Baptism

This is copied from the February 11, 1973 edition of The Gospel Teacher, which was published by the Cemetery Road Church of Christ in Hilliard, Ohio. Grant B. Caldwell was the editor as well as the author.

One of the most controversial of Bible subjects is that of baptism. Yet, it really need not be if we but follow the teaching of the Bible on the subject. Our purpose is simply to find what the Bible teaches without partiality and without human opinion. Let us notice a few Bible facts about baptism.

1. Baptism is a vital part of the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) "And Jesus came and spoke unto them saying, 'All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.' Amen."

2. Baptism is the only act in the word of God to be performed in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

3. Jesus taught that baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation. (Mark 16:16) "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

In spite of these plain statements from the pages of inspiration, many refuse to accept the idea that a man must be baptized in order to be saved. They teach that all one has to do is believe or have faith and he will be saved. However, Jesus said, "Not everyone that says to me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom, but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Thus, it takes obedience to all Christ's commands in order to save the sinner. It is not a question of whether or not we are saved by faith but if we are saved by faith minus the other commands of Christ.

To understand the principles of baptism fully, let us answer three questions concerning baptism. Surely each of these can and should be understood in keeping with the teaching of the New Testament.

What Does Baptism Do?

Saves......................................................Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21

Remits sins..............................................Acts 2:38

Washes away sins...................................Acts 22:16

Puts us into Christ...................................Romans 6:3

Gives us newness of life...........................Romans 6:4

Makes us free from sin............................Romans 6:16-17

Puts us into His body..............................1 Corinthians 12:13

We put on Christ....................................Galatians 3:27

Cleanses.................................................Ephesians 5:26

Who Is To Be Baptized?

Those taught...........................................Matthew 28:19

Those who believe..................................Mark 16:16

Those who repent...................................Acts 2:38

Not babies.............................................Matthew 19:3

Men and women.....................................Acts 8:12

What Does Baptism Require?

Water.....................................................Acts 10:47

Much water............................................John 3:23

Going to water........................................Acts 8:36

Going down into water............................Acts 8:38

Coming up out of water...........................Acts 8:39

A burial...................................................Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12

A resurrection.........................................Romans 6:5, Colossians 2:12

A planting................................................Romans 6:5

An immersion..........................................Greek word for baptizo

It is a dangerous doctrine that teaches a man can be saved by doing only part of that which God requires. There is no plainer doctrine in all the Bible than that of baptism for the remission of sins.