Greg Chandler
A recent post on the necessity of water baptism for salvation made the rounds through the social-media-verse. Set up in clear terms with the necessary supporting Bible passages included, the author presented a compelling case. As is typical with such posts, the comments section was filled with arguments from those both supporting and opposing this teaching. Various arguments and Bible passages on grace and faith were cited to disprove the idea; however, one comment stood out above the others. It stated, “These people have a water fixation.” There were no supporting arguments to back this conclusion, nor were there any scriptural references attached. The comment was clearly designed to make those who profess this belief sound deranged for reaching such a conclusion.
As a believer in the necessity of water baptism, this statement was of great interest. After pondering it for several days, a rather shocking conclusion was reached: If the commenter is at all familiar with the Bible, he or she would have to admit that God also has a “water fixation.” A reader need only read the first two verses of the Bible before divining water, as God describes His Spirit hovering over it (Genesis 1:2). From there, water continues to flow through Eden, the salvation of Noah, the Red Sea, the Jordan, a struck rock, and numerous other references in both the Old and New Testaments. Indeed, the theme of water runs deep in the pages of God’s word.
With a good working knowledge of this water theme, belief in the necessity of baptism is a logical conclusion. New Testament writers understood this and harkened back to major Old Testament water events as supporting evidence of baptism’s necessity. After discussing the flood of Noah’s day, the Apostle Peter wrote, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you” (I Peter 3:21). As the Apostle Paul prepared to warn readers not to fall into the temptations that plagued ancient Israel, he described their Red Sea crossing like this: “Our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (I Corinthians 10:1-2). Had any Israelite professed belief in God but refused to pass through the waters, there would have been no hope of salvation from Pharaoh’s army. Salvation through baptism continues this vital theme of passing through the waters.
Strong evidence is supplied in the book of Acts for the necessity of baptism. In the first gospel sermon after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter stood before the crowds and proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Three thousand people immediately heeded the apostle’s words. Luke, the author of Acts, follows this with several conversion vignettes involving men and women, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, or circumstance, all were baptized. God’s “water fixation” is purposeful; He wants it known that obedience to this command is essential.
With the above in mind, is there anything for believers in salvation through water baptism to learn from the commenter’s terse words? Truthfully, great lessons can be learned from one’s harshest critics. Most churches that profess belief in baptism’s necessity have a tradition of offering “the Lord’s invitation” at every assembly. For certain, baptism will be included in each presentation, as it certainly should be. Still, there is the danger of teaching baptism to the neglect of other essential ideas concerning salvation. The grace of God must be a central theme in any salvation teaching, for without it, there is no salvation (Ephesians 2:5). This means boldly asserting belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10). The necessity of faith is essential because it is impossible to attain salvation without the confidence that God exists, is right, and must be obeyed (Ephesians 2:8). As noted earlier, the change of heart associated with repentance is mandatory (Acts 2:38). Baptism must be neither exalted nor excluded. For the believer, it is the time that the grace of God is bestowed; the time that faith in God is demonstrated; the time that sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).
The above ideas must not only be taught, but also fully accepted by those desiring salvation. Far from “the final act of salvation,” baptism is the beginning, as one is “raised in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It is the beginning of a life with God that will not end at death but will instead continue eternally with Him.
Blessed is the one who has a “salvation fixation!” Cleansed in the waters of baptism by the grace of God; faithful in becoming more like Jesus Christ each day; hopeful of the eternal union promised by this magnificent Savior.
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” – Acts 8:35-36
