Is baptism necessary?

Why is there so much misunderstanding, controversy and false teaching regarding baptism? Why do so many souls baulk at the notion of baptism?  It is so fundamental to the biblical teaching of salvation and so essential to the forgiveness of sins it seems silly that so many stand in defiance and ridicule of such a simple submissive act.

Maybe that's it, submission. We live in such a pride oriented society that maybe the concept of submission is so foreign that the idea of baptism is absurd.  If that is the case then nothing God has to say is going to matter until we learn to humble ourselves so that He can lift us up (James 4:10).

So let us look at baptism and what the Bible says. The first objection has to do with the mode of baptism. Because there is no English word for baptism we must look to the original Greek word for our definition. According to Greek scholar it means to dip or immerse. Couple that with the imagery of Romans 6 and we find that it is a burial. This is why John baptized "in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there" (John 3:23). He could not baptize in a pitcher or bowl and you certainly cannot baptize in them.

So baptism is a burial, an immersion, but for what? The common theology is that it is merely a commitment or more commonly an "outward sign of an inward faith." AS these things may be true, neither of them is ever mentioned is scripture as the ultimate purpose of baptism.

True biblical baptism has several ultimate goals.  One, it is in order to have sins washed away.  "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Two, it is 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). Thirdly, it puts us into Christ, Him in us, and us into His family. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). "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). "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).

Now there are those who say that baptism is not essential to salvation. But considering the previous thoughts can one still honestly hold to such a notion?  Really?

Consider these scriptures. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). "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). "

How important is your soul to you? How important are the souls of you family and friends?  They are important enough to God that He sent His Son to die for you.  Will you give your life to Him in humble obedience?  Only those who obey Christ as He obeyed the Father have hope of being saved (Hebrews 5:8-9).  Work out your own salvation and then make your calling and election sure. Be faithful!

 

--author unknown