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WATER BAPTISM By: E.L. Holley |
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Jesus, our exemple, set forth the necessity of water baptism by precedent. Coming to John, He insisted that the Baptist baptize Him, and the reluctant prophet acquiesced (Matthew 3:13-17). Then, at the close of His earthly ministry, our Lord commissioned His church, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:l9). Thus, our Savior Himself initiated water baptism by both precedent and precept. On this basis, water baptism has always been observed by true believers. Moreover, water baptism is of such importance and consequence that it is worthy of careful consideration. The mode and meaning of baptism, its purpose, the formula, and whether or not water baptism is essential to salvation are matters of utmost concern. The Scriptures depict only one mode of baptism-immersion. John sought and selected sites where ample water was available for baptizing (John 3:23; Matthew 3:13). Jesus came up out of the water after He was baptized (Matthew 3:16). Philip and the eunuch "went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him" (Acts 8:38). The word baptize, in its Greek form means to dip," and there is no reason to think it means otherwise. The scriptural mode of baptism is immersion. What is the meaning of the act of baptism to us? Paul taught that we who are dead to sin were buried with Jesus Christ by baptism "that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6: 1-5). As He died, was buried, and arose, so we followed in His steps. We died out to this world (repented), were buried with Him by water baptism, and in the likeness of His resurrection, we arose to walk in a new life! Peter amplified the beauty of baptism by relating how that "once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us . . . by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:10-21). The "like figure" refers to the similarity between the salvation of Noah "by water" and water baptism which "doth also now save us." Noah's old life-the world and all that was in it-was destroyed by water, but, when the ark rested on Mount Ararat, a new life began! We were "baptized into his death" when we "were baptized into Jesus Christ" (Romans 6:3). He died and we laid down our old life in repentance, being baptized into His death. But we were also made partakers of the resurrection! The world, with all of its snares and entanglements, is under the curse of death and we are made aware of it. We are in the world, but not of the world. When we went down into the baptismal water, the world system that is contrary to God went with us. We came forth washed in the blood of the Lamb; but the world and all that is in it was overflowed with the water. There is the "figure" and it is beautiful! What does baptism do? What is its purpose? When a convicted sinner turns to God in faith and repentance, he is pointed to God's answer to man's sins. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, every person has access to God. This is accomplished by complying with Peter's Pentecostal message: "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" (Acts 2:38). That is God's answer to man's sins! The purpose of baptism is clearly stated. It is "for (in order to obtain) the remission of sins." Jesus said that His blood was "shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28). Clearly, He shed His blood in order to obtain remission of sins for many. Anyone who suggests that we are baptized "because" we already have remission of sins would, in order to be consistent, be forced to say Jesus shed His blood "because" we already have remission of sins! Peter preached "that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43). This statement introduces us to the correct formula for water baptism. It tells us who receives remission of sins and the means by which the remission of sins is received, that is through the name of Jesus. Clearly, the correct formula for water baptism is one that uses the name of Jesus. Every recorded baptism supports this truth. (See Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5.) Those who fail to see the tremendous marvel of water baptism often attempt to dismiss the subject as irrelevant-as nonessential. The thinking person is not so inclined, however. He understands that the essentiality of water baptism emerges again and again in Scripture. For the honest-hearted the question is easily settled. The cogent words of the Lord of glory are adequate for such a person. He speaks, and the matter is forever settled! Let us hear Him as He says, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). In those pointed words, He set forth the order of events: faith, baptism, salvation. He did not say, "He that believeth shall be saved, and he should be baptized." Instead, salvation is contingent upon our believing and being baptized. Clearly, baptism is essential to salvation! Essential as water baptism is, by itself it is insufficient. It must be an act of faith, and that is why Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Water baptism without faith is not efficacious. And, of course, saving faith is a belief which is founded upon the Word of God. Water baptism is indeed worthy of careful-prayerful-consideration to both believers and to those who have not heard. It is a subject that we must share with the world!
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