Since God doesn’t want us to die in our sin, He made a way for our sins to be remitted:
“…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”
(I Peter 3:21 KJV)
Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5 KJV) To be born of water is to be water baptized.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:4 NIV)
Our sins our washed away when we are baptized in water. The apostle Paul recounts his own baptism:
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16 KJV)
Baptism was by immersion. When Philip baptized the Ethiopian, they went “into the water” and came “up out of the water.” (Acts 8:38, 39) Also when John the Baptist baptized Jesus, he went up “out of the water” (Matthew 3:16). I believe we should follow the Lord’s example.
Baptism washes away sin when the name of the Lord is called.
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16 KJV)
Jesus commanded that baptism be in his name.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”
(Matthew 28:19 KJV)
The apostle Peter obeyed the command of God when he preached the first sermon after the Holy Spirit was given.
“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.”
Acts 2:38 KJV
Every example of baptism in the Bible is in the name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38, 10:48, 19:5) Let’s not deviate from God’s plan for us.
Water baptism is not:
an outward expression of an inward confession.
for local church membership.
a “work” for salvation. It is an act of obedience.
