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Those in the Christian faith can discuss just about
any topic–except
baptism. Baptism can turn a simple Bible conversation into a heated argument.
Some say baptism is a work. They continue to say baptism does not save,
but is an outward appearance of an already inward change. But when I ask
to be shown the scriptures which support this doctrine, I am only given
more opinions. No one has ever supplied book, chapter, and verse to back
up that doctrinal position.
The Bible clearly states that baptism saves through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1
Peter 3:18-21). Jesus Himself commands us to be baptized
in Mark
16:16 and Matthew
28:18-20. On Pentecost, the day the church started, those
who accepted the message were told to repent and be baptized (Acts
2:38-39).
Now let us look at what is called a work by Jesus.
Did you know believing is a work? Yes, believing is a work. Not
because I say so, but because God's Word says so. And I can give you book,
chapter, and verse. Jesus clearly states that believing is a work:
28Then
they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29Jesus
answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
–John
6:28-29 (NIV)
Surprised? Now it's up to you. Salvation is at hand.
Just obey God's Word–book,
chapter, and verse. We are saved by grace, but we must do the works God
created for us to do in advance:
8For it
is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not
from yourselves, it is the gift of God–9not by works, so that
no one can boast.
10For we are God's workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to
do. –Ephesians
2:8-10 (NIV)
If deeds or works are found incomplete in the sight
of God, our names will be blotted out of the Book of Life
(Revelation
3:1-6).
The Bible is God's love letter to us for the way
of salvation. Our doctrinal opinions must not contradict any part of the
Bible but work in harmony with all of it. We should be able to prove every
one of our beliefs with the scriptures instead of relying solely upon opinions.
If Jesus said it, we must believe it. Believing is something we must do.
Believing is a work. Your eternal life depends upon it. In Mark
16:16, we are told to believe and be baptized and we will
be saved. If Jesus said it, believe it.
Copyright © 2001 Timothy A. Southall.
All rights reserved.
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