"Questions on Baptism"This article is in response to a visitor who had serious questions on baptism. Hello _______, Regarding your questions on baptism: I believe baptism is a part of God's plan for the Believer's life. I do not believe it is the action that brings a person into salvation, but I do believe it is the will of Jesus. Most every event recorded in the bible where people were saved tells of their baptism, as in Acts 10:47: “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” Jesus, in Mark 16:15-16, when sending the disciples out, made the following statement: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." There are many such verses in the Bible that associate the act of baptism with God's plan of Salvation; so I believe it is very important. I do not believe baptism is absolutely essential for salvation. For instance, if someone is saved on their deathbed, or on a battlefield, or in any other situation wherein there is no opportunity to be baptized, then I am convinced they will go to Heaven. Also young children who die go to heaven, often without baptism. And there is the thief who was crucified on a cross next to Jesus: "Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Can we doubt that this man is in Heaven? But if we are to live a life for Christ we need to stand for Him and to do so in a way that lets others know that we have made a total commitment to Christ, and one of those ways is through baptism. We are told to come out publicly and to be proud of becoming a Child of God. It is even a part of our salvation: "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Rom 10:9-10)
Much more can be said concerning baptism, but to generalize, baptism, (the act of being placed under the water, and being raised up) represents our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ). This is something commanded by Christ that I believe every new Christian should do. (It's never too late. Even if you have been saved for a long time you can still be baptized) Baptism is an act of obedience to the Holy Scriptures, an indication of your salvation, a sign to all that you are at one with Christ. Blessings ________, I hope this answers your questions on baptism. Please stay in touch. Jesus loves you, Samuel Mills
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