Christian Study - Biblical Baptism

Perhaps there is no more controversial subject in all the Bible than the teaching of the New Testament regarding baptism. While there are a number of issues that are often discussed, including method and proper candidates, the greatest confusion exists today over baptism's role in salvation; specifically, is baptism required before one is "saved". Many people believe that baptism is a post salvation activity and is not required to have one's sins removed. The premise of this article is to demonstrate without question that in order to come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ requires belief, repentance, confession and baptism. Then, and only then, is one saved.

A question is often raised concerning this subject: "What will God do with those that were baptized (believing they were already saved), without a recognition that it is intended for the remission of sins and the final step to becoming a Christian?" I don't know; that is God's decision. But I do know that they, perhaps in the greatest sincerity, did not obey the gospel the way every New Testament Christian was commanded! It is my responsibility to teach them correctly.

This article is broken up into several sections to allow for an organized review. These include:

1 - Key Considerations which are the bulk of the teaching.

2 - Synecdoche is a term that means the part represents the whole. This helps explain much of the confusion that exists when one looks at only a few specific passages on the subjects of faith or confession.

3 - Some reasons why baptism is essential to salvation

4 - Other considerations

5 - Some common objections

Key Considerations

There are a number of key considerations that can be quickly learned from just a view of the many passages that discuss the role of baptism. Man's greatest problem is being alienated from God because of sin. He needs to have his sins removed and be reunited with God through Christ's body the church. These considerations demonstrate that baptism is a necessary and a preceding part of that transformation

1. Baptism stands between the alien sinner and salvation from his sins. "And he said unto them, go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15,16.) Consider what "he" shall be saved? He that believes and is baptized! Compare this to "He that enrolls and makes B's shall graduate, he that does not enroll shall remain uneducated" or "He that eats and digests shall live, but he that does not eat shall starve." The alternative that is often taught to today is really, "He that believes and is not baptized shall be saved" or "is already saved". But this does not fit the passage. Compare this to "He that believes and is baptized shall receive $1000.00." More people would be baptized than any time in history if we should publicize this! Notice this is not a message telling Christians how to be saved, but a message to all men of all ages. If it was to those that were already children of God, why does he command them to believe? Children of God already believe! This is talking about alien sinners being saved from their past sins! The point is easy: 1+1 = 2, belief + baptism = salvation. 1+0 does not = 2!

2. Baptism stands between the alien sinner and the remission of his sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent ye and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38.) If this passage does not make baptism and repentance both essential to remission of sins, what could the apostle have said to signify that both were essential? Anyone that teaches you are saved before baptism or without baptism has to change Acts 2:38 to say something like this: "Repent for the remission of sins, and after you have received remission of sins, be baptized because you have received remission of sins."

There are a number of things to consider about Acts 2:38. The phrase "Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you...." tells us that it is for everybody. He was talking to a large audience. Notice that if repentance is for remission of sins, then baptism is also for remission of sins. What repentance is "for" baptism is "for." Some have said that baptism is performed "because of" remission of sins. The Greek word "eis" translated "for" is used here, as well as in Matt. 26:28. If this word should be translated "because of", consider the following translation of Matt. 26:28: " For this is the blood of the new testament, which is shed for many because of the remission of sins." That would teach that Christ died because sins were already remitted! No, Christ's blood had to be shed first and, repentance and baptism has to occur first! Can you find any reputable translation that translates Acts 2:38 with "because of"? Notice why "remission of sins" involves baptism: (1) We are baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3.), (2) We have remission in Christ. (Eph. 1:7.)In Acts 2:40 Peter said "Save yourselves". They had already believed, as evidenced by being pricked in the hearts and their question to him (vs.37), but they still had not repented and been baptized. 3. Baptism stands between the alien sinner and having his sin washed away. "And now why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16.)

This passage does not teach that water washes away sin! That is not what we are teaching. Rather, the blood of Christ washes away sin! But, when does it wash away sin? This is the issue! This passage of course, is Paul's recounting of his conversion. If Saul was saved on the road we would have to accept several conclusions: He was saved but miserable!, He did not know it!, Ananias did not know it!, Jesus did not know it! Jesus told him to go into the city and it would be told him what he must do! What else could "must do" refer to except baptism? Why? To "Wash away sins." (Acts 22:16.) So, he "Shall be saved." (Mark 16:16.) "For remission of sins." (Acts 2:38.) These are all the same and are all dependent on baptism.

