Baptism Is Necessary If Possible

Baptism is Necessary All too frequently in the past several years I have spoken to people confessing to me that they have been born again and saved by asking Jesus into their heart and feel that they have fulfilled the requirements to be a Christian because of the teachings of the modern day church; a view which is dangerous and opposes the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Mark 16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved… The only one instance in the Bible where water baptism wasn’t included in accepting Christ is the thief on the cross next to Jesus before his death. He was obviously unable to perform this sacrament and the Father is a merciful God whose grace is without measure. The thief did not go straight to heaven, but died with Jesus and went down into Abrahams’ bosom where our Lord preached to the saints before they were allowed to ascend into heaven and thus completing the old covenant. So in this manner he was literally baptized as he died with Christ, which is what baptism is symbolic of along with the cleansing of unrighteousness which was John’s baptism. Romans 6: 3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Anyone fit and able must repent and be baptized as commanded by Jesus in order to complete the being born again process. To repent is to change direction or your ways toward the way of God. 1 Peter 3: 21. 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.

The main scriptural argument of false teachers against the necessity of water baptism is found in 1 Corinthians 1:12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14. I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15. Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. It is obvious The apostle only wanted to make it clear that he did not want to take the place of Christ and have people glorifying that they were baptized into Paul. Jesus is the only name under heaven in which one can be saved and baptized. There are also many who will say that we are not saved by works. It is true that we cannot be saved by works of the law, but works of faith after believing are evidence of a person’s heart toward God. Those unwilling to do as Jesus commanded are not saved. James 2:17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. It must also be noted that there are those who make an outward show of works but inwardly they do not have true faith in the Lord Jesus. Only God knows for certain the heart of man. I believe the teachings of baptism to be unnecessary are straight from the devil to keep people from receiving the Holy Spirit and having everlasting life in heaven. Many times a well meaning pastor is only parroting doctrine he has been taught by the commentaries of man and is being deceived. There are those who are supposed great men of God who are wolves in

sheep’s clothing, belonging to secret societies who are being directed by their elders to impart false doctrine in a subtle manner so as not to alert the imprudent believer who does not study the bible as a Berean would. To oppose the false teachings of your pastor and heed the teachings of Jesus is a bold, yet necessary step in confirming ones faith in these last days of famine for hearing of the Word of God, which in most cases leads to loneliness and isolation. Though we may suffer in these times our reward in heaven will be great. Trust in the Lord and he will see you through to the end of this age. Acts 2:38...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of

Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 41 And they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. May God bless you always, Kirk Schrank