Tag Archives: Baptism

baptism is no work

When Should I Be Baptized?

Baptism
when should I be baptized

Baptism is essential to salvation. You are not saved until you are baptized according to biblical teaching. I know these statements fly in the face of many denominational teaching. But I want to show you, from the Bible, the truth of baptism. I want to answer the question: When should I be baptized?

Baptism is a command.

Moments before Jesus ascended back into heaven he commanded his followers to baptize all people (Matthew 28:19). Notice that his disciples are commanded to “make disciples of all nations.” Next, Jesus teaches his followers to make disciples by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Furthermore, they are to teach “them to observe all that I have commanded you.” The command is to make disciples. The method is to teach (Mark 16:15), baptize, and teach them again. If baptism is not essential, Jesus would not have commanded his followers to do it.

In Acts 2, Peter is preaching the first gospel sermon. The sermon’s climax comes when Peter tells the listeners that the man whom they crucified, Jesus of Nazareth, has been made both Lord and Christ by God the Father (Acts 2:36). In response, the people cried out, “brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Peter’s response to their simple question was equally simple: “repent and be baptized every 1 of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

After Peter taught the family of Cornelius, he “commanded them to be baptized” (Acts 10:48). When the Philippian jailer realized he was lost, “he was baptized at once” (Acts 16:33).

A careful review of Scripture demonstrates that baptism is essential to salvation. Any teaching to the contrary should be rejected.

When should I be baptized?

A man should be baptized as soon as possible. He must know that he is a sinner and the object of God’s incredible love. He must turn from his sins (repent), move toward God’s holiness, and be baptized for the forgiveness of those sins.

Since a person is lost until he is baptized, he should not wait or schedule his baptism for some special time in the future. Let him be baptized immediately. For reference, note that the 3000 people baptized in Acts 2 were baptized the same day. Note that the Ethiopian was baptized in the middle of his trip as soon as he saw sufficient water (Acts 8:35-40). Cornelius and his family were baptized upon receiving Peter’s teaching (Acts 10:44-48). The Philippian jailer was baptized at the same hour of the night (Acts 16:30-34).

It is trendy to schedule baptisms for a special event or a special day; it is unwise and certainly not Biblical.

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is appropriate only for those able to understand the dark consequence of their sin (Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30-34). Children, who do not have the requisite understanding of sin and salvation, have no need to be baptized. Immersing such children does not save them later and may confuse them about their need for baptism once their understanding has developed.

Jesus declared that the kingdom of Heaven was like children (Matthew 18:3). How so? The kingdom is reflected in their innocence and trust, key attributes of the adult Christian. It was Jesus who called the little children to come to Him because the kingdom is of such (Matthew 19:14).

If faith (belief) is essential to salvation, and it is, how can an infant or small child believe? How can a babe-in-arms have faith in Jesus?

The person who is baptized must have faith (Hebrews 11:6) which comes from hearing the true gospel (Romans 10:17; c.f. Galatians 1:6-10). He must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37; 1 John 2:22). He confesses his belief (Romans 10:10). The believer then repents of any and all wrongdoing and submits to baptism (Acts 2:38).  To immerse one who does not believe, who is unwilling to confess, or unwilling to repent, is to make a mockery of God’s plan.

Conclusion

Given the simple truths above, it should be clear that baptism is a most serious decision and ought not be given to gimmickry or worldly interpretations of clear Bible teaching.

    The Paucity of Belief

    Bible General, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Salvation, , ,

     

    beliefpaucity – smallness of quantity; scarcity; scantiness:

    There is very little real belief left in Christendom and what little there is seems to be decreasing. That is a weighty charge given that much of Christianity teaches that only belief, that is, a mental agreement in some fact, is all that is necessary for salvation. Certainly, the Bible teaches that we must believe to be saved (Mark 16:16; Luke 8:12; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 1:21). However, the common view of “believe” bears little or no resemblance to what the Bible teaches. Biblical belief is replaced by a comfortable, convenient, “agreement” that Jesus is the Son of God. While such an agreement is essential, the one who denies it is antichrist (2 John 7), Biblical belief compels action beyond mental assent.

    True belief requires action. If you believe that your child suffers from a debilitating disease, you will do all possible to get them the care and treatment required. Your belief in the diagnosis compels or drives you to action. Your neighbor bangs on your door at 3 AM and tells you that your house is on fire; you smell smoke and see flames. Will you thank him and assure him you believe that your house is ablaze and then return to your bed to complete your slumbers? Of course not. You roust your children and spouse and flee the burning building. Your belief that the house is on fire has driven you to action.

    Believers are told to do certain things. For example, believers in Acts 2:38 were told to “repent and be baptized.” Noted preacher Frank Chesser recently observed that it would have been foolish to tell the people on Pentecost that all they needed to do was believe. They already believed! They heard Peter preach, perhaps out of curiosity, and realized they had the blood of Jesus on their hands. Now they believed that the one of whom they demanded death was the Son of God. To tell them to simply believe was redundant. There was more to be done.