Baptism stands between an alien sinner lost in the world of sin and being saved in the world of righteousness in Christ. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."(1 Peter 3:21.)

3. This passage is in reference to Noah and his salvation. Water stood between him and a lost and sinful world. That's how God saved him from the sinful world, through a separation by water. (Noah's greatest need was not be saved "from" water that could drown him, but from a sinful world that could destroy him. Therefore, he was saved by water!) In a similar way, a "type", God uses water baptism for our salvation. Moses was a type of Christ, Christ was the antitype. In the same way, (" a like figure") Noah's salvation involved water; so does ours. Notice that this does not say: "Baptism saves us figuratively" or that "baptism saves us in a figure"! The most important part of this verse is the phrase an "answer of a good conscience toward God." God is looking for submission. Naaman did not want to dip in the Jordan, but only after he submitted to God's command was he healed. People that refuse to be baptized for the remission of sins are the exact reason He has the command. They can not answer with a good conscience. Notice some other translations:

(A) "As an appeal to God for a clear conscience." Revised Standard Version.

(B) "The search of a clear conscience after God." Twentieth Century Translation.

(C) "The prayer for a clear conscience before God." James Moffatt Translation.

(D) "The craving for a conscience right with God." Edgar J. Goodspeed--Baptist!

(E) "The craving for a clear conscience toward God." Charles B. Williams--Baptist!

4. To emphasize that there is no physical washing going on through water baptism, we have the phrase "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh" . Physical cleansing is not the issue, but rather the answer of a good conscience. There is no inherent value in the water. Rather it is only something used in our obedience to God. Compare this with the following cases:

(1) Serpent on the pole -- Num. 21. Was it the bronze serpent or peoples obedience to God's command that saved them.

(2) Waters of Jordan -- 2 Kings 5. Was it the water in the Jordan river or Naaman's obedience to God's command that saved him?

(3) Waters of pool -- John 9. Was it the water in the pool or Jesus' power that healed him because of his obedience.

When we are baptized, we show total submission to God through obedience. This is the final step in accepting salvation.

5. Baptism stands between an alien sinner and his becoming a son of God in Christ. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Gal. 3:26,27.)" This passage does not say we are children of God: 1-By faith, 2-By faith alone, or 3-By faith out of Christ, BUT it says: "By faith in Christ Jesus."

INSIDE Christ Jesus is where salvation is found. Three questions: 1-How are we children of God? Answer: By faith--by the gospel, by faith in our hearts.(2 Cor. 5:7.) 2-Where are we children of God by the gospel? Answer: In Christ Jesus. Why are we children of God by the gospel in Christ Jesus?

Answer: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." A coat would be mine before putting it on. Christ is everyone's Savior. (John 3:16; Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:1,2.) But he is of no value to those who do not put him on in baptism! He will not save any except those who put him on and get into him by baptism .

6. Baptism stands between an alien sinner and his getting into Christ. "Know ye not that so many of us as have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into his death. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:3,4.)

This passage shows three very important things about baptism. First, by baptism we reach the state of being in Christ where the blood saves. Second, by baptism we reach the death of Christ or get into his death -- obviously meaning the benefits of his death. Third, newness of life follows baptism. For those that believe you are saved before baptism, consider the following questions: What kind of man do you bury in baptism? By saying they are saved before baptism then you must say that you do not bury a sinner at all! Therefore, you must bury either dead or live Christians. If you bury dead Christians, do you baptize them to make them alive? If you bury live Christians, you differ from Paul, who said in being buried in baptism we reach newness of life. In whatever sense, they are dead when he baptizes them, will Paul tell us they could go to heaven dead, and never be baptized at all? No, I bury dead sinners, those that are dead in sin! (Eph. 2:1.) I want them to reach the blood of Christ and therefore reach death to sin! Reaching death to sin in baptism is the same as being "then made free from sin" when you obey from the heart the form of doctrine in Romans 6:17,18.

7. Baptism stands between alien sinner and his belonging to, or being of Christ." Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1Cor. 1:12) In arguing that the Corinthians should not identify or belong to a mere man, Paul makes some points about what is required to wear the name of Christ. In reference to himself, Paul says that in order for them to belong to him he would have had: 1- to be crucified for them and 2 - they would have had to have been baptized in his name. The clear inference is that for one to belong to Christ he must have Christ die for him, (which has been done for everyone) and he must be baptized in the name of Christ. This is the requirement to belong to Christ.

