The Purpose of Baptism
Mike Johnson
Baptism has been a controversial subject in the religious world and also a neglected topic by many preachers and teachers. Baptism is not an obscure subject, as the word “baptism” (or some form of it) occurs more than one hundred times in the New Testament. As with any question, this subject needs to be studied and considered open-mindedly. We need to have the attitude of the Psalmist, who said in Psalms 119:128, “...I hate every false way.”
Many people teach that baptism has nothing to do with salvation. Let us consider now what the Bible has to say regarding the purpose of baptism.
Mark 16:16
The first passage to consider is Mark 16:16. This verse, spoken just before the ascension of Jesus and a part of what is called the great commission, says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” In this verse, salvation is promised, but it is conditional. Actually, two conditions are stated as necessary for salvation: belief and baptism. The word “and” is a coordinating conjunction that joins elements of equal rank. It would be incorrect to strike out belief and say that we are saved by “baptism only.” Equally, it would be wrong to strike out baptism and say that we are saved by “faith only.” Thus, belief and baptism are clearly stated as necessary for salvation. Just as one must believe to receive salvation, one must also be baptized to receive salvation.
Consider some illustrations which should make this passage very clear to everyone. Suppose someone says, “He that believes and is baptized shall receive a new car.” I’m sure that people would have little trouble seeing that to get the new car, one would have to do both of the things stated. They could not just believe or just be baptized and expect to receive a new car. In Arithmetic, we know that two and two equal four. You must have both of the twos to get the four. In like manner, verse 16 says that belief and baptism equal salvation. You cannot remove either belief or baptism, as both are necessary to obtain salvation. The passage clearly states baptism as being essential, and it seems like it should be difficult for anyone to misunderstand this.
Acts 2:38
Another passage to consider is Acts 2:38. In the first part of this chapter, we read where the Apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then Peter preached to the people and accused them of having murdered the son of God. After hearing Peter’s sermon, the people were “pricked in their hearts” (v. 37). They asked, “men and brethren, what shall we do?” Surely, a clear and straightforward answer was needed. Peter answered (v. 38) with, “...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.” Thus, repentance and baptism are for the remission of sins; both are necessary for salvation, and we should not ignore either.
Sometimes, people say that the word “for” in Acts 2:38 means “because of,” thus, the verse says that forgiveness precedes baptism. This argument is incorrect. The same construction in the Greek is in Matthew 26:28, which tells us that the blood of Christ was shed “for the remission of sins.” Would one argue that He shed his blood because people already had the remission of sins? No one would say this. Why, with the same construction in Acts 2:38, argue that baptism is “because of” the remission of sins.
Furthermore, in Acts 2:38, whatever “for” means with reference to baptism, it also means regarding repentance. Therefore, if the Greek word (eis/translated “for”) indicates that baptism is “because of” the remission of sins, it also means that repentance is “because of” the remission of sins. Surely, no one would argue that repentance is because one has already obtained the remission of sins (consider Acts 3:19). It is evident that baptism is for (unto, to obtain) the remission of sins and thus necessary for salvation.
Various Passages
Consider other passages which speak of baptism. Act 22:16 says that it washes away sins; Galatians 3:27 says that we are baptized into Christ; I Peter 3:21 says that baptism also now saves us; 1 Corinthians 12:13 points out that we are baptized into the body of Christ.
Baptism is not all that is involved in the plan of salvation. The Bible teaches that one must believe (Mk. 16:16; Heb. 11:6; Jn. 3:16), repent (Acts 2:38, 17:30), and confess Christ (Rom. 10:10). After obeying these commandments, one must be baptized. The Bible clearly reveals the steps a person must follow to become a Christian. After becoming a Christian, one must remain faithful until death (I Cor. 15:58).
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What Does the Empty Tomb
Mean to Us?
Jarrod Jacobs
Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus was crucified between two thieves. When He died, His body was laid in a new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea (Mk. 15:43-47), there to await His resurrection on the third day. The account of the women and the apostles finding Jesus’ tomb empty is found in Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-10.
The empty tomb means something to Christians. It is important and has great value to all those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. What does the empty tomb mean?
Death Is Conquered
Jesus became the “firstfruits of them that slept” (I Cor. 15:20). Colossians 1:18 declares that Christ’s resurrection gives Him the preeminence in all things. Hebrews 2:9 shows us that Christ tasted death for every man. Therefore, Christians have nothing to fear in death.
