Recently, I received an E-mail message from a man who alleged and argued that water baptism is not necessary for salvation. In his opening remarks, this man wrote, "Baptism is not in the saving gospel which is recorded in John 5:24, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. Notice that these Scriptures, unlike the other Scriptures that tell us how people are saved, do not mention baptism. If baptism is important, why is it not mentioned in the Scriptures I mentioned (John 5:24, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-5)?"
When folks deny the Bible's plain words of truth regarding the "one baptism," it reminds me of Peter's statement, recorded in Luke 5:5. When Jesus told Peter, the fisherman, to "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." (vs. 4), Peter's first reaction was to question the Master's words. He said, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." Upon believing Jesus' words, and letting down the net (obeying), Peter saw astounding results. They caught so many fish that the net broke, and both ships were so full of the catch that they begin to sink. When Peter saw this, he fell down and replied, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (vs. 8)
When one considers Jesus' statement in John 5:24, it should cause him to ask what "word" Jesus was referring to when He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." Do you suppose the words, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16), are words of Jesus we are to hear and obey? Who is it that "hath everlasting life"? Is it the one who hears Jesus' words, has an "at thy word I will" attitude in his heart, and obeys the words he hears?
We do not find the word "baptism" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. Does the fact that "baptism" is not mentioned in this passage exclude its being necessary "for the remission of sins"? NO! Notice what is recorded in Acts 18:8 concerning the Corinthians: "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." How interesting to find baptism mentioned here. When the Corinthians heard the gospel preached and were baptized, they displayed an "at thy word I will" attitude, as opposed to a "faith without works" (James 2:14-26) attitude.
How wonderful it would be if folks would cease arguing with plain Bible passages that teach the necessity of water baptism "for the remission of sins," and, like Peter, display "at thy word I will" attitudes of faith when plain Bible passages, such as Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15,16, Matthew. 28:19, Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, and 1 Peter 3:21 are presented!
Brother Galloway reminds us of a difficulty religious people have had for many years. They neglect to read ALL the Bible says about a given subject. Salvation is discussed in many Bible passages-not just John 3:16, which many believe to be the ONLY salvation passage. (KMG)