8. Baptism stands between a man and his being in the one body, the church wherein Christ can save him. "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body, by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby ....For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." (Eph. 2:16; 5:23.)

This passage makes it clear that salvation is accomplished by the cross in one body. The body is the church. (Eph. 1:22,23.) The church is God's family. (1 Tim. 3:15.) Can one be saved out of God's family? How does one get into the body, the church? We are baptized into it! (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13.) Where does the blood save? Answer: In Christ! (Eph. 1:7.) There is only one way to get into Christ.

9. The Great Commission requires baptism prior to observing the commands for disciples. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway; even unto the end of the world." (Matt. 28:19,20.)

1. No other act of obedience is said to be done in the name of all three of the Godhead!

2. One cannot observe any of the all things of this text until after he has been baptized!

3. Can one go to heaven without observing these things?

4. Is there any assurance that Christ will be with those who do not observe the all things of this commandment?

10. Baptism is a part of preaching Christ.

Preaching Christ includes preaching Christ's commands; preaching Christ therefore includes preaching baptism, and this is seen clearly in the case of Eunuch of Acts Chapter 8. "SYNECDOCHE" Synecdoche describes a term when reference to a part represents the whole. For example, if you are charging six dollars "a head" you do not mean that only "heads" are allowed in; the rest of the body is included. This term goes a long way in explaining the confusion that exists concerning baptism. Many read such passages as John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life..." and conclude that belief is the only requirement for salvation. But, as we shall see, this and many other passages can only be synecdoche's, parts representing the whole.

Here are some examples of where one condition of salvation is mentioned, but it must be inclusive of all the requirements:

1. Hear - Isaiah 55:3 "...Hear and your soul shall live..."; John 5:25 "...those who hear will live". Do we conclude because of these verses that one does not even have to believe? No, all the requirements of salvation are implied.

2. Faith - Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith..." Do we conclude that we are saved by faith only. No, all the requirements of salvation are implied. The only place in the New Testament where the term faith only is used is in James 2:24 and there it says we are not justified by faith only.

3. Repentance - Luke 13:3 "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish"; Acts 11:18 "...repentance to life"; 2 Peter 3:9 " ...not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." This teaches that if one repents he will not perish. But of course it means he will not perish provided he meets the other requirements.

4. Confession - 1 John 4:2 "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God"; 1 John 2:23 "...he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also". This likewise means, provided the individual meets all other conditions.

5. Baptism - 1 Peter 3:21 "...baptism does also now save us.." If I were to insist that it is by baptism only, I would fall into the same error as those that propose salvation before baptism! Because the Bible says faith or repentance or baptism saves us, it does not mean that anyone of them is complete without the other acts of obedience.

Each of these are synecdoches!

SOME PLAIN REASONS WHY BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL

1. Salvation is in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:11-12.) We are baptized into His name. (Matt. 28:19.) Therefore, baptism is essential to salvation.

2. Salvation is in the body of church. (Ephesians 5:23.) We are baptized into the body. (1 Cor. 12:13.) Therefore, baptism is essential to salvation in the one body.

3. Christ shed his blood in his death. (John 19:34.) We are baptized into his death. (Rom. 6:3.) Therefore, baptism is essential to reaching blood of Jesus Christ!

4. Forgiveness of sins is in Christ. (Eph. 1:7.) We are baptized into Christ. (Gal. 3:27.) Therefore, baptism essential to forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38.)

5. Redemption is in Christ. (Col. 1:14.) We are baptized into Christ. (Gal. 3:27). Therefore, baptism is essential to being redeemed in Christ.

6. Grace is in Christ. (2 Tim. 2:1.) We are baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3.)

Therefore, baptism is essential to grace that saves!

Examples of Faith Comprehending Obedience And This Obedience Includes Baptism

Too:

1. John 3:36 American Standard Version, "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life, but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life."

2. "And all that believed were together and had all things common." (Acts 2:44.) What had these believers done?

3. Believers were added. But WHAT KIND? "And believers were the more added to the Lord." (Acts 5:14.) But in Acts 2:41 the baptized believers were added to the Lord. Hence the believers of Acts 5:14 that were added to the Lord were baptized believers.

4. "Did you receive the Holy Spirit since you believed? Unto what then were you baptized?" (Acts 19:2.) This shows what Paul included in the expression "believe."

