"baptism And Salvation."

In Baptism we identify with Christ. The water has many symbols. Water symbolizes washing, life, even death and resurrection.

The greek word for Baptism is, "baptismos." or "baptizo." both words mean to immerse. From this we can understand that the best method is to place a person under the water. My purpose today is not to split hairs over the mode.

My purpose is to clarify what Baptism is and how it relates and equates to our salvation experience. Many have the conviction that it is salvation or at least is required. Let me poke some holes in the darkness for a moment.

First, I find it strange that the Old Testament never used such models. There were symbols but not the practice of Baptism. What I do find throughout the Old is the consistency of Faith, even Justification. How strange that some say Baptism is essential but never focus on Faith.

Next, I notice that Jesus never Baptized. There were requests for sure, and yes He submitted to it Himself, but why did He not perform this on anyone? Another key follower of Christ, Paul even made a strange statement about Baptism in 1 Corinthians 1:14. He said that he was glad he only Baptized 2 converts and not others. You might argue, that it was because of many that were placing the apostle on a platform that he did not want to be on, and I agree, but it does seem odd for this great evangelist/teacher/missionary to say such a thing about salvation, if Baptism actually saves.

I am almost hesitant to bring up the thief on the cross who was never Baptized. Many will argue that he was saved under the old covenant like numerous others. Ok, but how were they saved? It was Faith was it not?

There we go again, Faith is always a focus of our salvation.

Let's see a practical side to the passages such as Acts 2:38, and Mark 16:15-16, don't both selections ask for repentance and belief first? Isn't that consistent with the Bible as a whole? If Baptism is required for our salvation then what about works? Ephesians 2:8-9 sets the record straight on that doesn't it?

From a personal note as a pastor for over 40 years. I have met too many people who were Baptized as infants or even adults under the impression that this was their conversion. I have also seen many express serious doubt later and ask me to lead them to Christ. There are problems folk, real problems indeed.

Now that I have poked holes, you might be wondering what is Baptism all about? I am glad you asked. First, it is

a outward sign of an inward grace. In our justification we are brought by the Holy Spirit into not only an awareness of our sin, but a conviction. We are convinced we need Christ. Once we accept Him, we want to follow Him in obedience and Lordship. When we are Baptized we are giving testimony of that inward grace and resurrection power. If we take the time to study Ephesians 1:4, 10 we get a bigger picture that Baptism plays no part in our salvation other than obedience. If we must be Baptized to be saved since it is obedience, what happens when we fail in obedience each day? Are we still saved? Do we keep getting Baptized?

In closing, I would highly recommend that we practice what Paul wrote in Philippians 2:12, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Not to be saved by that working, but to stand approved.