Understanding Your Religion

Both are necessary in the salvation process. One cannot truly believe and not demonstrate that belief by action on our part. If one goes through the process of baptism, yet does not believe, then the baptism is worthless. Note that in Mark 16:16, this is emphasized by the second part of this verse, "but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Without the interaction between belief and baptism, one remains lost.

To distinguish Jesus' baptism from others

Baptism was practiced by many different religious groups, both those obeying Jehovah God as well as pagan religions. Water baptism represented a cleansing process as well as an initiation rite. A way was needed by Paul and the other New Testament writers to show how baptism into Christ was different than these other types of baptisms. This was done by the various teachings of the apostles including Paul (Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:3-5).

Note that baptism with the Holy Spirit was not done to put one into Christ. The Holy Spirit was given by God to the one who was baptized in water (Acts 2:38).

To establish its importance

When baptism is mentioned in the New Testament it is always associated with salvation. It is not the only element of our salvation that is important, but it is the culmination of the elements God requires of us to demonstrate our faith. Please note, we are not earning nor are we ever deserving of salvation, God grants it to us by His grace. Our response to that grace is to obey as demonstrated by our belief, repentance, baptism and faithfulness. Baptism is a form of shorthand expressing that all of these have occurred.

When one is baptized, he or she is expressing faith in Christ as the Son of God and as God promised, receives salvation and its associated blessings, including forgiveness of our sins and the inward possession of the Holy Spirit.

Disciples – Matthew 28:18-20 – When one is baptized, one becomes a disciple, or, as a believer, one should also desire to be baptized.

Obedience – Mark 16:16 – Baptism is an act of obedience to God's will.

New Birth – John 3:5 – It is a symbolic rebirth. One has died and is now reborn with a new life.

Forgiveness – Acts 2:38a – Forgiveness is granted through our baptism.

Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38b – In addition to forgiveness of our sins, God's Spirit dwells in us.

Added to the Church – Acts 2:41 – Upon baptism, we are now citizens in God's earthly Kingdom, the Church, the Body of Christ, a community of believers.

Burial and Resurrection – Romans 6:3 – Baptism is a symbolic form of burial and resurrection.

Adoption – Galatians 3:26 – We are now adopted members of God's family and full heirs to the associated blessings.

Clothed with Christ – Galatians 3:27 – We put on Christ in a symbolic way of covering ourselves with Him. The benefit is that when God sees us as His faithful children, He sees Christ.

Clear Conscience – I Peter 3:20-22 – Our past sins are forgiven through the sacrifice of Christ. Our future sins are forgiven as we strive to remain faithful and continually repent of our sins (See also I John 1:5-10).

Baptism is an essential response to God's requirement that we demonstrate our faith. It is only the beginning of our relationship with Him. We must also remain faithful. Baptism is the only element of salvation that is required once. We continue to express our belief in Jesus as the Son of God. We continue to commit to living by the teachings of Jesus (repentance and faithfulness). All of these elements are contained within the statement by Jesus in Matthew 28:20, "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…"