Is Baptism In Order To?

The world of Christendom is much divided over why a person should be baptized or if one should be baptized at all. Some sprinkle babies while calling it “baptism,” which the New Testament proves it is not, but this article is not dealing with that area. Others immerse, which the New Testament clearly reveals is baptism, but do it for a number of reasons. It is the purpose of this article to study and reach a conclusion based upon the teaching of the New Testament.

First, let us deal with the statement made by Jesus to the apostles. Jesus said: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). At least three things may be learned about baptism in Jesus’ statement. First, believing, faith in the gospel, is necessary before one is a proper subject to be baptized. The required faith comes from and is produced by the gospel of Christ. Paul wrote: “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, babies are not subject to baptism as taught by Jesus and his apostles, as they do not have the ability to believe. Second, baptism stands before and between the one who believes the gospel and being saved. Therefore, the words of Jesus clearly reveal that baptism is before being saved. Third, the statement of Jesus proves to the one who believes that baptism is necessary to being saved. Therefore, the words of Jesus do not teach “baptismal regeneration;” meaning baptism by itself saves, but that it comes before being saved.

Second, let us deal with the question: “Does baptism look forward or backward?” The words of the inspired Peter need to be heard here: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Here, it is the word “for” that has our interest. The Greek word translated “for” is “eis,” and means: “with a view to” (Young’s, p. 362); and “into, to, towards, for, among” (Thayer, p. 183). Now, does this word look forward or backward? It must be of interest to those who believe the word of God that the same Greek phrase appears in Matthew 26:28 as it does in Acts 2:38. These two phrases are here given so the reader is able see it: Acts 2:38, “eis aphesin amartion” and Matthew 26:28, “eis aphesin amartion.” The reason for doing this is that the phrase in Matthew appears in the context of Jesus speaking of his blood: “which is shed for (eis) the remission of sins.” Now, was the blood of Jesus shed looking forward or backward? Was Jesus’ blood shed because our sins had already been forgiven or in order that they could be forgiven? If our sins had already been forgiven, then why was Jesus’ blood shed? Clearly, Jesus’ blood was shed looking forward to our sins being forgiven! Therefore, Peter said that repenting and being baptized is in order to have our sins forgiven.

The same apostle wrote: “The like figure (Noah being “saved by water,” v. 20) 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 Pet. 3:21). In the likeness of Jesus being buried and resurrected, so those who are saved have been buried in water and resurrected out of the water; in order to have their sins forgiven. One goes into the water, in baptism, separated from God because of sin, but comes out of the water having fellowship with God, his sin having been forgiven.

As Paul wrote, in another figure, one is “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:7). “Therefore if any man be in Christ (by being baptized into Christ, frw), he is a new creature: …” (2 Cor. 5:17). Baptism is in order to, with a view to, having sins forgiven. It looks forward and not backward.

Frank R. Williams

SUNDAY SERMONS

Morning

“The Work & Role of Elders”

Evening

“Studies in Philippians”

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

(1 Timothy 3:1-7)

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.  Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”