Not Baptized? Why Wait?
Some who are reading this article have not yet been scripturally baptized (immersed), even though they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Part of the reason is that misconceptions about baptism frequently hinder people from being immersed into Christ. Examples include:
• Some are convinced that baptism isn’t necessary in order to be saved. (The following scriptures negate that misconception:)
Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”
Act 2:38 "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”
Act 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'”
1 Pet 3:21 “There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God)…”
• Other people believe that they must be perfect (or nearly so) PRIOR to being
baptized.
If that’s the case, then there is no need for anyone to be baptized.
Baptism is for sinners who want to be forgiven by the blood of Christ (Acts 2:38, Eph 2:13), not for perfect people who have no sins for which to be forgiven.
• Some believe that they must live perfect lives AFTER being baptized.
If that’s true, then no baptized person will reach heaven because we will
commit some sins after being baptized.
1 Jn 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
1 Jn 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Some believe that people must be baptized after the invitation song in front of the
church.
There is no scriptural mandate for this.
Many baptisms occur at other times (even at midnight) in front of few people.
Please do not permit ANY of the aforementioned misconceptions to hinder you from being baptized into Christ. None of us knows how much time we have left on earth or when Jesus will return – see Jam 4:14, 2 Pet 3:10.
If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, are willing to repent of (turn from) your sins and confess faith in Jesus, then what are you waiting for? “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Act 22:16).
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
Some who are reading this article have not yet been scripturally baptized (immersed), even though they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Part of the reason is that misconceptions about baptism frequently hinder people from being immersed into Christ. Examples include:
• Some are convinced that baptism isn’t necessary in order to be saved. (The following scriptures negate that misconception:)
Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”
Act 2:38 "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”
Act 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'”
1 Pet 3:21 “There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God)…”
• Other people believe that they must be perfect (or nearly so) PRIOR to being
baptized.
If that’s the case, then there is no need for anyone to be baptized.
Baptism is for sinners who want to be forgiven by the blood of Christ (Acts 2:38, Eph 2:13), not for perfect people who have no sins for which to be forgiven.
• Some believe that they must live perfect lives AFTER being baptized.
If that’s true, then no baptized person will reach heaven because we will
commit some sins after being baptized.
1 Jn 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
1 Jn 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Some believe that people must be baptized after the invitation song in front of the
church.
There is no scriptural mandate for this.
Many baptisms occur at other times (even at midnight) in front of few people.
Please do not permit ANY of the aforementioned misconceptions to hinder you from being baptized into Christ. None of us knows how much time we have left on earth or when Jesus will return – see Jam 4:14, 2 Pet 3:10.
If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, are willing to repent of (turn from) your sins and confess faith in Jesus, then what are you waiting for? “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Act 22:16).
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
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