All wet, but still not saved…
- Baptism does not save – Only Jesus can save (John 3:3-18; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 2:2; Luke 23:39-43)
- Baptism does not forgive – Only Jesus can forgive (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:11-15; Luke 7:48; 1 John 1:1-10)
- Baptism does not justify – Only Jesus can justify (Romans 3:23-26, 4:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Hebrews 9:24-28)
Then why be baptized?
Water baptism is the outward expression of the transformation (Titus 3:3-7) that has taken place within a person who is already a born-again believer. It is a testimony to the grace of God upon your life. To be baptized without an already existing faith in Christ, leaves the person just as unsaved as they were before baptism; and they will not see God the Father without the Son (John 6:44, 8:48-59, 11:25-26, 14:1-7; 1 Peter 1:17-21; 1 John 2:23; Revelation 12:10-11).
Christ commanded us who believe, to be baptized; not as a sacrament that facilitates grace, but rather as an ordinance that reveals our faithful obedience; and to show the world that we are unashamed to proclaim Christ, and unashamed to be identified with God’s Kingdom plan. (Matthew 3:13-17, 10:32-33, 28:19)
Romans chapter 6 shares some great truths about the spiritual baptism of the heart. (See spiritual circumcision Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:6-14)
Baptism is a wonderful and special event; but only for those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13).