By TONY HOSS
Throughout my years I have discussed the topic of salvation with many people. Most often people have the same reaction, they simply ignore or deny the scriptures. Regardless of the over abundance of evidence and simple scriptural evidence many just ignore what the Holy Scriptures say in relation to salvation and baptism. Most if not all of these individuals state that one does not have to be baptized. In response to those who deny that they or anyone has to be baptized, I agree. One does not have to be baptized. God has given each and every one of us the responsibility and the ability to make our own decisions concerning the scriptures.
While many have to disregard the scriptures to disallow baptism, one need only go to the scriptures to find ample reason to be baptized. Consider the following:
If one wants to obey the commandment of God and follow in the steps of Christ, who was baptized, then we must be baptized (Acts 10:47-48, Matthew 3:16).
If one wants to become a disciple he must be baptized (Matthew 28:19).
If one wants to have their sins remitted allowing them to enter the Kingdom of God as a saved individual they must be baptized (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16);
If one wants to be able to stand before God on the Judgment Day having their sins washed away calling on God, they must be baptized (Acts 22:16).
If one wants to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit they must be baptized (Acts 2:38; 5:32);
If one wants to claim to have believed you have believed the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom to have gladly received the word of God they must be baptized (Acts 8:12, Acts 2:41).
If one wants to be in Christ, in His death, buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life he must be baptized (Romans 6:3-4).
If one wants to be united with Jesus in His death and resurrection, crucified with Christ, and having his sins done away with he must be baptized (Romans 6:5-6).
If one wants to be freed from sin and no longer be a slave to sin he must be baptized (Romans 6:6-7).
If one wants to be buried with Jesus and raised up with Him he must be baptized (Colossians 2:12).
If one wants to be washed and sanctified in the name of Jesus by the Spirit of God and added to the body of Christ he must be baptized (1 Corinthians 6:11 & 12:13).
If one wants to become a son of God by faith, wants to be in Christ and clothed with Christ he must be baptized (Galatians 3:26-27).
If one wants to be considered spiritually circumcised and made alive in Christ he must be baptized (Colossians 2:11-13)
No, you do not have to be baptized. However, as the verses above show, if you want to partake of the many blessings that are given to those who are baptized then you must be baptized.
(Tony Hoss is minister at Centerview Church of Christ. To submit a question or for information or study, contact him at (423-737-2287); e-mail CenterviewCOC@comcast.net)