In the various sects of religions who confess to be Christian there is much doctrinal differences in tenets. Personally, to avoid confusion I choose to look to God’s word for answers instead of religious institutions. From my experience, differences of opinion between Christian sects tend to be more about traditions of man than about interpretations of God’s word.
God’s word is really not all that complicated or hard to understand. In fact now days with modern english translations and software with bible search engines, it is easier than ever to find answers to all of our questions. We can simply do a topical search, and all scriptures containing such words pop up at the push of a button. No longer are the days of pouring over the scriptures for hours to find various references spread throughout, on any given subject.
Well, that is exactly what I did on the subject of baptism. I didn’t want to know what the Pope, an institution, or my neighbor had to say about it, but what my Creator had to say. After all, unless I seek out God’s truth’s and His plan for redemption, all the religion in the world won’t do me a bit of good.
What I found out is that His plan is spelled out in a way that even the most simple of us can understand. For example:
These scriptures point out that according to God’s word there is only one thing needed to receive baptism, belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, our redeemer;
“And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. [Mark 16:15-16]
“And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” [Acts 8:36-38]
Also we learn that baptism is an act of repentance that cleanses us through faith, and is readily available to all who believe;
” And he said to them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [Acts 19:3-4]
“Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.” [Acts 2:38-39]
Then we go on to learn of the great mystery behind the ritual of baptism, newness of life in Christ;
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. [Romans 6:3-11]
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.” [Colossians 2:12]
“For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” [Gal 3:26-29]
And finally all that remains, is an admonition to practice baptism;
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.” [Matt 28:18-20]
“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…” [Acts 10:47-48]
“And now why tarry you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” [Acts 22:16]