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As we continue, and conclude with this article, our series of studies about things that the churches of Christ teach and practice, let us consider some things about baptism. The church of Christ teaches and practices the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins, and the necessity of baptism in order for one to go to heaven. Why do we do this? Again, as mentioned in other articles, we believe in doing Bible things in Bible ways. What does the Bible have to say about the matter of baptism? For space limitations we shall only mention at this point a number of passages that must be considered to get the whole picture: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 10:48; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:21.
Several things need to be noted from these passages. Baptism is a command of Jesus Christ (Matt.28:19). Baptism is connected to salvation (Mk.16:16; I Pet.3:21). Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). When the Ethiopian was taught “Jesus”, he desired to be baptized. It is obvious that one cannot teach Jesus without teaching baptism (Acts 8:26-39). Baptism is connected with the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16). Baptism is the means of getting into Christ (Rom.6:3; Gal.3:27). Note the phrase “baptized into Christ” as used in both of these verses. With such teaching from God’s own word, why would anyone not teach the necessity of baptism for salvation and entrance into heaven? Can one enjoy salvation and get to heaven without obeying the commands of Jesus? Can one enjoy salvation and get to heaven without being in Christ? Can one enjoy salvation and get to heaven without having his sins washed away? Not according to the above scriptures! Both Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27 tell us that we are baptized into Christ. That is the only way to get into Christ. While faith in Christ is an absolute essential (John 8:24), faith does not put one into Christ. While repentance is an absolute essential (Luke 13:3, 5), repentance will not put one into Christ. While one must confess with the mouth that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God (Rom.10:10; Matt.10:32; Acts 8:37), confession of faith will not put one into Christ. With each of these steps, one is headed in the right direction, but one cannot get into Christ without being baptized into Christ.
All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Redemption and the forgiveness of sins are spiritual blessings (Eph.1:7). Thus, if all spiritual blessings are in Christ, and if forgiveness of sins is a spiritual blessing, and if baptism puts one into Christ where all spiritual blessings are, including the forgiveness of sins, then how could one enjoy the forgiveness of sins without being baptized into Christ?
Furthermore, baptism, as taught in the scriptures, is a burial. Thus, the concepts of sprinkling a little water on someone, or pouring a little water on someone are not found within the word of God, but in the minds of men. Note again Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12.
But someone suggests that the phrase “for the remission of sins” in Acts 2:38 means, “because sins have already been forgiven. Read Matthew 26:28. Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins”. The phrase “for the remission of sins” in both Acts 2:38 and Matthew 26:28 are identical statements in both the original language and in the English language. Who would argue that Jesus shed His blood “because we have already been forgiven of sins”? Are we so bent on following the traditions of men and the doctrines of men that we are willing to ignore and argue against the plain and simple teachings of the New Testament? We are going to be judged by the word of God, not the teachings of men (John 12:48). Yes, the churches of Christ do believe, teach and practice baptism for the remission of sins and a necessity for entrance into heaven. Why? Because that is exactly what the Bible teaches. |
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