While this is a matter of some controversy, the Bible specifically states that baptism can accomplish many things. Baptism:
- Is by definition, “immersion” in water.
- is “for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38
- is the means by which man contacts Jesus’ blood and gains entrance “into Christ”, Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:27.
- is the way a person can be redeemed from serving Satan so he can become a servant of God, Romans 6:16-18.
- “..now saves us,” 1 Peter 3:20-21.
However, the Bible says there are some things “baptism” will not do.
Without Faith Baptism Does Nothing
Candidates for Bible baptism were always required to have faith. Otherwise, evangelism would require little more than a gun or a bomb. Biblically, one must have an honest heart that willingly hears and obeys God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
It was not until the Pentecost hearers believed the words preached that they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Only then did Peter and the others say,
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:38.
No, immersion in water without faith is of no avail in salvation. Faith is a pre-requisite of baptism.
Will Not Eliminate Temptation
Unfortunately, some see the life of a Christian as a state in which no problems, no difficulties or disease, and no temptation enters one’s life. However, Satan’s efforts are even greater in pursuit of a Christian, for he seeks our souls even more. The apostle Paul, already a Christian, said in 1 Corinthians 9:27:
“I discipline my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” (NKJV)
In that same context, the Holy Spirit explains that we will always have a “way of escape” by which temptation may be resisted, 10:13.
The Christian is not immune to Satan’s temptations. We will always be exposed to sin, but we will always be able to resist. Satan has power, but it is limited by God, and we can and must resist Satan.
Baptism is not a lifetime guarantee
Since Satan still tempts us, Christians will always be exposed to sin. Our “free will” is not removed as we come from the baptistry, and the warnings from God have meaning for all. 1 Corinthians 10:12 says:
“Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
One sad situation biblically is that of the church at Ephesus. In Paul’s lifetime the church appeared to be strong with members hard at work. Just a few decades later, however, we read in Revelation 2:5 that they had become weak and in danger of being completely separated from God. Paul told Timothy that some would “depart from the faith,”
1 Timothy 4:1. Christians in Rome were warned that if they did not “continue” to serve faithfully they would be “cut off,” Romans 11:22. Peter warned that it would be
“better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them,” 2 Peter 2:21.
No—no lifetime guarantees, but many opportunities abound for us to serve God and others.
Won’t Let You Keep What You Stole
Several years ago a man was arrested and charged with bank robbery. During the pre-trial maneuvers, he said he was “sorry” and would never do it again. He asked to be forgiven of the crime and allowed to continue his life. He had a clean record to that point and the prosecutor considered the plea, but he required that the “loot” be returned. The defendant stated that he would not return the money but still wanted to be pardoned. As far as I know he is still in prison.
We understand the prosecutor’s demand that some indication of regret would have to be manifest if the accused was to be pardoned.
However, some believe today that “I’m sorry” is all that is needed for God to forgive us. Yes, there is another pre-requisite of baptism— repentance, Acts 17:30-31.
If I come to your house by night, take your silver, your electronic equipment, your credit cards and your automobile, you would expect me to return them before forgiveness is granted. Ironically, many think it would be all right for me to steal your wife and be forgiven even if I keep her. Baptism will not wash away sin when man refuses to repent. That term—“repent”— includes more than sorrow. It means “Godly sorrow,” 2 Corinthians 7:10. That’s what John called “fruits worthy of repentance,” Luke 3:8.
That bank robber could not really expect the law to pardon him without his returning the “loot.” One can go to the baptistry all he wants, but without genuine faith and repentance there is no forgiveness. That’s not my word, but God’s Word.
Baptism does only what God intended for it to do, and there are some things it just will not do.
