LEARNING TO PLEASE GOD
LESSON SEVEN – IS BAPTISM NECESSARY?
The importance of baptism is set forth in scripture. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) Baptism is a burial in water so that one may enter into Christ and His church. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is a very important and often misunderstood Bible subject. Baptism is important because it is commanded by Christ. "He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16) Baptism is to be done by the authority of Jesus with its purpose being remissions of sins. (Acts 2:38) The blood of Jesus was shed in His death. "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." (John 19:34) Baptism is important because it brings us into contact with the death and blood of Jesus. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)
Baptism is important because it puts one into Christ. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27) The Bible teaches that baptism is necessary for our salvation. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21)
Baptism must be done for the right purpose. Unless we obey for the proper purpose our obedience is not acceptable. Baptism must be done for the purpose Christ intended. Following faith, repentance and confession one must be baptized to be saved. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16) Christ places salvation after baptism, not before. The new life begins after baptism. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) Baptism puts one into the body or church of Christ. The body is the church. (Colossians 1:18) By the direction of the Holy Spirit through the word of God people are baptized into Christ's one body or church. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13)
Who is a proper subject for baptism? The doctrines of men say babies may be baptized. The Bible says those who gladly receive the word were baptized. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41) The Bible teaches that those who repent may be baptized. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) Men and women were baptized but babies were never baptized. "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)
The Bible teaches that baptism is a burial in water and baptism is essential to salvation. Have you been baptized according to the Lord's commands? If not, you should be. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
True or False:
1. _________ We are baptized into Christ to put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
2. __________ Believers who are baptized will be saved. (Mark 16:15-16)
3. __________ Bible baptism is a burial in water. (Romans 6:4)
4. __________ Baptism saves us and gives us a good conscience. (1 Peter 3:21)
5. __________ Baptism washes away a person’s sins. (Acts 22:16)