Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 3
December 13, 1951
NUMBER 32, PAGE 8

Plain Bible Proof On Water Baptism

Roy Burgess, Atlanta, Georgia

We do not need to convert men to baptism; we need to convert them to Christ. If one truly believes in Jesus, he will not quibble or try to get around baptism. Our faith is not in baptism, but in Jesus who commanded it. Hence, if we love Christ, we will respect his will in the matter. That baptism to the penitent believer is necessary is clearly taught in the New Testament. There are those who practice what they call "baptism," even using the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but who in the very act deny the purpose and meaning of baptism, claiming that these being "baptized" by them are already saved. The teaching runs about like this:

Man

"Baptism doth also now save us not.

"He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved.

"Repent and be baptized because you are already saved.

"We are baptized after we are IN Christ.

Holy Spirit

"Baptism doth also now save us." (1 Peter 3:21)

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16)

"Repent and be baptized . . . for the remission of sins." (Acts 2:38)

"Baptized INTO Jesus Christ." (Gal. 3:26, 27)

A Study Of Acts 2:38

We call your attention to plain statements front different versions of the Bible, which show conclusively that Acts 2:38 teaches the absolute necessity of baptism for, unto, or in order to, the remission of sins. Some maintain that the Greek "eis," translated "for" in the King James Version, means "because of" remission of sins: (we give only the pertinent phrase or clause, but we suggest the readers should read the whole passage in every Bible which you have available):

(The foregoing material was printed in The Way of Life, February, 1946.)

In view of the foregoing, would you contend that one is baptized because he is already saved? Would you, in spite of this impressive array of scholarship, still believe the false theory propagated over the radio and from some pulpits by uninformed men, that one is saved simply by trusting or believing in Christ? And then, after he is saved, and because he is saved, may be baptized? Consider the following:

Baptism Is:

To have a good conscience toward God. (1 Peter 3:21)

To receive the remission of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

To wash away our sins (Acts 22:16), by putting us INTO Christ where we are made clean by the blood of Jesus. (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3)

To be buried with Christ, and raised to walk a new life. (Rom. 6:3, 4)

To be united with Christ, and planted with him. (Rom. 6:5)

To scripturally rejoice. (Acts 8:35-39; 16:80-34)

To obey the form of doctrine, thus being made free from sin. (Rom. 6:17)

To be children of God by faith...thus putting on Christ. (Gal. 3:27)

To be saved. (Mark 16:16)

To get into the One body. (1 Cor. 12:13)

Why not pick up your Bible and examine these passages NOW? What will your answer be to God in the final judgment if you refuse to make such an examination? Remember, Jesus said the truth would make you free.