Tag burial

Are you WASHED?

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Far from a mere ritual, BAPTISM is a divinely ordained step that aligns believers with Christ’s redemptive work. Through baptism, individuals experience a cleansing of sins, union with Christ’s church, salvation, and an inheritance as heirs of God’s promises.

1. Washing Away Our Sins

Baptism serves as a divine act of cleansing, washing away the stain of sin. In Acts 22:16, Ananias urges Saul, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” This passage emphasizes baptism’s role in cleansing the believer’s conscience before God. Similarly, Acts 2:38 declares, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Here, baptism is linked directly to the remission of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, Matthew 26:28 connects the concept of forgiveness to Christ’s sacrifice: “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Baptism, therefore, is the moment when a believer appropriates the forgiveness secured by Christ’s blood. Supporting this, Ephesians 5:26 describes Christ sanctifying the church “by the washing of water with the word,” reinforcing baptism’s cleansing power.

2. Added to the Church That Christ Built

Through baptism, believers are united with the body of Christ, the church He established. Acts 2:47 states, “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This follows the account of 3,000 souls being baptized and added to the church after Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:41). Baptism is the entry point into Christ’s church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” This passage highlights the unity of believers in the church through baptism. Additionally, Colossians 1:18 affirms Christ as “the head of the body, the church,” underscoring that baptism incorporates individuals into this divine institution, built by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18).

3. Saved Through Baptism

Baptism is intricately tied to salvation, as it is the moment when a believer’s faith is actualized in obedience to God’s command. 1 Peter 3:21 explicitly states, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This verse clarifies that baptism is not a mere physical cleansing but a spiritual act that appeals to God for salvation. Mark 16:16 further supports this: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” The connection between baptism and salvation is also evident in Romans 6:3-4, which describes believers being “baptized into his death” and raised to “walk in newness of life,” symbolizing the transformative power of baptism in securing salvation.

4. Becoming Heirs of Abraham

Baptism establishes believers as heirs of the promises made to Abraham, uniting them in God’s covenant family. Galatians 3:27-29 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ… And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Through baptism, believers become part of the spiritual lineage of Abraham, inheriting the blessings of God’s covenant. Romans 4:16 reinforces this, stating that the promise to Abraham comes “to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” Additionally, Ephesians 3:6 affirms that through the gospel, Gentiles are “fellow heirs” with Israel, a reality actualized in baptism as believers are incorporated into Christ’s body.

5. Putting on Christ

In baptism, believers clothe themselves with Christ, taking on His identity and righteousness. Galatians 3:27 declares, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” This vivid imagery portrays baptism as the moment when a believer is enveloped in Christ’s nature. Romans 13:14 echoes this, urging believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” a process initiated at baptism. Colossians 3:9-10 further supports this idea, describing believers as having “put off the old self with its practices and… put on the new self,” a transformation that begins with baptism’s symbolic burial and resurrection (Colossians 2:12).

6. Becoming a Disciple of Christ

Baptism marks the beginning of a life of discipleship, as believers commit to following Christ. Matthew 28:19 commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is the initiatory step in making disciples, signifying a public commitment to Christ’s teachings. Acts 8:12 illustrates this: “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news… they were baptized, both men and women,” showing that baptism follows belief and marks the start of discipleship. John 3:5 further emphasizes baptism’s role in entering the kingdom of God: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” linking baptism to the disciple’s journey of faith.

Baptism is far more than a symbolic act; it is a transformative moment in the believer’s life, rich with spiritual significance. Through baptism, sins are washed away, believers are added to Christ’s church, salvation is received, the promises to Abraham are inherited, Christ is put on, and a lifelong journey of discipleship begins. These truths, grounded in Scripture, underscore baptism’s ESSENTIAL role in the Christian faith.

AGAPE

Can one be baptized AMISS?

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“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3)

If one can pray AMISS, then it stands to reason that we can do other commands of God in a manner that He won’t accept. There are examples of people…

Preaching a different Gospel: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:8)

Following a different Jesus: “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2Cor 11:4)

Obeying the Law of Moses: “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 15:1)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal 5:1-4)

Practicing vain worship: “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7)

From these few examples it’s clear that we can appear to be obeying God, but in reality, we’re disobedient. How can we know?

Can we be Baptized AMISS?

If you’ve been baptized to be ADDED to a denomination, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.

The Lord adds to the church, and never to a denomination. “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).

Getting baptized solely as a requirement to join a specific denomination or church, rather than for the biblical purpose of remission of sins and entrance into the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27), misses the true purpose (cf. 1Cor 1:10-13).

Some might get baptized to gain favor in a political or social context, which is not a biblical reason. Some might seek baptism to gain prestige or authority within a religious community, which is not a biblical reason.

If you’ve been baptized as a MERITORIOUS work, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.

Some believe that baptism is a meritorious work that earns salvation, whereas the New Testament teaches that baptism is an act of faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12). It is not legalism to comply with the conditions of salvation given by God.

