Furthermore, the inspired men of the New Testament did not take baptism lightly. They never
poked fun at it saying, "There's no power in the water," neither did they accuse some of trusting
in "water salvation." They taught that Jesus made atonement for sin in His death, and they
commanded all to believe, repent, and be baptized in order to receive the benefits of His death
(Rom. 6:3-4). They viewed baptism as an act of faith in and submission to Jesus Christ, the
Savior, who has all authority (Matt. 28:18-20).
All would freely admit that there is no power in the water of baptism. The power is of the Lord.
Jesus healed a blind man by anointing his eyes and saying, "Go wash in the pool of Siloam."
(John 9:6-7). The blind man did not object by saying, "There is no power in the water." He knew
that the power was of the Lord and he needed to obey to receive the blessing. Likewise, there is
no power in the water of baptism, but one must go to the water to receive the blessing. To be
cleansed of leprosy, Naaman was told, "Go and wash in Jordan seven times..." (2 Kings 5:10).
There was no power in the water of Jordan, but if Naaman had not obeyed, he would not have
been cleansed. Similarly, if one does not obey in baptism, he will not be cleansed.
One is not lost just because he is not baptized. He is lost because he is a sinner. If someone who
can't swim falls into a lake and a boat is sent, but he won't get into the boat, is he drowning
because he won't get into the boat? No, he is drowning because he is in the water. Likewise, one
is not lost just because he is not baptized, but because he is in sin. Just as the boat is the means of
rescue and one must get into it, the gospel is the means of salvation and must be obeyed (baptism
included) to rescue from sin.
Who has the right today to label baptism as "non-essential" or in anyway minimize any of the
commands of Christ? Aren't all of the commands of the Lord essential? He said, "Why do you
call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). As Lord, He has the
right to make baptism an important step in the plan. He is the Savior and His will must become
our's. He is the "author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." (Heb. 5:9).
If when baptized, you put one Christ (Gal. 3:27), wash away sins (Acts 22:16), have remission of sins (Acts 2:38), are saved (Mark 16:16), benefit from Christ's death (Rom. 6:3-4), enter the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13), what is your condition without baptism? Why not repent and be immersed in the name of Christ for the remission of sins? Let no man deceive you. Humbly obey the gospel today.