6 more SIMPLE OBJECTION #2; What happens when you’re under the water at baptism?

The Objection goes like this: “What’s in the Water?” They mostly ask this in a mocking tone as if we believe in ‘magic water.’ This seldom is asked seeking an answer. Let’s answer this question without the mockery in which it is asked.

WATER has been in God’s word for a long time. Noah was saved by Water. Peter says in his 1^st letter, “eight souls were saved by water.” [3:20]. He uses that example to explain that Water Baptism saves us. “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:” [21]

At another place, Naaman was told to dip (be baptized) in water to rid himself leprosy. [2King 5:9-14] According to the Holy Spirit through Paul, Moses & Israel were baptized by the waters of the Red sea; “And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;” [1Cor 10:2] These are just 3 examples of many. People that reject water baptism are rejecting God’s use of water throughout scripture.

ACTIVE FAITH is in the water. Submission to God’s commands is in the water. Paul said, “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:” [Acts 26:19] What did Paul (then called Saul) obey? He was BAPTIZED. [Acts 22:16] James chapter 2 clearly shows that faith is active & obedient.

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” [2:24]

TRUSTING faith is in the Water. We trust that God cleanses us of sins & saves us in the water. We can’t do it; we submit through faith.

“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” [Col 2:12. emph mine seb] That phrase, ‘the operation of God’ is showing that God is doing the work while we are faithfully submitting to His will to repent & be baptized. [Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 8:35-38; 22:16] Trusting Faith is in the water.

ENTRANCE into the church is in the water. Jesus is the savior of the church (His body). [Eph 5:23; 1:22-23; Col 1:18]

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” [Acts 2:41]

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” [Acts 2:47]

This is not local church membership as some have supposed. Water Baptism is when GOD adds to the universal church of Christ. Denominational baptism is not God’s baptism.

RESURRECTION to newness of life can only occur after Death, Burial & Baptism into water. Salvation occurs upon faithful baptism. [Acts 2:41; 16:30-34] Baptism is obedience to the Gospel. Jesus will take vengeance on those who do not obey the gospel [2Thess 1:8-9]. How does one obey the gospel? Since the gospel is the Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus [1Cor 15:1-4], It harmonizes that water baptism is Death to sin, a Burial and Resurrection to walk in newness of life. [Rom 6:3-4]

Sprinkling or pouring are not emblematic of a burial. [Col 2:12]

–Spencer