Following Jesus without Denominationalism
Part 4: ‘Is Baptism a Necessary Part of the Gospel?’
When you are out there busting your rear to make ends meet, we all have a tendency to put things on a ‘back burner’, and make plans to get them at a later date. The problem comes in where that later date always seems to get pushed further and further, making it almost impossible to catch up.
Thus is the case with me the last few weeks, as I have been working extremely hard to get things organized and put together in an attempt to keep Ministries Outreach above water. And today’s economy doesn’t seem to show much signs of improvement . . . but you know what? We are all trusting GOD that HE will touch the right people to help keep us going.
At any rate, I do apologize for the delay in getting this series out.
In this series, I have been suggesting that following JESUS without denominationalism begins by heeding the call of the gospel . . .
Mainly because the LORD ‘calls’ us through HIS gospel, as we see in 2nd Thessalonians 2: 14:
“Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
And as we respond to the call, the LORD HIMSELF adds us to HIS church, as HIS ‘called out’ group of people, and NOT some man – made denomination.
Acts 2: 41 & 47:
“41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
“47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
In the previous message, I presented to you the gospel of CHRIST as containing the following . . .
(1) Facts to believe:
** JESUS was crucified for our sins
** JESUS was raised from the dead
** JESUS is exalted as KING and SAVIOR
** JESUS is coming again
(2) Commands to obey
** Believe the gospel concerning JESUS CHRIST
** Confess your faith in JESUS as LORD
** Repent of your sins
** Be baptized fir the remission of your sins
** Be faithful unto death
(3) ‘Promises’ to receive . . .
** The remission of sins
** The gift of the HOLY SPIRIT
** The gift of eternal life
Looking at various cases, I have personally found that there is very little exemption taken to the above, save for one thing . . . the suggestion that baptism is a necessary part of the gospel of CHRIST.
Now I know that many people have a problem with the idea that baptism is for the remission of sins . . .
To them, baptism has nothing to do with GOD’S plan of salvation.
To them, to suggest baptism is necessary . . . is to deny we are justified by grace through faith.
And finally . . . to them, to teach baptism is for the remission of sins . . . is to teach a salvation by works, not by grace.
Now this goes out and raises the key question asked by so many:
‘Is Baptism a Necessary Part of the Gospel?’
To put it another way:
Is baptism really for the remission of sins?
If so . . . then how can we say that we are justified by grace through faith, and not by works?
A lot of questions that can really lead even the smartest of Christians to being undecided . . .
I personally believe it is helpful to answer these questions by first observing a few quotations by certain individuals none would ever question of denying that we are saved by grace through faith . . .
(1) The words of Augustine, Aquinas and Luther . . .
Augustine . . . whom lived from A.D. 354 – 430 referred to the efficacy (effectiveness) of baptism when he wrote:
“The salvation of man is effected in baptism, as he is baptized for the express purpose of being with Christ.”
In regards to the necessity of baptism, he wrote:
“Apostolic tradition, by which the Churches of Christ maintain it to be an inherent principle, that without baptism . . . it is impossible for any man to attain to salvation and everlasting life.”
Thomas Aquinas . . . whom lived from A.D. 1225 – 1274 wrote these words:
“ . . . Men are bound to that without which they can obtain salvation. Now it is manifest that no one can obtain salvation but through Christ . . .”
“But for this end is baptism conferred on a man, that being regenerated thereby, he may be incorporated in Christ.”
“Consequently it is manifest that all are bound to be baptized: and that without Baptism there is no salvation for men.”
Martin Luther, in an answer to the question: “What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?”
In his Small Catechism, Luther replies: “It effects forgiveness of sins.”
Luther went on to write things concerning the sinner . . .
“Through Baptism he is bathed in the blood of Christ and cleansed from sins. To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is to save.”
Luther wrote a commentary on Romans 6: 3:
(“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”)
“Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) and through such death to eternal life. Therefore it is necessary that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death.”
Luther wrote another commentary on Galatians 3: 27:
(“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”)
“This is diligently to be noted, because of the fond and fantastical spirits, who go about to deface the majesty of baptism, and speak wickedly of it. Paul, contrariwise, commandeth it, and setteth if forth with honorable titles, calling it, ‘the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.’ And here also he saith, that ‘all ye that are baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.’ Wherefore baptism is a thing of great force and efficacy.”
Now I want all of you to understand that these particular individuals, as well known as they are, believed strongly in justification by grace through faith, and not of works . . .
Ephesians 2: 8 – 9:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Reverend Sam . . . if this is all true, how could these men actually say these things about baptism?
The key to really understand baptism is to understand just “WHO” is at work . . . is it man, or is it God?
Let’s dig a little deeper . . .
2) The saving power involved in baptism . . .
Before I go any further, let me plainly state . . .
BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE . . . BECAUSE IT MERITS SALVATION!!!
Nearly every person I talk to who takes issue with baptism being necessary, or having any part of the gospel plan of salvation, initially misunderstands this one HUGE point . . .
These same people seem to assume that if baptism is necessary, one is then saved by meritorious works. They also assume that if one is baptized for the remission of sins, one has earned their salvation.
Let me refer you back to Luther again, in his response to those who would call this a kind of works-salvation, when he said:
“Yes, it is true that our works are of no use for salvation. Baptism, however, is not our work but God’s.”
