Notice some of the verses and commands given on the subject. In Mark 16:16, Jesus was giving His disciples some final instructions before He ascended into heaven. He said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” It’s hard to imagine our Lord, the master teacher, getting any clearer. For those people who believe AND are baptized will be given salvation, to those who refuse, condemnation. We have alluded to the open hearted Jews of Acts 2 on many occasions. They too heard a similar command. Peter said in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Once again we see baptism emphasized. One of Christianities worst enemies was instructed in like manner. In Acts 22:16 he is told, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” From those few verses we can see that baptism is not an option. It is necessary. But what is baptism exactly?

Let’s turn to the Bible for the answer. In Rom 6:3-8 we get a detailed description. Paul says, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” The answer is simple. Baptism is a burial. In fact the word itself means, immersion. The question then becomes a burial in what or immersed in what? In Acts 8:36-38 the Ethiopian Eunuch and Philip a gospel preacher were engaged in a Bible study. Let’s pick the account in verse 36, “Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.” Clearly Bible baptism, that which is needed for church membership and salvation, is a burial in water to represent the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. It also puts in Christ, His Body where all spiritual blessing are found (Gal 3:26-27). Outside of Christ no spiritual blessings can be enjoyed, in fact, it keeps the gulf of sin intact which separates man from God (2 John 9). Finally, baptism is for the forgiveness of your sins. Let’s read Acts 2:38 again, “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Notice that baptism is FOR the remission of sins. To have remission is to be released, as from bondage or imprisonment, to have forgiveness and pardon of your sins. Baptism provides this great blessing for mankind. In Acts 22:16 Ananias told Paul, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Notice again the purpose of baptism to wash away ones sins.

Have you, in obedience, claimed your membership in the Lord’s Church?