by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: As we conclude our brief examination of the biblical teaching on baptism, we delve more deeply into "how" baptism is an essential part of God's plan of salvation.
As we conclude our brief examination of the biblical teaching on baptism, we delve more deeply into "how" baptism is an essential part of the process of salvation.
Sometimes our denominational friends, frequently proponents of Calvinism, will charge, "In preaching the necessity of baptism, you are trying to earn salvation!" No. Alienated sinners have no right to demand anything of God. Instead, in submitting to the gospel plan of salvation, we appeal to God on His terms, which include the following conditions: hearing, repenting, believing, confessing, and yielding to Christ's command regarding baptism.
In discussing spiritual essentials with Nicodemus, Jesus emphasized the importance of the new birth (vv. 3, 5), the necessity of faith (v. 16), and the requirement that believers practice the truth (v. 21). Yes, we are saved by grace through faith, but faith must be active and obedient (Eph. 2:8-10).
Baptism is an act of calling. The expression, "calling on the name of the Lord," communicates a variety of spiritual concepts.
It signifies spiritual renewal, as seen through the godly lineage of Seth. From the time of Enosh onward, those seeking God's favor are said to "call upon the Lord" (Gen. 4:25-26; cf. 5:21-24). It is reflected in worship, as seen through the examples of Abraham, Isaac, and Moses (Gen. 12:1-9, esp. v. 8; 26:18-25, esp. v. 25; Ps. 99:6-9). It is expressed in prayerful entreaty, as seen through the examples of Moses and Elijah (Exod. 34:1-9, esp. v. 5; 1 Kings 18:22-24, 30-39). It articulates praise, as evidenced in the Psalms and the Prophets (1 Chron. 16:8-11; Ps. 105:1-4; 116:1-19, esp. vv. 4, 13, 17; Isa. 12:1-6, esp. v. 4).
"Calling on the name of the Lord" is also observed in humble obedience, as evidenced in Messianic prophecies and their subsequent fulfillment (Joel 2:30-32; Zeph. 3:8-11). On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted from Joel's prophecy, affirmed its present fulfillment, and demanded an obedient response from the assembled audience. Three thousand obeyed Peter's message. Through hearing, believing, repenting, and being baptized, they called upon the name of the Lord and were thus saved (Acts 2:19-24, 36-42, 47). The same submissive response is observed in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Hearing and believing on the Damascus road, evidencing repentance (during three days of fasting and prayer), and afterward by being baptized, Saul called upon the name of the Lord, and was thus saved (Acts 9:1-19; 22:12-18).
Baptism is an act of cleansing. The necessity and significance of cleansing is oft emphasized in Sacred Scripture.
Aaron and his sons were required, under pain of death, to wash before entering the tent of meeting (Exod. 30:18-21; cf. 40:29-32). However, Old Testament sacrifices could not make the worshiper perfect and pure; so likewise, dietary restrictions and requisite washings were temporary—regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation (Heb. 9:8-10).
Christ sanctifies and cleanses His bride, the church, by the washing of water with the word (Eph. 5:25-27). In writing to Titus, Paul alludes to obedience in baptism, i.e., "the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit," as the means by which divine grace is poured out upon us (Titus 3:5-7).
While the Mosaic Law required rituals of ceremonial cleansing and referred to various washings, what possible meaning could such imagery carry in the New Testament other than alluding to baptism? Speaking to Saul of Tarsus, Ananias said, "Now, why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).
Finally, the Apocalypse refers to those who "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14; cf. 22:14-15). This symbolic language reminds us of the cross and baptism's connection with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:3-7; Eph. 2:11-13).
Baptism is an act of submission. Since the Bible reveals God's word and will, submission to baptism is an acknowledgment of divine authority. It is a command that must be communicated and obeyed, administered, and accepted
Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile, was instructed to send for Simon Peter so that he might hear a divine message (Acts 10:4-6, 22). Arriving in Caesarea, Peter found a receptive audience. Cornelius said, "Now then, we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord" (Acts 10:33). The Holy Spirit fell upon those who were assembled, signifying to Peter and his companions that Gentiles were suitable candidates for salvation. Accordingly, Peter "ordered" that Cornelius and his household be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48). The Greek word prostassÅ, occurring twice in this context, is rendered "commanded" in v. 33 and "ordered" in v. 48, and means "to issue an official directive or make a determination, command, order, give instructions, determine" (BDAG).
Baptism is a command. Jesus included it in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Having been entrusted with the keys of the kingdom, Peter preached the necessity of baptism in Acts 2, when he opened the door of salvation to the Jews, and in Acts 10, when he provided the same opportunity to the gentiles.
Baptism is an act of transition. It signifies a change of one spiritual state, the passage from one place to another.
Through obeying the Lord's will in baptism, we move from death to life. Alienated sinners are dead in their sins, lost and without hope. Obedient believers are made alive unto God. In speaking of the resurrection that will occur on the last day, Paul stated that the dead will be raised, and given a new glorified body, suitable for dwelling with God throughout eternity. Yet, death must precede life. As the seed dies before it can sprout into a new plant, physical death precedes the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:35-38). In like manner, spiritual death precedes spiritual life (Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 2:12-13). In initial obedience, penitent believers must repent (i.e., die to sin), submit to the Lord's will in baptism, and be raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4).
Peter emphasized this same truth in saying, "Baptism now saves you." Baptism involves transitional movement "from" lost state "to" a saved state. As the waters of the flood transported Noah from a corrupt environment to a world washed free of spiritual and moral pollution, so the waters of baptism also save us, transporting penitent believers from a lost to a saved condition (1 Peter 3:20-22).
Furthermore, through obedience to the gospel, we are baptized by one Spirit, i.e., by the direction the Holy Spirit into one body (1 Cor. 12:12-13; cf. Eph. 4:4-6). As baptized believers, we share a new relationship with others of like precious faith, i.e., becoming members of the church, the one body. Additionally, we enjoy fellowship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Having been baptized into Christ, we enjoy the benefits of His death, contacting His shed blood (Rom. 6:3-4), being clothed with Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). These truths are developed more fully in Colossians 2:9-14, where Paul affirms that baptism is "how" God removes the curse and consequences of sin.
Have you rendered obedience to the gospel of Christ by hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized? Have you heard the gospel? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who shed His blood on the cross so that you might be saved? Do you recognize the need for a change of heart followed by a change of life? Are you willing to openly acknowledge your faith before others, to stand up and be counted? Have you been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the remission of sins, so that you might be added to the church? If not, why not? What are you waiting for, dear friend? Believe and obey while there is time and opportunity. Today is the day of salvation!
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His personal website is markmayberry.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
Image: Rejoicing together, along with the angels, at the conversion of lost sinners