    In Acts 8, the Ethiopian was already a believer when he commanded his chariot to stop so that he might be baptized. Why the hurry? Why the rush? Were there not better waters in the Ethiopian palace? Would he not desire his family and friends to attend the joyous event? No, he stopped because his belief in all that Phillip taught drove him to the water.

    Belief comes first, but it must lead a man to obey all that Jesus has said. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). It is unnecessary to say that “he who does not believe and is not baptized will be condemned,” for it should be obvious that a man who does not believe will not be baptized. Once we truly believe in Jesus, we will become obedient followers of all that he teaches. Surely that belief extends far beyond baptism. The true believer is a baptized believer who spends his life for the Lord. We must strongly reject the incomplete notion that a Christian is one who only believes. He believes, obeys and serves!

     

     

    Concise Baptism Article

    Baptism, Web sites

    My good brother Garrett Lloyd sent me a link which I want to pass on to you. It answers the ever-asked question: “Do I have to be baptized?” I think the author does a good job. I would also read the comments below the article and see the extremes to which people go to twist baptism into something it clearly is not in Scripture.

    I’m not acquainted with the author of this article but it is quite useful. Read You’re Right, You Don’t Have to be Baptized.

    Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

    The Thief on the Cross and Baptism

    Bible General, Church,

    The thief on the cross has little or nothing to do with baptism. The Bible teaches that baptism is essential for salvation. Those who disagree often point to the thief on the cross as evidence that baptism is not required for salvation. Their reasoning is that since Jesus told the thief that he would be with him in paradise but did not also tell him to be baptized, that it proves baptism is not a necessary part of salvation. They reason that the thief was saved without baptism and so can people today. Such reasoning is incorrect and forces a conclusion not supported by the text or context of the thief on the cross.

    The Thief on the Cross – Background

     

    The thief on the cross is mentioned, to some degree, in all four gospels. Matthew 27:38, 44; Mark 15:27, 32 and John 19:18, all confirm that Jesus was crucified along with two other criminals who mocked and reviled the Lord along with those who watched. Only Luke records the change of heart of one of the criminals (Luke 23:32-43).

    After joining the rebuking of Jesus, one of the criminals changed his heart and his mind.

    “But the other rebuked him saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

    Two things are clear. First, the thief on the cross was a sinner, facing imminent death, and was deeply in need of salvation. Second, Jesus alone could meet his need and did save the thief. It makes no sense to argue that Jesus did not forgive him and grant unto him eternal life while he hung upon the cross.

    With these final words, the thief on the cross fades from history and he is never again mentioned in Scripture.

    But despite these events, this man’s salvation story has no impact on Christian baptism today.

    The Thief on the Cross Never Lived Under Christianity

     

    The thief lived and died under the Law of Moses, a law which did not include baptism. This simple fact destroys the argument that the thief proves baptism is unnecessary.

    All of human history stands under one of three spiritual covenants or dispensations. All of mankind has lived under either the Patriarchal age, the Mosaic age or the Christian age. Today, all men everywhere are subject to the law of Christ and live under the Christian dispensation. That dispensation began 50 days after the crucifixion during the Jewish holiday of Pentecost. It was there that baptism was given as a requirement for salvation (Acts 2:38). Prior to Pentecost there was no such requirement. Therefore, the thief, who lived and died before the Christian age, cannot be used as an example of salvation apart from baptism. To use the thief as such an example, would be akin to demanding that Christians offer burnt offerings at the Temple in Jerusalem.

    The imperative of baptism is for Christians, not for Jews.

    The Thief on the Cross was Saved by Jesus Before Jesus Died

     

    It must not be overlooked that Jesus’ promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” was uttered before his death. Thus, his will and testament upon which Christianity is ordered, was not yet in effect. There is an instructive comment in Hebrews 9:15-17 which is on point for our discussion.

    “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.”

    Before baptism, the church, the Lord’s Supper or any other Christ-given ordinance of New Testament life was in effect, Christ had to die. Before that time Jesus could and did forgive sins apart from baptism (Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:7; Luke 5:20).

    The Thief on the Cross and Facts Not in Evidence

     

    Even if one rejects the above facts and passages, he is still left with a problem. We know nothing about the thief on the cross prior to the Crucifixion of Jesus. We do not know and cannot state conclusively that he was never baptized.

    The baptism of John the Baptist was well known and had even attracted the attention of the Jewish leaders (John 1:19-28). Mark says all the people of Judea and Jerusalem were being baptized (Mark 1:4-8). In fact, the baptism of John even continued, improperly, many years into the church age (Acts 19:1-7). Such baptism was not the same as that ordered by Jesus but was nonetheless acceptable prior to the coming of the church. After the church began, it was no longer acceptable and required those men in chapter 19 to be baptized again, correctly.

