This is one point in the plan of salvation that many denominations seem to leave out

This is one point in the plan of salvation that many denominations seem to leave out.

Let me explain the reason we include this step and you are more than welcome to email me

or the church if you wish to discuss it further:

The reason we believe baptism to be essential is:

1) It is found in every conversion in the book of Acts after the death, burial and resurrection

of Christ and the establishment of the church. Notably it is found even in the conversion

of Saul – who had been praying for 3 days and was still told to get up and be baptized to

have his sins washed away! (Acts 9:9; 18 and 22:16)

2) It is commanded by God in various places. (eg. Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16;

Acts 2:38 and others)

3) It is the process through which we are buried into Christ’s death and raised to a

new life. (Romans 6)

Some people point to the account of the thief on the cross and object that he was not baptized

and yet was told by Jesus that he would be with Him in paradise. Keep in mind, however, that this was

before the new covenant went into effect (at the death of Jesus). During Jesus’ ministry on earth He could

forgive the sins of any one He chose. (In Mark 2:5, Jesus forgave the sins of a paralytic just because he saw

“their faith”.)

Under the new covenant God has set up certain terms that we must meet in order to receive the

gift of eternal life that He offers. One of those conditions is that we are baptized into Christ (Gal.3:27). We

may not understand the connection between baptism and salvation but God doesn’t ask us to understand

everything – He asks us to obey. (Many in Noah’s day probably didn’t understand the connection between

the ark and salvation – but only those who got on by faith were saved! 1 Peter 3:21) There would seem

to be no logical connection between Naaman’s dipping 7 times in the Jordan River and his being cleansed

of leprosy - but when he followed God’s directions it happened! (2 Kings 5) The point is only when we

follow God’s instructions by faith can we receive His cleansing.

We would in no way imply that baptism alone saves us but simply place it at the same level of

importance as any of the other things that God requires of us (hearing the word, believing, repenting of our sins

and continued faithfulness to Him). Surely something that is given such emphasis throughout the NT cannot

be ignored by Christ’s followers today. I hope you will read these scriptures, do some research in the Word and

let the Bible speak for itself! A person can pick and choose certain scriptures to make the Bible appear to

say almost anything they want. We simply ask that you read it in its totality and through the Spirit’s leading

see the whole plan of God.

Again if you have any further questions, please feel free to email the church