Why You Should Be Scripturally Baptized
By Kenneth E. Thomas

If you BELIEVE with all your heart that Jesus is the son of God (John 20:30-31; Acts 8:35-39), you should REPENT of your sins (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30), CONFESS your faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37), and BE BAPTIZED for the reasons listed below. But first read the "Great Commission" passages (Mathew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-47). Then take note of some examples of conversions that resulted from inspired preaching and teaching, in the book of Acts and in the epistles, to individuals and local churches of Christ. You will then see that the following (and no doubt I have omitted some--KET) are facts attributed to "Scriptural baptism." Also, the fact that some were immersed a second time when they learned about "baptism by the authority of Christ" indicates that just being "baptized" isn't enough, not even if you've been "immersed." To be valid, baptism must be for the right reasons, with the proper understanding, and into the proper relationship. (See Acts 19:1-7; Romans 6:16-18; Ephesians 2:13-16.)

Some conversion cases are not explicit in that not every prerequisite is specified; but in conversions under apostolic preaching, it is evident that the convert must hear, believe, repent, confess faith in Jesus, and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Some conversion examples, however, just say, "Believers were added to the Lord day by day," or words to this effect, or "Many of the priests were obedient to the faith." (Acts 4:4; 5:14; 6:7) Just as "repentance" is used to describe the entire plan, which we know involves more than just repentance, so too is "faith." However, Scripture doesn't indicate "faith alone;" nor does it suggest "salvation at the point of faith," as many teach. Such would array one passage against another and would be a contradiction. A contradiction is a lie, and "God cannot lie." (Titus 1:2)

Having read the "Great Commission" passages, now read these cases of conversion and then read what transpired in conjunction with the 21 reasons why you should be "Scripturally baptized."

Some Reasons Why You Should Be Scripturally Baptized

  1. Because God commands it (Acts 10:48).
  2. To fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).
  3. To be a friend of Christ (John 15:14).
  4. Because you love God (1 John 5:3; John 14:15).
  5. Lest you reject the council of God against yourself (Luke 7:30).
  6. To COMPLETE the "new birth" (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5).
  7. To enter the kingdom (John 3:5).
  8. For remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
  9. To receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).
  10. In order to be saved (Mark 16:16).
  11. To wash away your sins (Acts 22: 16).
  12. To enter Jesus' death, where He shed His blood (Romans 6:3).
  13. To be buried with Christ (Romans 6:4).
  14. To be raised with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians. 3:1; 2:12).
  15. To rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
  16. To be God's child by faith (Galatians 3:26-27).
  17. To get into His body, which is the Church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 1:18).
  18. To have a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
  19. To get INTO Christ (Galatians 3:27).
  20. Because "baptism doth also now save us." (1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16)
  21. To be "reconciled unto God in one body by the cross." (Ephesians 2:13-16)

I have given 21 Scriptural reasons why a penitent believer should be baptized. Can you think of ONE REASON why he should not? Ask your preacher if he preaches that people should be baptized for these 21 reasons. If he doesn't, he isn't teaching you the truth, and that means he is perverting the gospel message (1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:15; 2 John 9-11; Galatians 1:6-10). Insist that he preach the truth about baptism, because his soul and the souls of those he teaches are at stake (1 Timothy 4:16). Preachers might make fun of baptism, but God's Word will continue to stand (1 Peter 1:22-25).

Just as the Lord added "obedient believers" to His church" in the first century A.D., so today He adds those who "obey the gospel of Christ" (Acts 2:22-38, 40-41, 47; Colossians 1:13-14). When one is washed in the blood of Christ in the final act of the new birth-baptism--he becomes a child in God's family and a member of the blood-bought church of Christ. No differing denominations existed at this point in the history of the Lord's church. One obeyed Christ to become a Christian and a member of His church, or he remained an alien sinner who was still in Satan's kingdom. The idea of "joining the church of one's choice" was unknown in the first century.

If we could get folks to go back:

To the Bible as the only standard of religious authority, they could be exactly what those folks were-Christians--and as such, members of Christ's church. Does this interest you? You may have a heart that can be touched by the gospel's simple truths. Please read and study these passages prayerfully, soberly, and in view of eternity. Sometimes, we have to erase prejudice and preconceived conclusions from our minds and allow the power of the gospel to sink deep into our hearts. God has done everything He can to make His word easy to understand; the next step is up to you! (edited, KMG)


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