5. "Crispus believed on the Lord with all his house. And many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8.) Crispus was baptized too. (1 Cor. 1:14.)

6. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel." (Rom. 10:16.) Then Paul says that Isaiah predicted the same thing that he had just stated when he said, "Lord, who hath believed our report?" Hence obeying the gospel, and believing our report are synonymous! (1Peter 2:7; Cf. 1 Peter 1:22, etc.)

7. Disobedient are called unbelievers. This means one must be obedient to be a believer in the saving sense. (Heb. 3:18.19; 1 Peter 2:7; 1 Peter 1:22.)

Other Considerations

Opponents of baptism as a requirement for salvation says that it is "by faith without baptism". However, every passage where baptism and salvation are mentioned together, baptism is first, and salvation follows. Here they are: (1) "John did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1:4.) (2) "And he came into all the country about Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Luke 3:3.) (3) "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16.) (4) "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission o~ sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38.) (5) "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16.) (6) "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21.)

2. Some will argue that God will not prevent salvation on a technicality. But, if it be contended that God would not let a little thing like baptism stand between a responsible person and salvation, there are two things to consider. First, who is anyone to sit in judgment about what God would or should do? What about the millions upon millions of Jews, Mohammedans, Shintoists, Buddhists, etc.? Will God let a little thing like believing in Jesus stand between them and salvation?

3. Opponents of baptism for the remission of sins, state that one is saved at the moment of faith. But, if one is saved at the moment of faith, then we are saved:

(1) Before becoming a child of God. (John 1:12.)

(2) Before turning to God. (Acts 11:21.)

(3) Before confessing Christ. (John 12:42.)

(4) Before calling on the name of the Lord. (Romans 10:13,14.)

(5) Before repenting. (Acts 2:38.)

(6) Before becoming a member of the ONE body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:13.)

(7) Before getting into Christ. (Gal. 3:27.)

(8) Before reaching the blood. (Eph. 1:7; Gal. 3:27.)

(9) Before being reconciled to God in one body. (Eph. 2:16; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor.

12:13; Romans 6:3.)

Common Objections

CORNELIUS

Frequently it is pointed out that Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized and, therefore, it is alleged that he was saved before he was baptized. It must be recognized that Cornelius was the first Gentile Christian and that this was such a remarkable event to the church at that time that it took a vision for Peter, a direct sending of him to Cornelius, angelic answers to Cornelius' prayer, and Peter was still questioned by Jerusalem Christians as to why he had taught a Gentile. This was indeed a major and unique turning point for the church! If it was granted that Cornelius was saved before baptism, and I do not grant this, it could still be considered a one time aberration based on all the other evidence that baptism is required. However, it does not necessarily follow that Cornelius was saved just because he had received the spirit. For example, Saul while seeking to kill David had the Spirit of God upon him, and did what Cornelius did-spoke by that Spirit. (1 Sam. 19:21-23.) Balaam's donkey spoke by the same Spirit by which Cornelius spoke. (Numbers 22.) Would you conclude that Balaam's donkey was saved!? Caiaphas (who was appointed by the Romans in A.D. 27 and served till about A.D. 36 or 37 as high priest), prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation. God used the mouth of this unregenerate man to speak a message. (John 11:49-52.) He was in on the persecution of the church. (Acts 4.) Because he spoke with the spirit of God did that make him saved? In addition, it could be demonstrated that Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he heard the full gospel. Cornelius was to hear words whereby he could be saved. He had not heard these words when the Spirit came upon him. Could you say that the short amount that Peter said in Acts 10 was sufficient for Cornelius to have faith? Peter said,(Acts 11:15.) "As I began to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them." Therefore, if he was saved before Holy Ghost fell on him, he was saved before faith, because faith comes before hearing (Rom. 10:17.) Where is his confession? No, Peter continued to preach to the household including the full plan of salvation and when they were baptized, they like the Eunuch of Acts 8, could go on their way rejoicing. Any other explanation has the Bible arguing with itself. Obviously the case of Cornelius was exceptional because it was used to demonstrate that Gentiles were to hear Gospel too! This case was designed to convince Jews of this--six Jewish brethren were with Peter.