In this one statement, Luther correctly describes the working of baptism this way:
“How can water do such great things? It is not the water indeed that does them, but the Word of God which is in and with the water (God’s giving hand), and faith which trusts such word of God in the water (man’s receiving hand).”
Now even though baptism does not save in itself . . . baptism saves because GOD is at work . . .
Here . . . let me explain, as we look at 1st Peter 3: 21:
“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:”
Take a special note to the words baptism doth also now save us . . .
Now take a look at Colossians 2: 11 – 13:
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Now Luther observed the words here of the operation of God . . . whereas GOD is the one at work in baptism.
Here’s a big key . . .
OTHER THAN POSSESSING FAITH IN CHRIST AND GOD . . .
MAN IS PASSIVE IN BAPTISM!!!!
Just like a patient on an operating table . . . man is submitting to the skill of a physician to remove cancer.
As such . . . we are seeking the removal of the cancer of sin by submitting to the Great Physician to cut away our sins by the blood of CHRIST, which HE does in baptism . . .
It id GOD who makes us alive together in CHRIST, having forgiven all trespasses, as we see in Colossians 2: 13:
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
I looked up in the ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) a few facts some theologians wrote about and found where they deducted that baptism does NOT produce any salutary (value or benefit to somebody or something) effects by the mere external performance of the baptismal action. It is also written that no instrument with which Divine grace works does. Even the preaching of the gospel is void of saving results if not ‘mixed with faith’, as we see in Hebrews 4: 2:
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
Thus it is NOT the ‘act’ of immersion that saves . . . but it is the faith and belief in CHRIST, as we show that outward expression of an inward feeling . . . we are washing away the sins of our old life, and starting anew . . .
Reverend Sam . . . with all of this, does God command us to be baptized?
Good question . . . and even though we may all have different views, allow me please to share with you some thoughts to consider . . .
First . . . let’s look at John 3: 5:
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Now then . . . many Christians have claimed that one cannot be saved without being baptized and cite the verse above as evidence. Although baptism is an ordinance of the Christian Church and a command given to those who convert non-believers, Jesus never commanded baptism in order to be saved. Let us look at this verse in context to try to figure out what "born of water" actually refers to.
Also, let’s take a look at John 3: 3 – 7, where JESUS talks to Nicodemus in regards to this issue . . .
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
There are two conditions to enter the kingdom of God. Which comes first? "Born of water," according to the verse. Does baptism precede being born of the Spirit in the believer?
Jesus clarifies what He means in the next verse, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Being born of water is referring to being born physically (the water referring to the amniotic fluid that breaks as one is born). This is why He said "You must be born again."
The first birth is the birth from water, or the flesh. The second is to be born of the Spirit, which is of God. I think it is pretty clear that the verse does not refer to baptism, but to the first birth. At this point, the "entering" is for anyone who is born again (i.e., born of the Spirit).
Let's go over the specific text in question. Verse 3 says that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Verse 5 says that one must be born of water AND the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
The text tells us that these requirements are one and the same.
In stating that one must be born again, Jesus referred to 2 births - the first the physical birth on Earth. Nicodemus recognized this as the first requirement, since he stated that a man cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb (John 3:4).
In the very next statement he explains the two kinds of birth. "Born of water" refers to the physical birth, whereas "born of the Spirit" refers to being "born again" or the second birth.
In the next verse, Jesus clarifies the statement explaining that "born of water" refers to being "born of flesh." Jesus was clear and direct.
There is no mention of baptism anywhere. "Born of water" never refers to baptism in any other verse in the entire Bible.
As with many other Biblical issues with the various denominations . . . there are counter arguments to my statements here . . .
Why did Jesus use different verbs, "see" in verse 3 vs. "enter" in verse 5? It is a common practice in teaching to use different words to explain the same concept. By doing so, one keeps the attention of your student. And Jesus was an excellent teacher, who used this technique often.
Take a look at another teaching about the kingdom of God in Luke 18: 16 – 17:
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”
In the first verse, Jesus says that the kingdom of God "belongs" to children. In the second, He says that one must receive the kingdom as a child in order to "enter." Is belonging and entering different? Yes, these are different verbs, but the point is the same. Likewise, one cannot enter the kingdom of God without seeing it.
Jesus often used multiple parables to illustrate the same spiritual truths. You can confirm this yourself by reading virtually any chapter in any of the gospels.
Reverend Sam . . . did Jesus baptize?
BEAUTIFUL QUESTION!!!!
A general observation of the ministry of Jesus Christ reveals that He never told anyone to be baptized in any of the gospel accounts. His discussion with numerous people about how to have a relationship with God have been recorded in the gospels, but in none of those accounts does Jesus tell anyone that they must be baptized.
If baptism were crucial to one's salvation, I would think that He would have mentioned it at least once! Was Jesus negligent in not explaining this to all the people He talked to in the gospels?
I don't think so!
In addition, Jesus never baptized anyone to our knowledge, although He had His disciples perform the ceremony.
In fact, He routinely sent the people off after being healed without baptism. Obviously, He gave the command to His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Baptism is an outward expression of what has already occurred within an individual. Jesus didn't need to see that outward expression of an individual's conversion, since, being God, He already knew what was in their heart.
Thoughts for all to consider . . .
I love you all!
Reverend Sam
