Why Baptism?
By Keith Greer

Why is it that the plainest subject in the Bible seems to be the most difficult to accept. As a preacher, I've discussed the subject many times. One of the most common statements of people who believe it is not necessary is "I don't see how water changes my condition before God -- that would make it water salvation." The problem is that men try to use human reasoning and logic to understand what God requires. It is not the water that saves us; it is our obedience to His command. Mankind tries to see in baptism something that God never placed there. It reminds me of the story of Naaman. Do you remember what his servant said when Naaman refused to go to the river Jordan and dip seven times? "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, wash and be clean" (2 Kings 5:13). The servant gave his master excellent advice, and thankfully, he took it.

Why not just trust God on this one? Since every converted person in Acts was baptized, Jesus was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness," and the Bible tells us baptism is the only way to contact Christ's blood, let's just do what He told us to do! God has never led me to do the wrong thing.