Baptism is a much debated subject in the religious world. The necessity and place of baptism in being saved is discussed. Some claim baptism is not essential, only optional, while others affirm baptism is indeed essential and not optional.
J.W. Shepherd, in responding to why he wrote his book “Handbook On Baptism” wrote “WHY should another book be written on the subject of baptism? Why should any one preach about it, or discuss it, ever again? Why not, as do many, ignore the questions arising out of it in our writing and preaching, and say, as do they, that the subject has been worn threadbare, that it is a matter of comparatively little importance, that more harm is done by discussing it than good, and that therefore it ought to be left alone? I reply: the questions concerning baptism are living, practical issues, which must be considered by every human being who intelligently endeavors to follow Christ. Men may talk as they will, but the facts remain. The duty to be baptized confronts every man who reads the Bible. He meets the subject near the beginning of Matthew, and it comes up again and again in many places – in commands, examples, exhortations, and in many incidental ways, as he goes on through the four Gospels, the Acts, and the Epistles; and the last book (Revelation) with tremendous power enforces the necessity of keeping the commandments.”
Consider with me this morning the following as we discuss in the sermon “Why Be Baptized”:
Because God says baptism saves us from eternal destruction.
Verses: ______Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16
Because God says faith in Jesus is not enough.
Verses: John 3:16, John 12:42-43, compare Matt. 10:32; James 2:24 .
Because God shows us that sincerity and prayer are not enough.
Verses: Paul sees Jesus (Acts 9:5) prays (Acts 9:11) sorrowful (Acts 9:9) “what he MUST do” (Acts 9:6, see Acts 22:16).
Because baptism is the natural response of a honest heart who has heard Jesus preached.
Verses: Acts 8:35-39 .
Because baptism is found consistently in the Biblical cases of conversion.
Verses: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Acts 36-38, Acts 9, Acts 10, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:30-34, Acts 18:8
Because of the obvious urgency associated with baptism.
Verses: Acts 2:40-41, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 16:33
Clearly the Bible presents many reasons for the person lost in sin to be baptized. If a person has not been baptized in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) they are lost. To delay is dangerous and that person will face eternal destruction after death.
This article has taught what the Bible says in regard specifically to baptism. But please understand, God’s plan of salvation, fully defined according to the Bible is Hearing the Gospel (Luke 11:28), Believing that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), Repenting of a life of sin (Luke 13:3), Confessing Jesus (Matthew 10:32), and being Baptized for the forgiveness of sin (Mark 16:16).
–Jerry D. Sturgill
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