|
 That
water baptism is a part of NT teaching cannot be denied. Christ
taught it. 'The apostles and other inspired men taught it and
sinners submitted to it. However, many (including those who
practice it) minimize the importance of baptism in claiming it
not essential to one's salvation. To them, it is an OPTIONAL
thing, to he received or rejected without eternal consequences
one way or the other. If they are right, then certain other
things must necessarily follow.
If
baptism is optional, then observing the teaching of Christ is
optional because lie teaches that "he that believcth and is
baptized shall be saved" (Mk. 16:16). If one could be saved
without doing what Jesus says about baptism, then what of the
faith required in the same verse? Remember, God says, "hear
ye him" (Matt. 17:5); and "to Him shall ye hearken in
all things" (Acts 3:22). However, if observing and abiding
in the teaching of Christ (2 Jn. 9) cannot be optional, then
neither can the baptism contained in His teaching.
Further,
Jesus plainly tells the apostles to "make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I commanded you..." (Matt. 28:19,20). His
instructions include teaching and baptism. Which is optional?
Also, note that tile apostles were to teach men to observe what
Christ commanded. The apostles taught baptism, therefore it was
among those things commanded by Christ. (comp. Acts 2:38; 10:48;
Rom. 6:3-ff; 1 Pet. 3:21; Gal. 3:27). If baptism is
optional, then keeping the
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commandments of Christ is
optional! Recall in Jn. 14:15 Jesus says, "If you love me,
ye will keep my commandments". Is it possible to show love
for Christ while regarding His commandments as optional and not
keeping His word (v.23)?
Again,
if baptism is optional, then obeying truth is optional. Jesus
promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into
all the truth (Jn. 16:13). What the apostles and other inspired
men set forth concerning baptism was a part of that gospel
truth. Among other things, this truth teaches that men put on
Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:27) and that newness of life begins at
baptism (Jn. 3:3-5; Rom. 6:4. THAT'S THE GOSPEL TRUTH! Can men
please God without newness of life and without putting on
Christ? — are these optional matters? To reject this truth is
to reject the God who gives it (1 Thss. 4:8) and Paul depicts
the fate of all who do not obey it (2 Thss. 1:8, 9).
Finally,
if it makes no difference whether one is baptized, then it makes
no difference whether one receives forgiveness of sins. Through
Peter, God shows that remission of sins follows repentance and
baptism (Acts 2:38). Acts 22:16 teaches that sins are washed
away in baptism. Christ himself shows that being saved
(forgiven) comes after faith expresses itself in baptism (Mk.
16:16). This is why God says that baptism saves as (1 Pet.
3:21). Nothing necessary to the salvation of man can be
optional. God, in many ways, says baptism is needful. Will you
receive it? Dan S. Shipley
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