The Baptism of Jesus “If baptism is essential for salvation, why were such men as David, Moses, Abraham, and Solomon not baptized? And, why was Jesus baptized?” Questions like these help us to think through the Bible’s teaching baptism and are good for us to consider. Let’s examine this question and see what God’s answer is. Abraham, Moses, David, and Solomon all lived and died under the Old Law. Under the Old Law there is no command to be baptized. To live faithful to the Law of Moses, men had to keep its statues and ordinances as found in the Books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These men did not even know what baptism was and therefore they would not have needed to be baptized. However, when Jesus died the Old Law was nailed to the cross and the law of Christ (including His command to be baptized) went into effect (Col. 2:14-15; Eph. 2:14-15). Concerning the baptism of Jesus, the Bible tells us Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 13:15). The Bible teaches that baptism is performed as both a command of God and for the washing away of sins (Acts 10:48; Acts 2:38). Since Jesus had no sin (Heb. 4:15) He was baptized to obey the commands of God. Simply put, Jesus was baptized because God commanded it. However, one cannot read the Bible and say that Baptism is only an outward sign that you are already saved. The Bible never says such. In fact, the Bible says the exact opposite. Notice these passages that teach baptism is essential to salvation. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mk. 16:16). “Repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the Lord’s name” (Acts 22:16). Of all the passages in the New Testament that teach baptism is essential, 1 Peter 3:21 is one of the clearest. Notice Peter’s words, “…baptism does now also save us…”. If God wanted to make it any plainer that baptism is essential to salvation, how could He? Dear friend, the problem is not with the Bible’s teaching on the subject of baptism. The Bible clearly teaches baptism is essential to one’s salvation. This does not mean we earn or merit our salvation. It is still by God’s grace we are saved (Eph. 2:8). However, it is a prerequisite God has given to us just like belief and repentance (Jn. 8:24; Luke 13:3). The problem with baptism may be our own bias and prejudice to what the Bible teaches. May God help each of us to put aside our bias and obey His will.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:49:29 +0000
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