|
NEW TESTAMENT BAPTISMS Baptism In Water Larry Kreider Baptism In Water Shows We Are Obeying God A fourth statement water baptism makes is that it shows we are obeying God. The Word of God instructs us to be baptized in water. We are exhorted to "believe and be baptized" (Mark 16:16). Water baptism symbolizes a spiritual cleansing, according to 1 Peter 3:21. "And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." It is the cleansing of the heart, not the outward ceremony that saves. Washing with water does little more than removing dirt. But being baptized shows that we are living with a clear conscience. We have an unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ. We are obeying the Lord in all that He has asked us to do, and it brings a tremendous freedom into our lives. Sometimes people ask, "What about a deathbed conversion? If someone gives his heart to Jesus and dies two mintues later and there is no time to baptize him, where does he spend eternity? " Remember, baptism does not save us. The blood of Jesus Christ saves us. Baptism is simply an act of obedience. After his profession of faith, the thief on the cross could not be water-baptized but Jesus said He would see him in paradise (Luke 23:40-43). According to the examples given in the scriptures, and if we have the opportunity, we should be baptized as soon after conversion as possible. When Paul was in jail, the Philippian jailer gave his heart to Jesus. The jailer's whole household was baptized that night with water (Acts 16:33). While Philip was walking down a road one day, he met an Ethiopian official sitting in his chariot and reading the scriptures. Philip explained the good news about Jesus to him, and he was baptized as soon as they found some water (Acts 8:38). Crispus and his household, and many other Corinthians (Acts 18:8), believed and were baptized immediately. Every believer, even a young child who has faith to be baptized should be encouraged to be baptized...."According to your faith, let it be to you (Matthew 9:29 NKJ)." It should be noted, however, that a child should never be pressured into water baptism; he or she must desire it and be ready for it. 
REFLECTION: What brings a clear conscience toward God? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
|
