Baptism - A symbol not a sacrament (part 3)

So why is baptism important?

Baptism is significant because it is the first step of obedience to the Lord’s command (Matt. 28:19-20). It publicly identifies believers as followers of Jesus (Gal. 3:27, 1 Pet. 3:21), and it still does this today. Baptism is required for joining the church (1 Cor. 12:13).

Baptism - A symbol not a sacrament (part 2)

This is also why Jesus taught the significance of believing in relation to baptism (see Mark 16:16). Ironically, Jesus Himself was baptized (Matt. 3:16). This is yet another proof that baptism does not save. In Matt. 28:19, Jesus specifically instructed His followers to first make disciples (Salvation being the primary requisite) and then baptize them. Again, salvation precedes baptism.

The Apostle Paul was thankful for not baptizing certain believers due to their spiritual immaturity (1 Cor. 1:14). This would be an absurd verse if baptism could save. Notice even in this context the candidates for baptism were already "believers."

Baptism cannot bestow grace on anyone; only God can do this. Grace is God's favor. It is something that He gives and nothing that we can earn in and of ourselves. (see Eph. 2:8).

Baptism A Symbol Not A Sacrament

Many people are confused about the ordinance of Baptism. This home-made tract is designed to promote a plain summary of some of what the Bible teaches about baptism. Primarily to point others to the understanding that faith in Christ alone is Salvation and that baptism is an outward manifestation of that inward truth, a believer's public identification to The Lord Jesus Christ, and an initiation to and requirement for joining the church. This tract does not pretend to cover all the intricate and relevant portion of this essential Baptist distinctive.

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Can baptism save? Can it bestow grace? What does the Bible teach about baptism? Dear friends, the last question is the most important question because it does not matter what man, church, or tradition teaches; however, it does matter what God teaches through the Bible.

Because the Bible is God's Word, it is the Christian's final rule in matters of faith and practice. One can examine its teaching concerning major doctrines with a great degree of clarity. The topic of baptism is no exception. The Bible has much to say about baptism.

Man's religion teaches Salvation by baptism

God's Word teaches Salvation first, followed by baptism

In the New Testament, every person exercised faith prior to Christian baptism. See Acts 2:41, 8:36-38, 9:15-18, 10:44-47, 16:14-15 and 30-34. The fact that repentance precedes baptism indicates that saving faith is a requirement for baptism. This is why John the Baptist, in Matt. 3:7-8, rejected a group of religious people (hypocrites) who desired to be baptized but expressed no true sense of repentance.

What About Church? (part 7)

7. What is a church?

A church is an autonomous (meaning self-governing) assembly of baptized believers, with officers and members, who gather for the purpose of glorifying God, winning the lost, and carrying out the ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ. (see Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12;)

What About Church? (part 6)

6. Is the church perfect?

Not yet. There is no such thing as a perfectly sinless church on earth. Somehow people expect church to be a place for exclusively holy people forgetting that it is composed of sinners forgiven by the grace of God.
Christ has given gifts to the church so that its members can grow spiritually (see Ephesians 4:11-12). In the future when Christ returns for His church, He will perfect the church (see Ephesians 5:27).

What About Church? (part 5)

5. How important is church to Jesus Christ?

The Bible uses some metaphors (or symbols) which helps us understand the significance of the relationship that Christ has to His church.

A. The Body of Christ— (see 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:8). A body is composed of many members which work with such symmetry that it functions without much thought. This symbol should remind each member of the church to endeavor to live peaceably among each other. (see Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:3).

B. The Bride of Christ— (see Ephesians 5:23, 25). Here we see the sincere love that Christ has for His church. Jesus bought the church with His own blood (see Acts 20:28). If Christ esteems the church highly, shouldn’t we?