We often hear people make statements about baptism that simply are not true to the Word of God. Baptism is not optional, neither is it merely a symbolic act. Baptism serves an important purpose. Consider the following facts about baptism.

1. Baptism is a command of Christ. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). Baptism is not optional. It is a part of the gospel that the apostles were commissioned to preach throughout the world. It is a command.

2. Baptism saves us. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). Men insist that baptism does not save us, but the Bible plainly says that it does.

3. Baptism stands between man and the remission of his sins. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins... And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 2:38, 22:16). There is no remission or washing away of sins prior to or without baptism.

4. Baptism stands between man and rising to walk in the newness of life. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). There is no newness of life (salvation) prior to or without baptism.

5. Baptism stands between man and his entrance into Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27). How does one get into Christ where every spiritual blessing is found (Eph. 1:3)? The Bible does not teach that man believes his way into Christ, repents, confesses, prays, works, or even pays his way into Christ. But the Bible does say that we are baptized into Christ.

How about you? Have you been baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins? Why not do it today.