Why do churches of Christ place so much emphasis on baptism? Have you ever been asked that, or wondered it yourself? Consider three reasons why and then one final reason.
REASON 1: MARK 1
The very first event in the life of Christ revealed to us by Mark is Jesus coming to John to be baptized (see v. 9). Nothing is said in Mark’s Gospel of the approximate thirty previous years of the life of Jesus! Surely this indicates something of the significance of this event.
Of course, Jesus was not baptized “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38) because He had none (Heb. 4:15). He was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness,” insisting that John baptize him (see Mt. 3:13-15). Baptism was commanded by God’s prophet, John the baptizer (see v. 4) and in doing so, Jesus kept the righteous law of His Father (see Ps. 119:75) and pleased Him (see Mt. 3:17).
If Jesus needed to be baptized, how can we, who have sinned against a holy God, possibly claim not to have the same need to obey the Father, as well as be forgiven of our sins?
REASON 2: ACTS 2
The second reason for emphasizing baptism is found in Acts 2, the chapter that every previous chapter in a sense anticipates, and every subsequent chapter looks back to. In Acts 2, the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus, the Lord’s kingdom came with power (vv. 1-4; see also Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8). Christ established His church as He promised (Mt. 16:18).
Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, along with the other apostles (see vv. 1-4), preached to the Jews on that day convincing them and convicting them concerning the crucifixion of the Messiah. In utter desperation they exclaim: “Brothers, what shall we do?” (v. 37). Peter’s response in verse 38 is, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
We may not be directly responsible for the death of Jesus, but we have certainly sinned against Him (see Rom. 3:10, 23; 1 Jn. 1:8) and need His cleansing.
REASON 3: JOHN 3
The third reason for emphasizing baptism is found in John three where Jesus is having a discussion with a man named Nicodemus. In verse 3 Jesus says that one cannot see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. Nicodemus is puzzled by what Jesus means and therefore Christ clarifies in verse five stating, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Unfortunately, some today are still puzzled with what Christ refers to here, but the context of this chapter, as well as other Scriptures, makes this very understandable. First note that baptism is found in the same chapter down in verses 22, 23 and 26. If we don’t know what Jesus meant by being born of the water and the Spirit, and then soon after we see that He, as well as John, are baptizing in water, doesn’t that answer our question?
Also, a simple comparison of other passages quickly helps clarify this matter. For instance, if being born of the water and Spirit are necessary for seeing the kingdom, and baptism puts one into the kingdom, or the church (see Mt. 16:18-19), then we can safely conclude that these are one and the same. And indeed we see this is the case (see Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41, 47).
Before concluding, understand that we could continue with our reasons. Reason 4 – In Ephesians 4:5 Paul, while mentioning seven fundamentals of the faith, mentions “one baptism.” Reason 5 – In chapter 5 he discusses “the washing of water with the word” (v. 26; compare Jn. 3:3, 5; Titus 3:5; Acts 22:16). In Romans 6:3-4 Paul discusses how baptism conforms to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. But let’s end with this…
THE FINAL REASON: MATTHEW 28
We began this short study with the first event in the life of Christ found in the Gospel of Mark. Now we conclude with His final words in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus states, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (28:18-20).
Surely the final words of Jesus are meaningful and important. In fact, we see that this is the message that He intends to be preached to every creature in every part of the world for all time to come, and part of the message involves the response of baptism, which makes one a disciple of the Lord (see the passage above).
These are some of the reasons that churches of Christ place significant emphasis on baptism. Understand one thing… in actuality it is not our emphasis, it is the Lord’s. And why should we call Him “Lord, Lord” and then not do what He says? (see Luke 6:46).
The fact that God has chosen a way for us to be washed free from sin is a testament to His amazing grace. Don’t refuse it as the Pharisees did (see Lk. 7:30), but embrace it with thanksgiving and proceed onward with joy in your heart like the Ethiopian (see Acts 8:39).
Please reach out to us if you need to study this subject more or if you believe you are ready to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins. We want to help.
Daren Schroeder