    Since baptism was common as a preparation to the coming of Jesus, it is probably best to say that we just do not know whether or not the thief on the cross was ever baptized or not. He was certainly not baptized under the law of Christ however for it was not yet known but it is quite possible that he had been baptized under John’s baptism.

    It may be that you do not believe baptism to be essential, but please do not use the thief on the cross as an example as the context simply forbids it.

    Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

    Baptism and Obedience

    Baptism

    That baptism was a part of original Christianity is beyond question. Today it is present in just about every Christ-believing religious tradition although not always in the same way as the Bible teaches. On August 15th, a preacher in Canada offered a sermon from Romans 6:1-6. Here is the text:

    What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?  By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  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.
    For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

    This is one of several discussions of baptism in the Bible but it is one of the “classic” explanations of immersion. The preacher at the Peoples Church of Montreal, Brian Guinness, reached a couple of erroneous, but common conclusions. Let me address a few of them.

    Continue reading Baptism and Obedience →

    Grace and Works Followup

    Baptism, Grace, ,

    Grace and Works is an important topic and one which seems to divide many people who believe in Christ. I tried to clarify some issues in the grace and works post from yesterday (July 13, 2010) but wanted to add a reference for you from an article written almost 2 years ago. It asks the question, Is baptism a work? Some seem to think so and have discounted its importance. I hope this article will be enlightening. The article was written in response to a question posed by a preacher on his website. It’s part of a lengthy series which you can access by the links at the end of the post.

    As always, I would love to hear your comments.

    Romans 6, Part 2 (Romans 6:3)

    Baptism, Bible General, Church, Doctrine, Romans, Salvation,

    As we continue our look at this great chapter of the Bible we want to examine verse 3 in some detail.

    Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3, ESV)

    Paul is building on the thought begun in Romans 5 where he argues that grace “abounded” in the presence of sin which was made evident by the Law of Moses. He has answered the previous question from Romans 6:1 “shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” He has declared in Romans 6:2 that we do not continue in sin because we have died to sin. Now he reminds the readers of a step taken in connection with that death: their baptism.

    As he did in verse 1 this is a rhetorical question, that is,  the answer is obvious. For Paul, there is no such thing as a non-baptized Christian. Those in Acts 2:41 who gladly received the word were baptized. Paul himself was baptized upon the direction of the Christ-sent Ananias (Acts 22:16). And here, it is as if Paul simply assumes that all his readers had been baptized. For him, baptism was just as much as part of his faith life as his belief. So no, baptism is not the main thrust of this passage because it is already a matter settled for Paul and the readers of this letter.

    Paul’s main idea is to show the connection between baptism and death of Jesus. As Jesus was buried, so is the man who has died to sin and is buried, symbolically, in the waters of baptism. We’ll look closer at three key analogies in the next article.

    baptism is no work

    Is Baptism A Work?

    Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine, ,

    Today we reach the end of the questions posed by a denominational preacher in Tennessee. He had charged that no “church of Christ preacher” could answer his questions. We know we have, although we doubt he would admit it.  We asked him to comment here and he has not. The question is simple: Is baptism a work?

    The writer asked:

    If salvation is not by works of righteousness which we have done, and baptism is a work of “righteousness,” then how can water baptism be a part of salvation? (Titus 3:5; Matt. 3:16) In the Bible, we are SAVED BY GRACE, and grace does not involve human effort or merit – grace is grace and work is work! (Just read Ephesians 2:8,9 and Romans 11:6.)

    As before, our friend has asked a question in a way that demonstrates his confusion. We will seek to correct his misunderstandings.

    Baptism Is Not A Work

    So, is baptism a work? Those who argue that baptism is a work fail to understand the Biblical difference between works of merit, i.e. works that put God in debt to us (which cannot happen), and obedience.

    Man cannot put God in debt. Man cannot, in any way, earn his salvation. Consider Luke 17:10 and the teaching from Jesus that we are “unworthy.” The idea is also echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9, especially in vs. 9 when Paul by inspiration declares that we are saved “not as a result of works.” The question we must answer is whether baptism is indeed a work?

    In Matthew 3:16, John baptizes Jesus. The form of the underlying Greek word is passive in voice meaning that the baptism was something done to him. This fits nicely with Matthew 3:13 where text tells us that Jesus came to be baptized by John. The New Testament repeatedly uses this passive language.

    Twice in Acts 2 we find forms of the word baptize. On each occasion, the word is passive in Greek (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41). It is not something the believer does but something done to him.

