Abundant Life: July 2009

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The Importance And Purpose Of Baptism

Honest and important questions are often asked about baptism. Is it necessary? What is it? Who should be baptized? The subject of baptism is extremely important. Its consequences are eternal and questions about baptism should be seriously considered. The importance can be observed in Jesus’ commission to His disciples. He commissioned them to teach people the gospel and baptize them (Matt. 28:19). The book of Acts is filled with examples of disciples obeying exactly what Jesus commanded. The Samaritans received the word of God and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus through the efforts of Philip (Acts 8:14-16). Peter proclaimed the good news on the day of Pentecost and instructed his audience to repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Philip taught the treasurer from Ethiopia about Jesus and then baptized him (Acts 8:35, 38). These men were faithful to the commission that Jesus gave to His followers. They taught people the gospel and then baptized those who believed and repented of their sins (Mark 16:16). They did not stray or alter the commission that Jesus gave them. They preached that baptism had a very specific purpose and was part of God’s plan.

Is Baptism a Work that Earns Salvation?

God wants people to be baptized. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved”(Mark 16:16). Yet God also speaks strongly against attempting to earn salvation through our works—either works done under Moses’ law or good works we do. “For by grace you have been saved…not of works, lest anyone should boast”(Eph 2:8-9). Do these two truths conflict? Is baptism a work done to earn salvation—and therefore forbidden by God? Let’s examine what the Bible teaches on the issue of works done to earn salvation—and whether baptism fits into this category.

Five Questions About Baptism “Faith Only ” Advocates Cannot

There is much opposition to baptism being essential and necessary to become a Christian today. The “faith only” or “ask Jesus into your heart in prayer” approach dominates our world. Even thought that manner of being saved is specifically repudiated in Scripture (James 2:24) people continue to cling to it. Perhaps these five questions will help someone see the truth about baptism and how it “now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). I believe these questions are absolutely unanswerable and make a powerful and airtight case for water baptism.