Why Be Baptized?
I know of no subject that is more disagreed upon than the purpose of baptism; yet no subject is spoken on with more plainness in all the Bible. Why, then, are people disagreed on this subject? How can people agree on this subject? First, people are disagreed because many have believed what is written in the creed books of human origin instead of taking, with a child-like faith, what the Bible has said on the subject. Second, the only way people can be agreed is by a complete disregard for creed books of human origin and a complete faith in the words of the Bible. Let us, then, go to the Bible and see just what it does teach on this subject. Let us put from our minds any opinion or preconceived ideas whatever and with faith accept the teaching of God's word. However, before noticing the passages that reveal the purpose of baptism, it might be well to suggest that one can never learn what the will of the Lord Is on the subject of baptism by reading the passages that speak of faith. We can learn what the Lord's will is on the subject of faith by reading the passages that deal with that subject; but, if we wish to know the Lord's will on the subject of baptism, we must read the passages that deal with baptism. To this very thing we now invite your attention.
Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Christ here gives two conditions that precede salvation — belief and baptism. He here gives one condition that precedes damnation — disbelief. It takes belief and baptism to save; it only takes disbelief to damn. If one disbelieves, he can be immersed in water; but he cannot be scripturally baptized. For Bible baptism is preceded by belief. An immersion in water without belief will not save and belief without immersion in water will not save.
The Lord said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
Baptist say: "He that believeth and is baptized not shall be saved."
Catholics say: "He that believeth not and is baptized shall be saved."
Universalists say: "He that believeth not and is baptized not shall be saved."
Which will you accept? The Catholic has as much right to say one can be saved by baptism only as the Baptist has to say one can be saved by faith only. The Universalist has as much right to say one can be saved without either faith or baptism as the Baptist has to say one can be saved without baptism. The only thing that any man has the God given right to accept is the word of our Lord: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
Acts 2:38: "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." In verse 36, Peter told them to believe. In verse 37; those who did believe said: "What shall we do?" Peter told these believers that they were to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Peter, speaking as the Spirit gave him utterance, gave this sequence: Believe, repent, and be baptized, then remission of sins. Many today change the sequence; they teach: repent, believe and be saved then be baptized. It is worthy of note that the sequence given by Peter is in complete agreement with the words of Jesus. They both place salvation after belief and baptism. It is not a question of whether you can understand what the Bible says; it is a question of whether you will accept it or reject it in favor of what man teaches! In making your decision it will be well to remember that one day you will be judged by the word of the Lord. (John 12:48)
Acts 22:16: "And now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." These words were spoken by Ananias to Saul of Tarsus. At the time Ananias spoke to Saul, Saul had already believed (Acts 22:10) and repented. (Acts 9:8-11) Ananias, by inspiration told this penitent believer to be baptized to wash away his sins. Further, the Lord told Saul to go into Damascus and "It shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:6) In fulfillment of the Lord's promise Ananias came to Saul in Damascus and told him to "be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." But men today teach that Saul was saved before baptism; and in so doing they not only disagree with Ananias and Paul, they also are in disagreement with the words which we have already studied from Jesus and Peter. Where is your faith — in the Bible, the word of God? or in man?