Being baptized is so much more than just a sign of faith. The Bible tells us of the need we all have to receive baptism. Even explaining that all who have gone down in water have been buried with Christ and rose again into a new life. The water of baptism, in essence, washes away the sins from one’s life.
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
All that being said the act of baptism still ultimately comes down to faith. Many today claim they have faith but still are unwilling to be baptized. Justifying their decision by using scripture that says those who believe will be saved. But fail to recognize all the scripture telling those who believe to be baptized. And those in which people coming to faith are willing to be baptized because they believe the Gospel message.
Mark 16:16 (ESV)
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Acts 2:41 (ESV)
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12 (ESV)
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:36–38 (ESV)
36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
Baptism is not the act that saves us. As we know we are not saved by work but by faith alone. Yet it is our willingness to adhere to scripture and be baptized that shows our faith. Much like Abraham’s willingness to be circumcised was a sign of his faith in God.
You see the promise was not given to Abraham because he obeyed and was circumcised but because he had faith. Circumcision was just a seal of his faith. Going past just saying he had faith by doing what God had said for him to do.
Romans 4:9–11 (ESV)
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
If you have not yet been baptized and you believe in God and Jesus as His son and the savior of the world. I really believe you need to check your faith. Do you truly believe the Bible is God’s inspired word? Given to instruct us and be an example to us?
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Because scripture clearly shows a need for baptism and the regeneration it brings. That’s why I must ask do you have the faith to respond to God’s word and be baptized. For no greater reason than simply because the Bible teaches it as a necessary step in the plan of salvation.
You don’t always have to understand the reason why scripture instructs you to do someone. But to truly be a Christian and serve the Lord you must always follow the fullness of scripture. Which in this case means being baptized in the glorious name of Jesus Christ!
Acts 2:37–38 (ESV)
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “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.
If you would like to read some of our other articles that go more in-depth on baptism click here. If you now see your need to be baptized but do not currently attend a local church please feel free to email us at [email protected]. We will do our best to put you in contact with a church body in your area where you can fulfill the call of scripture and be baptized.
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