    In Acts 8 we read of the discussion of the conversions in Samaria. Luke records baptism in Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13 and Acts 8:16, again the form is passive. In the second half of the chapter we find baptism mentioned twice. When the Ethiopian man asks to be baptized (Acts 8:36) he used the passive voice but in Acts 8:38, when speaking of what Phillip did, the word is active. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

    Acts 9:18 records the conversion of Saul, later known as Paul. And, you guessed it! The word form is again passive. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

    Acts 10:47 tells us of the grand moment when Peter carried the Gospel message to the Gentiles. Again the word is passive as it is in the very next verse, Acts 10:48. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

    This same passive use of the word continues through the remainder of Acts. Note Acts 11:16, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, Acts 19:3, Acts 19:4 is active in describing what Paul did while Acts 19:5 is passive describing baptism. Acts 22:16 alone uses the aorist middle voice which signifies Paul taking action upon himself at a point in time. Indeed, complying with the instruction of Ananias brought Paul to the point of baptism which, as recorded in Act 9:18 was a passive act. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

    One final Scripture reference on this idea of the passive nature of baptism. Acts 18:8 tell us that when Crispus, his household and many of the Corinthians heard the truth they were “believing and being baptized.” The Bible uses the active voice for believing and the passive voice for baptism. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

    If baptism can be considered a work of any kind, it is a work of the person doing the baptizing not a work of the person seeking salvation.

    Most denominations I am aware of argue that a man must be willing to confess the Jesus is the Son of God. Is that confession a work? How might it differ from the alleged “work” of baptism? Confession is not work for it is a part of obedience – just like baptism.

    Grace Saves – But Not Alone

    Is baptism a work? Our Baptist friend argues that we are saved by grace and we heartily agree! However, we are not saved by grace alone! Contrary to what some denominations would have you believe, grace is but one essential part of salvation but it is not the only part.

    In Matthew 10:22 and Matthew 24:13 we are saved by endurance. In Mark 16:16 we are saved through belief and baptism. Luke 7:50 and Luke 18:42 it is faith that saves. Christ that saves (John 3:17). The teachings of Christ save according to John 5:34. John 10:9 says it is by entering into Christ that we are saved.

    Salvation comes in Acts 2:21 by calling on the name of the Lord. In Acts 4:12 we are saved by the name of Jesus. In Acts 15:11 we are saved through grace. Romans 5:10 we are saved by the death of Christ. In Romans 8:24, by hope, Romans 10:9 by confession. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 says we are saved by the gospel. In Ephesians 2:5 and Ephesians 2:8 we are saved by grace through faith. In 1 Peter 3:21 we are saved by baptism.

    It is intellectually dishonest to argue that anyone is saved by grace alone. Apart from grace, no man can be saved but there is a component of obedience too.

    Consider your automobile. It cannot run apart from the engine. The engine is essential but it is not the only essential item. Try driving your car without the transmission or without axles or without wheels and tires. Apart from the engine, no car can run but there is a component of other parts too,

    The truth is that grace is essential and so is baptism. We never place God in our debt but we must obey him. Inasmuch as God has commanded us to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-19; Acts 2:38) and has given us an example in Jesus himself (Matthew 3:13-17), we may rest confidently in the fact that baptism is essential along with grace.

    Other posts in this series:

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    Forgiveness of Sins Comes At Baptism – Not Before (Part 1)

    Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine,

    Am I saved before or after baptism? The answer points to a deep rift between the teachings of the churches of Christ and most of the denominational world. The Christian would argue that a man must be baptized in order to be saved while the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, etc. would argue that one is saved before he is baptized. The answer can only be found in Scripture.

    In a page critical of the churches of Christ, a Baptist writer offers several verses which he claims prove salvation comes apart from baptism. He writes:

    Every time the phrase “for the remission of sins” occurs it is speaking of the fact that sins have been forgiven previously! The Bible plainly teaches that the forgiveness of sins is conditioned upon repentance of sin and faith in Christ – never upon water baptism! (Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16; Romans 4:5; et.al.)

    This gentleman is in gross religious error as will be shown. Continue reading Forgiveness of Sins Comes At Baptism – Not Before (Part 1) →

    Must One Be Baptized by an Elder?

    Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine, ,

    One of the more interesting claims asserted by our denominational friend is the idea that the churches of Christ teach a  man must be baptized by an elder or preacher of the churches of Christ in order to be truly saved. He puts the question this way (emphasis his):

    If a “Church of Christ” elder refuses to baptize me, will I be lost until I can find one who will? Do I need Jesus AND a Campebllite [sic] “preacher” in order to be saved? If I do, then Jesus Christ is not the only Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and the Holy Spirit is not the only Administrator (1 Cor. 12:13) of salvation – the “Church of Christ” preacher is necessary to salvation for he is performing a saving act on me when he baptizes me! Is this not blasphemy against Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost?

    Our friend is sorely confused. Continue reading Must One Be Baptized by an Elder? →