In writing on the subject of death and the resurrection of all mankind, Paul said, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 15:54-57). Why not look into the tomb, and see the victory that Christ has given to all since He arose from the dead?
Salvation for All
Before Christ, Jewish people were considered the chosen nation, and they labored to keep the Old Testament (Mosaic) Law. They offered animal sacrifices to atone for their sins, but this was not enough (Heb. 10:1-4). Seeing that Jesus gave His life, shed His blood, and arose from the dead, He offers salvation to everyone (Matt. 11:28-30). In Mark 16:15, Jesus instructed His apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” In Colossians 1:5-6, 23, we read that this command was carried out! Paul declared that “every creature which is under heaven” heard the gospel. Jesus wanted no one to be ignorant of His will, and neither should we.
Jesus Told the Truth
Throughout Jesus’ preaching, He prophesied of His death, burial, and resurrection, and that He is the Son of God. A few passages that declare this are: Matthew 12:38-40; Matthew 16:21; John 8:24, 58-59; John 10:30-36; and John 18:36-37. That empty tomb tells mankind that the Son of God walked this earth, told us the truth about all things, that He loves us and wants to save us!
If we can believe that Jesus told us the truth on these things, why do we not believe Him on the other things He teaches in His word? There has been much dispute over certain parts of the Bible for many years. Obviously, Jesus did not teach two or more conflicting doctrines, but spoke the Truth consistently. Knowing this and knowing that He told us the truth about His death, burial, and resurrection; why do we not believe His teachings on other subjects? Why do we not do the things He requires?
Friend, the stone wasn’t rolled back so Jesus could escape. It was rolled back so we could look in! Have you looked with the eye of faith into that empty tomb? I pray that we might all come to a better understanding of what the empty tomb means.
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Attendance
These are the reasons I’m giving up sports: football in the fall, baseball in the summer, and basketball in the winter. I’ve had it all. I quit attending sports once and for all, and here are my 11 excuses.
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Every time I went, they asked for money.
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The people I sat next to didn’t seem friendly.
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The seats were too hard and not comfortable at all.
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I went to many games, but the coach never came to call on me.
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The referees made decisions that I couldn’t agree with.
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The game went into overtime, and I was late getting home.
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The band played numbers I’d never heard before, and it wasn’t my style of music.
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It seems the games are always scheduled when I want to do other things.
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I suspect that I was sitting next to some hypocrites. They came to see their friends, and they talked during the whole game.
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My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.
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I hate to wait in the traffic jam in the parking lot after the game.
Author Unknown
-From The Eastside Banner Blytheville, AR
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The Use of the Bible
Mike Johnson
People use the Bible in many different ways. Sadly, some only use the Bible to record marriages, births, deaths, etc. Some people use it to swear on, sometimes calling for an entire stack. Others use it as an ornament for a living room table, thinking others will be impressed.
However, the Bible is the Word of God, and we should look upon it with much respect and use it for the purpose God intended. It is important to note that the Bible:
- can save our souls (James 1:21),
- is to be our guide ( Ps. 119:105),
- must be obeyed (Heb. 5:8-9),
- will judge us (Jn. 12:48).
How do you regard the Bible? Do you live by it? Do you learn from it? It is essential to view God’s Word correctly and use it for its intended purpose.
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Ain’t It Funny
- How we set our clocks to arise at 5:00 A.M. to be at the job by 7:30; yet, when Sunday comes, we can’t get to the church building for the 9:00 A.M. Bible study to learn more about the one who gave us our jobs.
- How we call God our Father and Jesus our brother, but find it hard to introduce them to our family and friends.
- How small our sins seem, but how big “their” sins are.
- How we demand justice for others but expect mercy from God.
- How much difficulty some have learning the gospel well enough to tell others, but how simple it is to understand and explain the latest gossip about someone else.
- How we can’t think of anything to say when we pray but don’t have any difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a human friend.
- How we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger when we are lost but are hesitant to take God’s direction for our lives.
ARE THESE THINGS REALLY FUNNY?
(Author Unknown)
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Sermon
Audio
The Resurrection of Christ
Hiram Hutto
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Editor: Mike Johnson
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