WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

I suppose that all Bible readers will agree that we “ are saved by grace, through faith.” This is a fact beyond dispute. Yet we must ask, how is it through faith, and how much faith must it be, and at what point of our faith is it?

It surely can not be by a dead faith. Surely James was not in contradiction of Paul when he said, “faith if it has no works is dead”.  Jas.2:17

The question then is not are we saved through faith but rather, what is the quality of the faith through which we are saved! On the first Pentecost day after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter told those who cried out “What shall we do?” to “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 2:38)

Forgiveness of sins is an action that takes place in the mind of God and does not occur because we feel forgiven, or think we are forgiven, or because we have prayed to be forgiven. It takes place in Gods’ mind and on his terms, not ours.

According to scripture, faith through which we are saved is complete trust and submission to the will of God, accepting all that he says, as we learn, doing all that he requires.

Baptism is said to be“ for the forgiveness of sins.” As this is the test God has chosen for our supposed faith. Those who would refuse or balk or procrastinate, once they know to do so, are only demonstrating that the faith they profess is not the faith the scripture commends. If they are not forgiven it will not be because they are not baptized, but it will be due to the lack of faith that questions Gods’ appointments and ways.

Notice in Acts 2:38 that repentance and baptism are both for the same thing, i.e. “the forgiveness of sins.” Please notice the way the interchangeable usage of the words “faith” and “obedience” are interwoven in Hebrews chapters 3&4, where it is said that the disobedience and lack of faith among the Israelites were one and the same thing.

Baptism also puts us into a relationship with Jesus Christ as is so pointedly stated in Gal.3:27 “as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.”

It is further stated that it is when we are raised in baptism that a new life begins. (Rom.6:4)

There are many other wonderful and awesome things that happen to us and for us when we submit to biblical baptism but for now please concentrate on these;

1. Forgiveness of sins—Acts 2:38

2. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—Acts 2:38

3. It puts us into Christ, where we put Him on—Gal.3:27

4. As we are raised a new life begins—Rom.6:4

These are reasons enough for not delaying, if you say you have faith. James says “Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18

May God help you to make a decision today to exercise your faith in Him by your obedience to Him!

Someone invariably asks,“ What about the thief on the cross, he wasn’t baptized?

I ask you, how do you know that he wasn’t? Where does scripture say he never was baptized?

I personally don’t know whether he was or not and it really is beside the point as far as we are concerned. Jesus is God. God can do whatever God wants to do. This is one of the perks that go with being God. You, however who ask that question I assume, are not a thief, neither are you on a cross, and God is not nailed to a cross there next to you!

I leave that thief to a merciful, loving God, as I do all others who may not know, or may never have had an opportunity to hear, believe and obey. There is a vast difference in knowing the will of God and not obeying and in never knowing at all!

The whys of baptism are too compelling to ignore. Just do it! If I can help, let me know.
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