism. It is men who have made it hard to understand the biblical facts about baptism.
What About You and Your Baptism?
How does your baptism compare with what the Bible says about baptism? If you have not been baptized in the correct way or for the correct purpose, I exhort you to obey Christ’s instructions about this vital subject. How can we help?
Wayne Burger