Baptism Much has been said and debated about baptism over the 2000 year history of the church. In our initial conversation here, we will simply point out a few facts as presented in scripture.
In our last posting, we mentioned this scripture from Matthew.
Mat. 28:19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Just prior to Jesus’ ascension into heaven following his death and resurrection, He gave us the command in Mat. 28:19 to take the Gospel Truth to all nations (the Great Commission); this involves baptism. Christ left no doubt that baptism was to be a part of making disciples.
Some debate occurs around whether baptism is essential to salvation. In this blog we have worked to clarify that it is through our faith and acceptance in Christ as Lord that we are saved. However, when people who have accepted Christ as Lord ask, “Should I be baptized?” I like to refer them to a question that is useful for examining such questions – “What did Jesus do?” Whenever a question is raised about Christian life and practices, the best source we have for answers is in the life and teachings of Jesus.
Matt 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
The answer is simple, Jesus was baptized. This was done by John the Baptist. The significance of John’s baptism was different. It focused on repentance from sin, in preparation for Christ. Our baptism is a public confession of our sin, however it is combined with obedience in giving ourselves to Christ to walk in newness of life, as the Gospel instructs us.
As a new believer, you should have no reluctance to obey Christ in baptism in your local church. Truthfully, it is a remarkable experience for a new believer.
Next time, we will continue with a few more scriptures related to baptism.
Blessings and thanks,
Larry | 