"FOR CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE" (1 Cor. 1:17)

Often reference is made to this passage as evidence that baptism is not required for salvation. However, this text does not say: "Christ sent me not to preach baptism." Those that refer to this passage seem to think that is what it says. The context needs to be clearly understood. The Corinthians were engaging in divisions based on an individual preference for certain leaders, presumably Paul, Peter and Apollos. One of the ways that preferences were selected was based on who facilitated or administered their baptism. (1Cor 1:14,16.) Paul was thankful that he had not been the one actually baptizing many of them, less that would contribute to a further reason to declare allegiance to him rather than Christ. This issue has nothing to do with Paul's message about baptism and its' necessity for salvation! Think about Paul's record on baptism. Paul was baptized to wash away his sins. (Acts 22:16.) Lydia heard Paul preach and then she was baptized--"if you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord..." (Acts 16:14,15.) Paul taught the jailer, and then he was baptized! (Acts 16:33.) Paul preached to the Corinthians (the very ones addressed in 1 Corinthians 1:17) and they were baptized. (Acts 18:8.) Paul baptized Crispus! (1 Cor. 1:14.) By whose authority did he do it? Paul baptized Gaius! (1 Cor. 1:14.) By whose authority? Paul baptized household of Stephanus'. (1 Cor. 1:16.) By whose Authority? Some baptized with John's baptism (after it became invalid) were baptized again after hearing Paul. (Acts 19:1-5.) Paul said he and others were baptized into Christ and in baptism put on Christ. (Gal. 3:27.) Paul said he and others were baptized into the death of Christ. (Rom. 6:3.) Paul said we are buried and raised in baptism and that from baptism we rise to walk in newness of life! (Rom. 6:4.) Paul taught the Corinthians in the same letter all are baptized into one body, which is the church. (1 Cor. 12:13.) Consider the following questions: Paul did baptize! By whose authority did he baptize? Do you baptize? Do you suppose Paul went out telling people they did not have to be baptized? If baptism was not in Paul's commission, by whose authority did he baptize? Where did he get authority to baptize people into Christ? Other apostles were told to baptize those who believed what they preached! If baptism not in Paul's commission, he must have preached a gospel different to what the other apostles preached! If the other apostles preached a different gospel, they will be cursed! (Gal. 1:6-8.)

There must be something wrong with any interpretation of 1 Corinthians 1:17 that limits the validity of baptism. Just preaching within itself does not embrace baptizing. One could preach the gospel faithfully and not have to baptize as long as someone else could do it for him. But one cannot preach the gospel without telling people to be baptized! For example, the Eunuch in Acts 8. Phillip "preached Christ" and the Eunuch wanted to be baptized.  Then he went on his way rejoicing. So, preaching the gospel does involve preaching baptism! Actually, Paul argued baptism is essential to belonging to Christ right in the text! He showed this by showing that one should not say he belonged to Paul unless that person had been baptized in Paul's name. It follows that one does not belong to Christ unless One has been baptized in Christ's name (by his authority).

THE THIEF ON THE CROSS AND OTHER CASES

A number of New Testament cases are often referenced where salvation was obviously given with the possible absence of baptism. (I say possible because John could have baptized them all) These cases include: Thief (Luke23.), Palsied man. (Mark 2.), Woman. (Luke 7:48.), Sinner. (Luke 18.) Consider some key facts about these cases:

1. They all lived during the Jewish dispensation--we do not!

2. They all lived before the testament of Jesus was in force. (Heb. 9:16,17.)

3. They lived before Christ commanded baptism or made baptism a part of plan of salvation.

4. They lived before Jesus died for the sins of the world-- and he could save them as he pleased, because it was before the death of the testator!

5. These cases were before Jesus became author of eternal salvation. (Heb. 5:7-9.)

6. These cases all before Christ received all power in heaven and on earth. (Matt. 28:18.) Suppose someone refused to pay his or her income taxes because it once was not required. There was a time when there was no income tax law. Is that a satisfactory reason do not pay taxes. We must not refuse to be baptized just because there was once a time when there was no law to be baptized! Some have argued that because Christ died before the thief, (a true statement) that he died under the new covenant without being baptized.

However, the new covenant had not been revealed and would not be until Christ's resurrection, ascension and the day of Pentecost. There had to be the "opening" of the will, the last testament of Jesus Christ. In addition, Christ had the power to forgive sins while he was on earth. He can forgive anyway he wants to forgive. His last will and testament says it is through obedience to the gospel including baptism (Acts 2:38). Finally, if you want to be saved like the thief, then you would need to be on a cross beside Jesus when he was dying. Why not be saved like the Rich Young Ruler and go and sell all that you have. Jesus' words were specific to him, just as they were for the thief!

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