Weekly Words of Instruction

Baptism is certainly nothing to be taken lightly, so we call attention to this vital subject. First of all, baptism isn't a matter of opinion, it is commanded (Matthew 28:19). Next we learn that baptism must be done according to the name of the Lord, (or by his authority) meaning that baptism must be done as God would have it (Acts 10:48, Colossians 3:17). Baptism requires much water because it is described as a burial or immersion, and sprinkling or pouring water isn't Bible baptism (Mark 7:7, John 3:23, Matt. 3:6, 16, Acts 8:38, Acts 10:37, Romans 6:3-4).

If you want to be in Christ, you must be baptized as the Bible teaches, and Bible baptism puts a person into Christ (Galatians 3:27). A person must also be in the Lord's church in order to be saved from hell, and baptism is the final act which places a person inside the church (1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 5:23, Acts 2:47, John 10:9). Sin separates man from God, so it must be terminated, and that is the job of baptism (John 8:21, Isaiah 59:1-3). In Acts 2:38, we read that baptism is for the forgiveness (remission) of sins. Forgiveness is accomplished in baptism because baptism is the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16, Eph. 5:25-27, Hebrews 10:22, Romans 6:1-18).

If a person wants to be baptized, that person must be a willing candidate; meaning the person to be baptized must believe on Christ (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:37-41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:35-38, Acts 9:17-18, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 16:13-15, Acts 16:30-33). Therefore baptizing babies, and anyone who doesn't believe, is wrong. And last, but not least, baptism saves (1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16). This is because baptism is the final step that God has prescribed for man's walk toward salvation (Hebrews 5:9, 1 Peter 1:18-25).

Hope to hear from you or to see you at the services.