In order to arrive at truth on any subject, we must bring an open mind to the examination of the Word of God. We must determine that the Bible will be allowed to settle all questions. It and it alone will be the final source of authority in all matters of faith and practice (Romans 4:3; Galatians 4:30; 2 Timothy 3:l6-17; 2 Peter 1:3). This approach to the sacred oracles rules out any appeal to creed books or any appeal to loyalty to ancestors over and above the Bible (1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-9). Come to the Word and study for yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11).
We learn from Hebrews 11:6 that it is impossible for a man to come to God without faith. Paul taught in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Paul told the Ephesians, “The sword of the Spirit is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). We learn some of the power of that word in Hebrews 4:12 and Romans 1:16. The Word of God, then, is the instrument by which the Holy Spirit operates on the spiritual heart of man (whether alien or Christian).
God appointed faith to change the spiritual heart of man through teaching (Romans 10:17), then repentance to change the life (Matthew 21:28-31; 3:8), confession of faith in Christ as a declaration of change in allegiance (Matthew 10:32-33) and baptism into Christ to change one’s state or relationship (Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-27). Baptism does not change one’s heart. It does not change one’s life. It does not make an impenitent man a penitent man. Both faith and repentance must precede baptism (Acts 2:38). Some of our own brethren need to realize this.
I call your attention to 1 Peter 3:21, which reads, “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.” Notice that by the obedience of faith in immersion one is able to obtain a clear conscience before God. In scriptural baptism, one is able to change the conscience. What does this mean in reality? It means that one who has not been scripturally baptized cannot in reality have a clear conscience before God.
Now there are men who are like Saul was before he obeyed the Gospel in Acts 22:16. They believe they are safe. Their consciences are clear, but they are deceived (Acts 23:1). Sin causes a guilty conscience. Remission of sins is the only means of obtaining a good one in the right way. Gospel obedience with l Peter 3:21 completing the picture shows how this is done today. Romans 6:3-4 with Revelation l:5 show us that it is actually the blood of Christ that saves, that cleanses us from our sins, but it is when a penitent believer who has confessed his faith in his Lord is baptized into Christ that he reaches the benefits of that cleansing blood of the Redeemer.
Peter, the same writer, said in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins.” Again, I want us to see that sin is the cause of a guilty conscience and that scriptural baptism is the final act that puts the obedient believer into possession of the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). This promise of remission of sins through the power of the blood of Christ gives to the obedient believer a clear conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21). Please do not miss the point that obedience in immersion is the medium through which this blessing is obtained and enjoyed. My friends, Hebrews 10:22 teaches exactly the same thing (John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26-27).
