Many people throughout the world say that they believe in God and put their trust in the Holy Bible. The majority of these people say that they believe in God but fail in following the teaching of the Bible. Many people will be lost, not because of what they did, but because of what they failed to do. Jesus said, “And why call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? To hear what Jesus teaches and not to respond is as foolish as building a house with no thought for its foundation.

The Bible plainly says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16). Man says, “He that believeth shall be saved”. Who are we to believe, God or some man. Many people say they believe in God but refuse to follow His written instruction in the Bible. Anyone who says they were saved before being baptized is still in a lost condition because they have failed to comply with the teaching of Christ. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”, then why won’t you believe it.

Many people are going to be lost because they let their emotions and feelings serve as a guide. On the day of Pentecost the people asked Peter and the rest of the Apostles. “Men and brethren what shall we do”? Peter said unto them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, (Acts 2:37-38). Then they gladly received his word were baptized, (verse 47). Does not the Bible plainly say they were baptized after hearing Peter telling them what they must do?

Philip preached to the eunuch as they went on their way. They came unto a certain water and the eunuch said, “See here is water, what hinder me to be baptized”? After making the good confession that Jesus is the Son of God they went down both into the water and Philip baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). Does not the Bible say after Philip preached the gospel to the eunuch he was baptized. How can anyone say that they believe in God and teach that one can be saved without water baptism. Baptism is absolutely necessary in order to be saved from our sins according to the word of God. Since God dwells in us “by faith” and faith comes by hearing the word of God, therefore, God does not dwell in those who do not believe the word.

Man is separated from God by sin. How can people live and be at peace with their own conscience when they know that so many are dying without hope in this present world.

Man has the written word of God to guide him through life and beware of those who use the word of God deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:2). If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you. People will use the thief on the cross as an example to try and prove that a person can be saved without water baptism (Luke 23:39-43).

While Jesus was alive upon this earth, He had power to forgive sins. The thief on the cross was not added to the Church because Christ had to die before His Testament came into effect. The thief on the cross cannot even be called a Christian because the Church had not been established yet. Many religious groups throughout the world teach that all you have to do to be saved is asked (pray) Christ to come into your heart. Then after you are saved this person needs to find a good Bible Church and be baptized. Anyone who teaches this knows very little about the Plan of Salvation taught in the Holy Bible. Instead of people listening to God for the plan of salvation, people are letting their feelings be their guide. One can and must know the truth in order to be saved from sin. When men decide to go beyond what is written, to reach conclusions which cannot be justified on the basis of the teaching of God’s word, and to teach outside the revelation of God’s will, religious division occurs. God expects us all to understand His word alike in order that we all might be united in Christ.

“If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God”, (1 Peter 4:11). Baptism is absolutely necessary in order to be saved from our sins according to the word of God. One must hear the Gospel, learn and believe it, confess that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of their sins, and be baptized into Christ, (Romans 6:3). In Acts 2 verse 41, “then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved (verse 47). To fail to stand up and fight for the cause of Christ is to act cowardly. To claim fellowship with God while refusing to abide by His will is hypocrisy. Many people go around saying how they love Jesus but refuse to obey Him and keep His commandments, (Matthew 7:21-23). Are you a true follower of Christ?

If you would like to have a Bible study or have a question, please write Randall Phipps at the Clintwood Church of Christ, P.O. Box 746, Clintwood, VA 24228.