The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16

The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16 Baptism

A Salvation Must × Over the decades, the doctrine of baptism for the purpose of salvation has been one of, if not the most, maligned principles of the Lord’s church. × False religions, denominations all, agree in general that baptism is a Biblical COMMAND and that it is IMPORTANT. × They almost universally deny its necessity for salvation.

Disregard For Doing × Essentially, the prejudices against the doctrine of baptism for salvation are a product of human, evil desire for the mental ascent or emotional mode of religion that has plagued the centuries. × The false doctrines of “faith only” and “salvation not of works” dominates the religious mindsets of most people in our day and age. × Doing has become outmoded.

Forgiveness × As Christians, we must get to the point and keep it regarding baptism for salvation. We start with the understanding we cannot be saved without God’s forgiveness. × How does the Bible tell us we ask for and gain that forgiveness essential to salvation (Acts 22:16 / 1 Peter 3:21)? × Baptism is how we spiritually PLEA for forgiveness; baptism saves us THROUGH the Christ.

Sin Removed × Likely, one of the most determinate passages regarding the removal of sin from our souls, ensuring salvation is in Colossians 2: × What does Paul say CAUSES this “circumcision” of sin? Baptism. Therefore, without baptism sin still clings to our soul, parasite like, and keeps us from salvation. × Sin feeds off the emotional, mental ascent salvation common today.

United With Christ × When we studied the letter to the Colossians recently, we reasoned that we must be “hid with Christ” (3:3). × Couple this with another admonition of Paul in Romans 6:1-5 and Galatians 3:27 and we find full authority to understand we cannot be united with Christ, who forgives us, without baptism. × Forgiveness without baptism? No.

What About The Thief? × For generations, Christians have stood unfortunately stumped by this assumption of denominational ignorance. × Was the thief on the cross saved without baptism? Who can tell? This is a “straw man” fallacy (false argument refuting an absent proposition). × What then, should we propose?

The Thief × …may have been baptized (Luke 23:39-43). What logical conclusion does the comparison of the thieves REALLY produce? × …was not subject to the command of baptism for the remission of sins until Jesus died (Hebrews 9:16-17). × …was in the full grace of God as Jesus spoke to him and promised. The SAME grace we have IN CHRIST THROUGH BAPTISM (1 Peter 3:21).

Focus On The Word × We are not without the comfort and authority of the Scriptures on this matter, so let’s never act as though we are. × The Lord’s church, Christians, are unique, Bible dedicated children of God. × Baptism is ESSENTIAL for salvation. × Matthew 28:19-20 / Acts 2:38.

Baptism Saves Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17: Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17: Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10

The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16