The Vital Importance of Baptism

Several times in earlier Studies we have mentioned the vital importance of baptism; it is the first step of obedience to the Gospel message. Hebrews 6:2 speaks of baptism as one of the most basic doctrines. We have left its consideration until this late stage because true baptism can only occur after a correct grasp of the basic truths which comprise the Gospel. We have now completed our study of these; if you wish to become truly associated with the great hope which the Bible offers through Jesus Christ, then baptism is an absolute necessity.

“Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22) in the sense that the promises concerning salvation were made only to Abraham and his seed. We can only have those promises made to us if we become in the Seed, by being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:22-29).

Jesus therefore clearly commanded his followers: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel (which is contained in the promises to Abraham — Galatians 3:8) to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Reflection upon this word “and” reveals that belief of the Gospel alone cannot save us; baptism is not just an optional extra in the Christian life, it is a vital prerequisite for salvation. This is not to say that the act of baptism alone will save us; it must be followed by a lifetime of continued obedience to God’s Word. Jesus emphasized this: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

To continue reading this Bible article, click here.

Author: Duncan Heaster

Keywords: Water baptism, Baptism, Baptist, Baptized, Baptised, Baptize, Baptise, Baptizer, Baptiser, Sprinkling, Is baptism mandatory, Is baptism essential, Is baptist required, Baptism salvation, Baptized by water, Infant baptism, Infant sprinkling, Christening, Baptizing babies, Baptizing infants, Baptizing children, Baptising babies, Baptising infants, Baptising children, Immersion, Ritual bath, Water immersion, baptizo, baptisma, baptismos, Pouring, Baptism essential to salvation, Dip, Dipping, Plunge, Plunging, Dipped in water, Plunged in water

Bible reference(s): Matthew 3:6, Matthew 3:11, Matthew 3:13, Matthew 3:14, Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:4, Mark 1:5, Mark 1:8, Mark 1:9, Mark 6:14, Mark 6:24, Mark 10:38, Mark 10:39, Mark 16:16, Luke 3:7, Luke 3:12, Luke 3:16, Luke 3:21, Luke 7:29, Luke 7:30, Luke 12:50, John 1:26, John 1:33, John 3:22, John 3:23, John 4:2, John 10:40, Acts 1:5, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13, Acts 8:16, Acts 8:36, Acts 8:38, Acts 9:18, Acts 10:48, Acts 11:16, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:3, Acts 19:4, Acts 19:5, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 1:14, 1 Corinthians 1:15, 1 Corinthians 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Corinthians 10:2, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 1 Corinthians 15:29, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 3:7, Matthew 21:25, Mark 11:30, Luke 3:3, Luke 20:4, Acts 1:22, Acts 10:37, Acts 13:24, Acts 18:25, Romans 6:4, Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21

Source: Bible Basics.

Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.