Any reason for baptism except to obey the gospel through faith in Jesus Christ for the remission of sins is no reason at all. It’s possible to outwardly comply with a command of God, but inwardly. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt 15:8,9)

Believing that baptism will bring material or physical blessings, such as health, wealth, or prosperity, is not a biblical reason for baptism. Repentance is a prerequisite for baptism (Acts 2:38).

If you’ve been baptized as an INFANT or by any mode other than IMMERSION, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.

Infant baptism is contrary to the doctrine of Christ. “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” (Mark 10:14,15). To Cleanse from Original Sin is not a doctrine taught in the New Testament. The doctrine of original sin and its cleansing through infant baptism is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that baptism is for the remission of personal sins (Acts 2:38).

Baptism is a burial (immersion in water) for those that believe. “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). Getting baptized without personal faith and understanding, possibly under coercion or pressure, is not scriptural. Baptism requires belief.

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36,37)

If you’ve been baptized after you think you were SAVED, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.

The bible teaches that a person is baptized to be saved. “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:” (1Peter 3:21).

Saul of Tarsus (later to become Paul the Apostle), was baptized to wash away his sins. How can one be saved then have their sins washed away? “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

The idea that baptism is merely a symbolic public declaration of faith without any salvific purpose contradicts the biblical teaching that it is essential for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

Viewing baptism as merely a religious tradition or ritual without understanding its significance in salvation contradicts the New Testament teaching (Romans 6:3-4).

If you’ve been baptized for SOCIAL acceptance, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.

There are some who are baptized for social acceptance among their Family or friends, or to fit in. Some have been baptized to make their parents happy. Some are baptized so they can make a future spouse happy. If we’re baptized to please a person and not for the remission of sins, then we’ve been baptized amiss. It’s a very nervous thing for parents who desire that their children obey the gospel, but they want it to be on the child’s own volition and not just to please their parents.

Jesus taught about counting the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:28-33). Baptism should not be entered into lightly or without understanding its lifelong commitment. The concept of being baptized because one has already been saved through a prior “decision” for Christ overlooks the New Testament’s connection of baptism with the forgiveness of sins and new birth (Acts 22:16; John 3:5).

I know of several young people who get baptized because their older peers had obeyed the gospel, rather than out of personal conviction and obedience to Christ. because they didn’t want to feel left out.

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

(Mark 16:16)

There are other reasons people give for baptism. The practice of baptism for the dead, as practiced in some religious groups, is not supported by New Testament teaching and is mentioned only ambiguously in 1 Corinthians 15:29 without endorsement.

The idea that baptism is an emergency ritual to be performed in dire circumstances, without the individual’s faith and understanding, does not align with the New Testament teaching.

Any reason for baptism that does not align with the biblical teaching that it is for the remission of sins, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to be added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:38; 1Corinthians 12:13) is not according to the Bible.

It is crucial to emphasize that baptism, according to the New Testament, is an act of faith and obedience, necessary for the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and entrance into the body of Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27).

If you have been baptized…

to be ADDED to a denomination…

as a MERITORIOUS work…

as an INFANT or by any mode other than IMMERSION…

after you think you were SAVED…

for SOCIAL acceptance…

…then you’ve been baptized AMISS.

Agape,

Spencer

Fifth of Seven Musts of Salvation; BAPTISM

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“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.” [1Peter 3:21]

When presented with this passage and the others in this article, you’d think that a believer would jump at the opportunity to obey the commands of God & His Son Christ Jesus. Sadly, most will argue using denominational dogma to argue against God.

We didn’t invent baptism for salvation, God did. It perfectly matches His word. It matches what Jesus did. He died, was buried and was resurrected. [1Cor 15:1-4]

We’re commanded to obey the gospel [2Thess 1:8-9], but how does one obey DEATH, BURIAL & RESURRECTION?

BAPTISM in water through faith in the working of God!!!

#5, we must be BAPTIZED: All quotations are from the ASV or KJV

  1. Matthew 28:19
  • Mark 16:16
  • Acts 2:38
  • Acts 10:48
  • Acts 22:16
  • Rom 6:3-4
  • Gal 3:27

These are just a few of the many verses that command & show a believer must be water baptized to have their sins washed away and be saved. We didn’t bring this up, God did.

What is

BAPTISM? Mat 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:35-33; 22:16

It is a BURIAL and a resurrection. [Col 2:12]

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.

It is AUTHORIZED by Christ’s command. [Mark 16:16]

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

It is PART 5 of conversion. [Acts 2:38]. Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess and be BAPTIZED.

Then Peter said unto them, 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 Ghost.

It TRUSTS God’s working, not our own. [Col 2:12]

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.

We are baptized INTO Christ & a putting on Christ.

[Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27]

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Baptism SAVES you. [1Pet 3:21]

“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us”

It is done at MIDNIGHT, midday, or the same hour upon H-B-R-C. Not a scheduled monthly social event. [Acts 16:33]

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

If your denomination schedules baptisms, they don’t believe it is essential for salvation. People in the bible obeyed God IMMEDIATELY, the same hour. [cr. Acts 8:36]

Spencer

6 more simple objections pt2 What’s in the water?

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Charts by Don McClain Prepared April 23-25, 2015 / Preached April 26, 2015 West 65th Street church of Christ P.O. Box 1900...

 

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 1st 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