Since it is football season, let us consider players on a team who do not adhere to the coaches commands or calls in a game. The games would then be filled with chaos and one would wonder if the individual really desired to be on the team with such a lack of submission to the coach. Although Christianity is not a game and much more is at stake than championships in football, it too has a proper order and clear commands. A command that is apparent from the words of Christ is pertaining to baptism. In the previous article regarding baptism it was stated that salvation does not require baptism, so why get baptized? Simply put, baptism is a step of obedience to the command of Christ, as well as a symbol proclaiming union with Christ and it is a declaration that the believer will stand with the people of Christ.The act of baptism is a command from Christ Jesus, he said “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”.[1] The command to be baptized is also noted in the day of Pentecost. Peter preached Christ and responded to the hearers saying “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins”.[2] “Baptizing was a concomitant of the command to make disciples, as was teaching. Christian baptism, along with the proclamation of the gospel, was established by Christ himself.”[3]

Baptism is not only a command, but it is also a symbol proclaiming and painting a union with Christ. “It is a powerful form of proclamation of the truth of what Christ has done; it is a “word in water” testifying to the believer’s participation in the death and resurrection of Christ (Rom. 6:3-5).”[4] In the life of the believer baptism paints the picture of the old life being buried and the new life rising up for the glory of God that believers may walk in the newness of Christ.

Furthermore, it is a declaration of the believer testifying that he will stand with the people who belong to Christ Jesus. These testimonies happen time and time again in Scripture, for example with Peter and the Eunuch in Acts 8 or in Acts 2 when the people received the word and they were immediately baptized. These were believers testifying that they belonged to the church known as followers of Christ. Baptism was and still is a mark of the believer.

Even though baptism is a command from Christ which proclaims union with Him as well as with the church, many today still question if it is necessary. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Although it is not required for salvation, it is necessary to obey all that Christ commanded which includes baptism.

Are you a person who has repented and claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus, yet you have not been baptized? Do not delay any longer and follow through with obedience to Christ.

“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

Deanna

[1] Matthew 28:19-20
[2] Acts 2:37
[3] Norman, Stanton R., The Baptist Way, Distinctives of the Church, Broadman & Holman, Nashville, TN, 2004.
[4] Erikson, Millard J., Christian Theology, Baker Academics, Grand Rapids, MI, 1998.