by Kevin Maxey
Synopsis: Commands, examples, sequence, motives, and understanding provide answers to those who ask, "Why baptism?"
Noteworthy questions frequently emerge when people discuss baptism: "John 3:16 says, 'Whoever believes in Him should not perish' so, why baptism?" "I prayed the sinner's prayer and 'accepted Jesus' years ago… So why baptism?" "Baptism? Yes, I know the Bible speaks about baptism, but do I really have to be baptized in order to be saved?" "Baptism? Oh yes, my parents baptized me when I was a baby." "Baptism? Right. I already did that a couple of weeks after I got saved." These statements raise valid questions regarding various aspects of the "Why" of baptism.
When given undesirable instruction by parents, children often ask, "Why?" In response to such inquiries, parents sometimes reply, "Because I said so. That's why." While this answer may sound abrupt to some, it quickly identifies the impropriety of questioning legitimate commands. Commands matter. When speaking of soldiers in his poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote, "Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why." Rather than asking why, loyal federal servants are quick to affirm, "I serve at the pleasure of the President." Refusal to obey commands of those in authority reflects defiant insubordination. Commands matter.
Since commands matter, consider the following biblical commands as we return to the question, "Why baptism?" I should be baptized because God, through Scripture, commanded baptism. Various forms of the Greek word for baptism, baptizō, are found seventy-seven times in the New Testament. I should be baptized because Jesus commanded baptism. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). I should be baptized because Jesus directed His apostles to baptize. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). I should be baptized because the Apostle Peter commanded baptism. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38, 41; cf. 10:47-48; 1 Pet. 3:21). I should be baptized because Philip instructed baptism (Acts 8:12-13, 36-38). I should be baptized because the apostle Paul commanded baptism (Acts 16:15, 33; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 6:11; 12:13; Eph. 4:5; 5:26; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27). I should be baptized because Aquila and Priscilla commanded baptism (Acts 18:24-28). I should be baptized because Ananias commanded baptism (Acts 22:16; 9:18). Commands matter. Will you obey Jesus' command and be baptized? "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
Speaking of the tragic death of five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, former teammate Julius Randle said, "The GM here, Mitch Kupchak, was my GM in LA. He always used to tell me, watch everything that (Kobe) does. That's exactly what I did. I watched his every move" (Botte, para. 15). For driven young athletes, Kobe Bryant was an example worth following. Examples matter. Humble students follow the example of educated teachers. Aspiring apprentices follow the example of master artisans and craftsmen. Novice employees follow the example of experienced mentors. The power of example forges a clear path for others to follow.
Since examples matter, consider the following biblical examples as we revisit the question, "Why baptism?" Jesus was baptized (Matt. 3:13-15). On the day of Pentecost, 3000 Jews were baptized in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41). The Samaritans were baptized (Acts 8:12). The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized (Acts 8:36-39). Cornelius and his household were baptized (Acts 10:48). Paul was baptized (Acts 22:16; 9:18). Lydia and her household were baptized (Acts 16:15). The Philippian jailer and his household were baptized (Acts 16:33). The Corinthians were baptized (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 6:11). The Ephesians were baptized (Acts 19:5; Eph. 4:5; 5:26). The Galatians were baptized (Gal. 3:27). The Colossians were baptized (Col. 2:12). Examples matter. If you desire to be like New Testament Christians, follow their example and be baptized (1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Thess. 2:15).
Consider the importance of sequence in the following examples: Does it matter if one completes college courses before or after graduation? Should the sexual relationship begin before or after marriage? Can heirs legally claim their inheritance before or after the death of the testator? Does it matter to the innocent party if fornication takes place before or after a divorce? Does it matter if you receive anesthesia before or after surgery? These examples demonstrate that sequence matters.
Sequence likewise matters in the question of baptism. Does baptism come before or after salvation? Take note of the placement of baptism in relation to salvation in the following passages: Mark 16:16 says, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved." John 3:5 says, "Unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom." Acts 2:38 says, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 22:16 says, "Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins." Galatians 3:27 says, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." 1 Peter 3:21 says, "Baptism doth also now save us." Romans 6:4 says, "We were buried with Him through baptism into death … we also should walk in newness of life."
Baptism precedes salvation in each of the above passages. Sequence matters. Romans 6:3-4 clearly outlines the correct placement of baptism in the sequence of salvation:
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
When taking college courses and graduating are out of sequence, graduation is invalidated. When claiming one's inheritance and the death of the testator are out of sequence, inheritance is invalidated. In Romans 6:1-6, Paul compares baptism to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Notice the sequence. Jesus died and was buried before He rose to new life.
Similarly, man dies to sin and is buried in baptism before he walks in newness of life. Claiming newness of life before baptism is as errant as burying a living person before death. Baptism comes before and not after newness of life. Did your baptism follow the correct sequence as specified in the Scriptures? Were you baptized before and not after salvation?
Would it matter to you if your spouse only married you for your family connections? Would it matter to you if your husband only brought you flowers every time he was in trouble? Would it matter to you if your friend only came around when he needed money? Motives matter. Baptism is not for those who have already been saved but for those who desire to be saved. 3000 Jews on the day of Pentecost were baptized "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Paul was baptized in order to "wash away" his sins (Acts 22:16). Why were you baptized? Motives matter. Were you baptized to be seen of men? Were you baptized to please your parents? Were you baptized only to demonstrate that you thought you were already saved? Were you baptized to please your fiancé? Were you baptized as an infant because your parents believed you inherited sin? Were you baptized to join a denomination? Were you baptized to connect with a special place, such as the Jordan river in Israel, or a specific stream, river, or lake that holds a particular place in your memory? Or, were you baptized, "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38)?
God could have asked us to do anything. Of all the things He could have asked of us, why baptism? Don't let the debate over the procedure and purpose of baptism rob you of understanding the true "why" of baptism. Why baptism? Baptism unites you in the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12). Baptism washes your sins away (Acts 22:16), throwing them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), removing them as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12), to be remembered by God no more (Heb. 8:12). Baptism adds you to the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). It enables you to be added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). Baptism buries your body, which is dead because of sin (Rom. 6:6). Through obedience, the Lord empowers you to leave your sinful past behind and walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). Baptism affords the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Baptism allows you to put on Christ, uniting you with a family of brothers and sisters (Gal. 3:26-27). Baptism enables you to be born again into a new life, rescuing you from hell and allowing you to enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5). Baptism reaches into eternity, giving Satan reason to fume and angels reason to rejoice (Luke 15:7, 10). Baptism enables you to go on your way rejoicing (Acts 8:36-39). Why baptism? Baptism matters because commands, examples, sequence, motives, and understanding matter. Have you been scripturally baptized? If not, why not?
Botte, Peter. "Knicks' Julius Randle 'Worshipped the Ground' Kobe Bryant Walked On." New York Post. January 29, 2020. https://nypost.com/2020/01/28/knicks-julius-randle-worshipped-the-ground-kobe-bryant-walked-on/.
Author Bio: Kevin has worked with the Port Royal church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN for twelve years. He and his wife, Jennifer, have five children. The church website is springhillchristians.com. He can be reached at maxeyspringhillchristians@gmail.com.
Image: Filipino evangelist offering prayer to God on behalf of four new converts
