Be Immersed

By Clifton Angel       Baptism: an immersion or submersion of an object or person. It is likened to a burial, in which one is completely covered in dirt/rock (Romans 6:3–4). However, the burial or immersion of interest for this study is in water. In the words of a friend, “What is so special about being dunked in water?” I kindly submit to you that baptism is important because God said so—not me. Let’s consider some Scriptural reasons for the need to be baptized.     1. Baptism stands between the sinner and salvation. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Jesus’ words are simple and “unget-around-able.” We should be able to end this article here, but for emphasis we will continue. Peter reemphasized this teaching at 1 Peter 3:21: “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (NKJV).     2. Baptism stands between the sinner and forgiveness of his sins. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).     3. Baptism stands between the sinner and having his sins washed away. “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).     4. Baptism stands between the sinner and the cleansing blood of Jesus. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5). Coupling the truth of this verse with that of Acts 22:16 leads us to the conclusion that the point at which one contacts Jesus’ blood is baptism.     5. Baptism stands between the sinner and addition to the Lord’s church. Reading Acts 2:37–47 is a clear foundation to seeing that those who are baptized are those who Jesus adds to His church. Why is this important? Because His church is the only body of the saved (see Ephesians 5:23; Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18).     The list could go on. For, baptism stands between the sinner and being in Christ (Galatians 3:27), which leads to a host of other things the sinner lacks if he does not submit to baptism: All spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), Absence of condemnation (Romans 8:1), A real reason to rejoice (Philippians 4:4), just to name a few.     We have noticed the need to hear, believe, repent, and confess. Yet, if all of these be accomplished and one lacks obedience to God’s command of baptism, he remains a sinner without salvation. On the other hand, if one has been immersed in water without faith, repentance, and confession, he has only gotten wet. Do you see the need to be baptized?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/