Sadly, the religious world finds itself in constant turmoil and disagreement regarding clear Bible teachings. It is as though there are “101 flavors” concerning God’s truth. As sadly, the subject of baptism is no different. Some religious groups immerse, others sprinkle. Some religious groups baptize because they have been saved, others baptize in order to be saved. Some baptize for the dead, others baptize babies, while still others baptize only believers. Given all the different “flavors” surrounding baptism, one is easily confused. Thankfully, God is not the author of religious confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)! Placing aside all of man’s ideas regarding baptism, let us consider God’s truth alone.
Firstly, God’s truth on baptism teaches that baptism involves submission. The Bible states that those who are baptized must first (1) hear the preaching of the Gospel (Mark 16:15), (2) believe the Gospel (Mark 16:16) and (3) repent (Acts 2:38). All of these involve submission. How can one hear God’s truth unless that one submits by truly listening (James 1:21)? Certainly, believing the Gospel involves submission of the mind, often humbly putting aside past thoughts, beliefs and feelings (Acts 13:46; 23:1; 26:9). Repentance is certainly a submissive act – willingly changing the mind, which leads to a changed lifestyle (Luke 15:17ff). Then obviously, the very act of baptism is a submissive act (Acts 2:41; 10:48; 22:16). God’s truth clearly shows that baptism involves submission.
Secondly, God’s truth on baptism teaches that baptism is only by submersion. The religious world is literally inundated with false teaching regarding the mode of baptism. Some sprinkle, others pour, and even further some immerse. Thankfully, again, God is not the author of such confusion! God’s truth is clear; Bible baptism is only by immersion. Paul declared that we are “Buried with him in baptism…” (Colossians 2:12a; cf. Romans 6:4). Recently, our little puppy got hit on the road and was killed. My precious family and I had the unpleasant task of burying our little, fury friend. What do you suppose we did? Did we sprinkle a little dirt on him and call it done? Did we pour some dirt on his lifeless body and walk away? No, we buried him, which means we completely submerged, covered and buried his dead body wholly in the dirt. To do anything else would have not been a burial! Likewise, to sprinkle, pour or anything else other than immerse, is to not baptize! God’s truth clearly shows that baptism is submersion!
Thirdly, God’s truth on baptism teaches that baptism is for salvation. Although many in the religious world teach that salvation comes before baptism, the Bible teaches the exact opposite! Salvation is not found in the so-called “sinner’s prayer” and salvation is not found in “receiving” Jesus into your heart, but rather salvation is found when one completely submits to God’s will and is baptized! In fact, without Bible baptism, a person cannot be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Without Bible baptism sins cannot be washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Without Bible baptism one cannot obey God’s commands (Acts 10:48). Without Bible baptism one cannot enter the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), nor can that one be reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:16). Without Bible baptism one cannot put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Although many teach contrariwise, God’s truth teaches that baptism is for salvation!
Although the world offers “101 flavors” regarding baptism, God’s truth still only offers one! We plead with each reader to examine honestly, rationally and scripturally the above regarding God’s truth on baptism. If what we have penned is true, obey it; if not, tell us why. “And now why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Please obey God’s truth!
