The Necessity of Baptism

By Rob Albright

     John was preaching the message of repentance (Mark 1:1-11). Repentance means changing your mind about God. John was urging the people to change their life back to the right ways of God. There were a number of people who heard that message and were baptized (Matthew 3:11). John would not baptize them if they did not repent (Matthew 3:7) and confess their sins (Matthew 3:6).
     In doing this, John was preparing the way for the coming of Jesus and His authority. Remember when Jesus was baptized, God spoke from heaven and acknowledged Jesus as His Son (Matthew 3:17). Jesus was baptized in submission to the Father - this was God’s will. When Jesus was baptized, God was pleased. So, what pleases God? The submission of the Son (Hebrews 5:8-9).
     Jesus, has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18) He tells His disciples to preach the gospel, baptize, and continue teaching (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus even said “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Do you think God would be pleased if we refuse to be baptized? If the Son of God submitted to God’s right way to please the Father, how can we expect to please the Father if we refuse to submit to baptism?

- Rob Albright serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/