From the Pen of LEROY SEDGWICK....
WHY BE BAPTIZED? #1
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like Christ was raised up from the dead we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).
Much of the religious world of today argues that "baptism is not necessary" for the salvation of man's soul. If that is so, why do we continue to stress that it is important - yes, even that it is necessary for our salvation? Several reasons can be given to answer the question. Let us note not only some answers to that question, but also discuss other factors of this much maligned doctrine of God.
If we did not have a miriad of passages, telling us why, this one thought alone would be sufficient. CHRIST COMMANDED IT!
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
(Matthew 28:19).
Such teaching will produce faith which must necessarily precede obedience to that faith in the form of baptism.
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).
Before one's relationship can be changed by his/her obedience to the Lord, there must be a determination on the part of the one seeking such change. That's why Peter said what he did on the day of Pentecost.
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins"(Acts 2:38).
When Peter later preached Christ to those of the household of Cornelius, he made it plain that baptism was necessary when,
"...he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the
Lord" (Acts 10:48).
How does Baptism relate to sins -- just what does it do that will cause those sins to be removed? Saul of Tarsus was told,
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash
away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord"(Acts 22:16).
--Leroy Sedgwick