From the Pen of LEROY SEDGWICK....
WHY BE BAPTIZED? #3
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ"
(Galatians 3:27).
As we have already noted in previous articles, baptism puts one into Christ where all spiritual blessings are found. Since "there is none other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12), it is apparent that we must be in that one where such salvation is. Again, that is the purpose of baptism, for baptism saves.
"The like figure whereunto baptism doth also now save us" (I Peter 3:21).
Whenever baptism and salvation (or any of its cognates) are mentioned in the same context, salvation is always mentioned AFTER baptism. Notice just a few examples of this order, beginning with John's baptism, and continuing throughout the New Testament.
"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of
repentence for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4).
"Preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins"
(Luke 3:3).
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38).
"Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16).
What is true of these five examples is also true of every other such passage in the New Testament. What more would need be said to make it clear that baptism must precede salvation? If any subject in the Bible has ample proof of its validity, it is this one. No wonder Peter stressed this point in his writings, when he wrote,
"...which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism...
(I Peter 3:21, ASV).
--Leroy Sedgwick