Baptism Study

Do we believe what the Word of God teaches? Most of us would answer in the affirmative, with a hardy, “Yes.” For many, the New Testament subject of baptism has caused the most study and misunderstanding. The proposition “Is baptism necessary in order to be saved?” has been debated many times over the years. Denominational creeds have been very conflicting on this biblical subject. Throughout the centuries, denominations have added or changed what they believe concerning the doctrine of baptism. Is the problem with the Word of God or is it with man?

Let me suggest that we allow the Bible to answer the question, “Is baptism necessary?” Or, we could rephrase by asking, “Is baptism part of God’s plan of salvation for sinful man?”

  1. What Does the New Testament Say About Baptism?
  2. It provides remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
  3. It puts one into Christ (Romans 6: 3).
  4. It puts one into the church (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23).
  5. It provides one with a mediator between himself and God (1 Timothy 2: 5).
  6. It provides spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1: 3).
  7. It buries one with Christ (Romans 6:4).
  8. It destroys the old man of sin (Romans 6: 6).
  9. It is the avenue by which we have access to a new life (Romans 6:4).
  10. It makes one alive unto God (Romans 6:11).
  11. It makes one a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8: 17).
  12. It makes one a child of God (Galatians 3:26).
  13. It allows one to put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
  14. It makes all who obey the Gospel one in Christ (Galatians 3: 28).
  15. It makes one a seed of Abraham (Galatians 3: 29).
  16. It makes one an heir according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).
  17. It is an operation of God (Colossians 2:12).
  18. It makes one dead with Christ (Colossians 2: 20).
  19. It causes one to rejoice (Acts 8:39).
  20. It is the process (in part) by which one calls on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16).
  21. It puts one in contact with the redeeming blood of Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

Hopefully, you have taken the time to search the Scriptures in our brief study of baptism. Is it not time to lay aside our preconceived ideas concerning this important biblical subject?

NOTE: Daniel Coe, evangelist for the Trail Creek church of Christ, Shawnee, Kansas, furnished the twenty summary remarks concerning our study of baptism. See: https://trailcreekcoc.us/index.html

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