Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles,
“Brethren, what shall we do?”(Acts 2:37).

As long as the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached, mankind has desired to know how salvation can be obtained in His name. For too long the nature and role of baptism in salvation has not been properly understood by many. Let us seek to learn what the Scriptures teach about baptism.

Baptism is Immersion

We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

“Baptism” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse, dip”. We do not see the idea of sprinkling or pouring as “baptism” in the New Testament. The imagery of burial only makes sense in terms of immersion! Sprinkling or pouring, then, is not the baptism of the New Testament.

Baptism is for the Remission of Sin

And Peter said unto them, “Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

In New Testament times, the word for baptism did not only represent a religious ritual. People would “baptize” their clothes, themselves for bathing, animals, and many other things, just as we wash or immerse things today. “Baptism”, then, cannot be understood simply as any religious event bearing that name. It must have a distinct purpose to have any meaning, and the Bible says that baptism should be for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38). If your baptism did not have that purpose, it cannot be the baptism of the New Testament.

Sprinkling of infants or baptism as a public sign or to join a church, then, do not represent the baptism of the New Testament, nor can they lead to salvation!

Baptism is Necessary for Salvation

Which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21).

Baptism is considered part of God’s plan for salvation, and the Bible makes it clear that baptism is necessary for salvation. Mark 16:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 say as much; Romans 6:3-7 makes it clear that we share in the death and resurrection of Christ through baptism.

Baptism is the means by which, according to the Bible, we come into contact with Christ’s blood and obtain remission of sin (Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38). We are not told of any other way to obtain remission of past sin.

Baptism, then, along with belief, confession, repentance, and obedience, leads to salvation in Christ Jesus.

Baptism Leads to Becoming a Christian

They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).

Once you are baptized, God adds you to the church of His Son (Ephesians 5:22-33). From this point on, you are a Christian, a member of the Kingdom of God (1 Peter 4:16, Philippians 3:20).

While baptism represents the end of the life of sin, it also represents the beginning of your walk in newness of life, following after the Savior (Romans 6:3-7). God expects you to work with other baptized believers to build one another up so that you and they may all reach Heaven (Hebrews 10:25, Galatians 6:1-2).

We are always happy to help people become a part of God’s church. If we can help you in particular in any way, please let us know!

Thanks again!

This E-Tract Compliments of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

We, the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio, are happy to present you with this e-tract to promote the truth of God throughout the world.

386 North Edgewood Drive
(Right off US 250 North)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

(419) 975-9270
norwalkchurch.org

Assemblies:

Sunday morning Bible Study: 9:30am
Sunday morning Assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening Assembly: 6:00pm
Wednesday evening Bible Study: 7:00pm

Want more information? Please contact us here!