Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of our series of letters from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ,” we end the topic of “The Doctrine of Baptisms.” Paul is very specific when commenting on one receiving “water baptism” or the washing of regeneration (see Titus 3:5). He states to the church at Corinth, “And such were some of you [you were fornicators, adulterers, thieves and drunkards]: but [you are now] washed, [you] are sanctified, [and you] are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:11). This teaches us that baptism in Jesus’ Name is, without question, essential to the “sanctification” and the “justification” of salvation, and can in no way be ignored.

Chosen Ones, we become identified with Jesus in death by baptism. If there is no act or sign of baptism in God’s eyes and in His Word, there is no act or sign of belief that he died and rose again. Paul, in his day, had to deal with certain Christians who were baptizing for the wrong reasons. In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul rebukes the concept of baptizing for the dead, instead of baptizing as a sign of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He states, “what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?” (I Corinthians 15:29). In other words, a dead man cannot be affected by baptism. The dead do not know what has been done to them after death! So, Paul continues by asking, “why are they then baptized for the dead?” (I Corinthians 15:29) This is why, Beloved, we who are living must show God and the world that we believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection through baptism in water. Now, I know that some may say, “That is not necessary, and as long as I believe in my heart that Christ was raised – I don’t have to get wet!” But, I implore you to revisit the scriptures concerning this matter. First of all, James says that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Secondly, Paul states that “we are buried with him by baptism into death…our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed” (Romans 6:3-6).

Precious Ones, all of this information tells us that after our estrangement from God brought on by our sins, we as Christians are only restored or reconciled to favor through baptism. Now, we are told how to put off the body of sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. Paul says that the “circumcision of Christ [means being] buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God” (Colossians 2:11-13).

Children of God, in my conclusion of this subject – yes, there must be faith in the heart of a candidate for salvation in order for “baptism” to operate. You must take God at His Word, and obey the concept of baptism by immersion in water in the Name of Jesus. I leave you with these final scriptures. Read them during your daily meditation on the subject; Colossians 3:16-17, Mark 16:16, John 7:38-39, Acts 2:38, Acts 16:15, and Acts 19:1-6.

I love you all so very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy