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We believe the Bible is God's word given to man to direct him in the way of righteousness, and to provide him with every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) How many times have you heard someone say, "He or she was saved last night and will be baptized later." Friends, this form of teaching is not taught by the word of God. Anyone who believes that a person can be saved without water baptism have been deceived. Baptism is a work planned by God and anyone who fails to follow His Plan cannot be saved. Where do people get all these strange ideas? People are being deceived just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Gen. 3:13) Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded of you." (Matt. 28:19, 20) Faith is one of the conditions upon which God will save us, or forgive us of our sins. The Bible plainly states that without faith it is impossible to please God. "James tells us plainly that a man can have a faith that is dead; a faith that is worth absolutely nothing to the one who possesses it." (James 2:24) If God forgives us, does it not become necessary for us to know when He does it? When we are baptized, we have not earned salvation but are simply complying with a condition set forth by God. God is giving us something that we could not possibly earn by our own works. |
After hearing the Gospel of Christ, the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." He answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God." And he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they went down both into the water, both Philip, and the eunuch and he baptized him. (Acts 8:35-39) People are not saved the moment they believe. Salvation comes when we listen and obey the word of God. When a person believes that Jesus is the Christ, he is only partially converted. A person must repent of his sins and confess that Jesus is the Son of God. A person who believes and has repented of his sins is still only partially converted. How do we know this? If the Bible is true, I know and you should too that he is not completely saved until he is baptized. Paul says, "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death." (Rom 6:3) How do we get into Christ? Paul says, "We are baptized into Christ." Any man who says that he was saved before he was baptized has let the prince of this world (Satan) deceive him, and he is still in a lost condition. Baptism is the work of God. Many people do not understand the purpose of water baptism. Have you truly obeyed the Gospel? If you have a question or want to have a Bible study, please write Randall Phipps, P.O. Box 746. Clintwood. Va. 24228. Our e-mail address is clintwoodchurchofchrist.com |