Scriptural Baptism

The following was written by Grant B. Caldwell. It appeared in the July 11, 1971 edition of "The Gospel Teacher" published by the Church of Christ in Hilliard, Ohio. It's every bit as relevant now as when it was written.

There is no plainer doctrine taught in all the Bible than that of baptism for the remission of sins. And yet, there is perhaps no more controversial doctrine among religious people. The hoax has been perpetrated that it is not essential for men to be baptized in order to be saved.

The simple fact of the matter is that this is in direct conflict with the words of Jesus, spoken just before his ascension back to the Father. He said, "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)

How can anyone say that baptism has nothing to do with salvation when the Lord said that it does? He said the man who does it upon the basis of his belief in the gospel, "will be saved."

It is sometimes argued that in the latter part of the sixteenth verse, baptism is not mentioned. Only, "he who does not believe will be condemned." Thus, it is said, baptism is not essential. The context however, forever answers this argument. You will note that Christ instructed the apostles to go and preach the gospel. Then He says, "He who believes." He who believes what? Is He saying that the man who believes in Christ is the one under consideration? No, I think not. Nor one who believes in the existence of God. Both of these points of faith would be involved but are not the point of consideration.

The point is that the man believes what is preached. That is, the gospel! Surely the gospel includes faith in God and in Jesus Christ. It also contains many other things; all of which are to be believed. The man who rejects the gospel by refusing to believe any of its teaching, is a man who cannot be saved.

Thus, if a man refuses to be baptized, he has not believed the gospel and will indeed be condemned. There was no need in the latter part of the verse to repeat instruction. Lack of obedience shows to the Lord the imperfection of our faith. (James 2:22)

Argue as you will but you will destroy the force of the passage herein cited. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved." Do you believe the gospel or will you reject it?