In our last blog, we saw the importance of being in Christ. To be in Christ, is to be a part of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that involved all nations of the earth being blessed in Abraham’s offspring. The blessedness had to do with being justified by God, the result of which meant becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and enjoying a renewed fellowship with God (1 John 1:7).
The question is, how does one get into Christ? Paul tells us in Galatians 3.
Galatians 3:27 (ESV)
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Whatever blessings that are to be found in Christ, the Bible clearly teaches us that baptism puts us there, and Galatians 3:27 is not the only passage that teaches such.
Romans 6:3 (ESV)
3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Baptism has become a controversial subject, not because the Bible is not clear about its place in God’s plan of salvation, but because many allow sources other than the Bible to determine for them whether baptism is necessary or not. If one just will listen only to the Bible, he will come to a clear understanding of the essentiality of baptism. The Bible speaks plainly on the subject.
Mark 16:16 (ESV)
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:47-48 (ESV)
47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Acts 22:16 (ESV)
16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.
1 Peter 3:21 (ESV)
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Baptism is necessary for salvation. There are wonderful blessings to be enjoyed in Christ, including a state of “no condemnation” (Romans 8:1). To receive them, however, you must be baptized. Don’t let anyone talk you out of being baptized. Your soul hangs in the balance.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things