The Necessity of Baptism

The Lord has taught us that we need to obey.

• John 12:48
• Hebrews 5:8-9
• John 14:15
• Matthew 7:21-23 (same in Luke 6:46)
  

Sadly, in the world today most denominational churches think to be a Christian all one need to do is believe. According to James 2:19 even the demons believe and tremble. However, God requires more to be a Christian.

Therefore, what must we do after we believe and repent...

• Matthew 28:18-19
• Acts 2:37-38
• Acts 22:16
• 1 Peter 3:21
• Mark 16:16

We cannot enter the kingdom unless we are born again.

• John 3:3-5
• Romans 6:7-11 --> John 3:3
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 --> Galatians 3:27
• 1 Peter 1:3 --> Romans 6:5

A fuller understanding of the water

• 1 Peter 3:20-21
• Compare Romans 8:4-9 with 1 John 5:8
• Also, compare Romans 8:4-9 and Matthew 26:41 with 1 John 5:8 (The flesh and Spirit are contrary the one to the other, but the water and Spirit agree. Thus, water cannot be the same as the flesh.)

Also, baptism is not the sprinkling of water. The Greek word for baptism literally means to be fully wet. Since baptism refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-6), being immersed in the water reflects this.

baptizo

to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash.

Some denominations may also say baptism is not required because there is no work we can do that will save us. (Romans 4:5) However, both believing (faith) and baptism is not a work of our own, but a work of God.

• John 6:28-29 - Believing is a work of God

• Ephesians 1:19-20 - God worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead
• Titus 3:5
• Colossians 2:12

Others may say all we need to do is call upon the name of the Lord.

• Joel 2:32 - The Old Testament prophecy
• Romans 10:12-13 - The New Testament fulfillment
• Acts 22:16 - This is how we call on the name of the Lord

Furthermore, Paul believed prior to being baptized to wash away his sins.

• Acts 9:1-19 - Saul's conversion
• Acts 22:1-16 - Paul tells of his conversion with more detail on his baptism. Notice how Paul already believed Christ after He spoke with him, yet he still needed to be baptized to wash away his sins.

The correlation of Christ's Blood and baptism

• Matthew 26:27-28 - Acts 2:38; remission of sins
• Revelation 1:5 - Acts 22:16; wash away sins (Revelation 5:9)
• Hebrews 9:14 - 1 Peter 3:21; clean conscience

How are we reconciled through baptism?

• Romans 5:8 - He showed His love for us.


• Romans 6:3-10
• Colossians 2:12-13


• John 14:15 - Therefore, let us show our love for Him.

Acts 2:40-41 - "41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."

1. It is to enter the kingdom (John 3:3-5)
2. It is to contact Christ's blood (Romans 6:3-4)
3. It is to get into Christ (Galatians 3:27)
4. It is for salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)
5. It is for the remissions of sins (Acts 2:38)
6. It is to wash away sins (Acts 22:16)
7. It is to get into the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:23)