From the Pen of LEROY SEDGWICK....
Why Be Baptized # 2
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us" (I Peter 3:21)
Having begun to discuss the subject of baptism in article # 1, we now pursue further the reason for being baptized, and thus, the reason for preaching the necessity of baptism. We have noticed that baptism is an obedient response to one's faith, being a command of God. Another urgent reason for being baptized is found in this article: that it puts one into Christ.
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into His death" (Romans 6:3).
Why is it so important to be in Christ?
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are
passed away; behold, all things have become new" (II Corinthians 5:17).
Thus, if we are in Christ, we are created anew, spiritually. And, we are "baptized into Christ."
Again, Paul gives us good reason for being in Christ when he writes to the Colossians and the Ephesians.
"...translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins" (Colossians 1:13,14)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly
places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).
Let us note that one other passage tells us how to get into Christ.
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27).
Notice - Redemption is in Christ, and we are baptized into Christ! That has to be good reason for being obedient to Christ command to be baptized.
"And now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).
--Leroy Sedgwick