by Jerry Senn
“The first prerequisite for entrance into the kingdom of God is, one should feel ‘poor in spirit.’ They must feel their own lack of spiritual power or resources before they can come to God in an acceptable spirit, in a spirit that God will accept. The spirit that feels its poverty, its helplessness, its need of guidance and strength, is the one that God looks on with pity and compassion and is willing to lift up and guide.” David Lipscomb, Co-founder of Lipscomb University, (Gospel Advocate 53, 2 March 1911, 268.)
Most religious groups have some teaching on this subject. But, few observe clear New Testament teaching regarding baptism’s purpose.
Often, in our efforts to reach people, we feel, need a closer walk with Christ, we assume they should be encouraged to “be baptized.” It is true that Peter commanded this on Pentecost (Acts 2:38). It is also true NT evidence affirms this throughout by inspired writers.
But, convincing someone they need to be baptized for any other reason than that they’re currently separated from God because of sin in their lives is an unbiblical effort.
In every NT case there is only one reason for immersion. It is always to “put on Christ” or stated another way, to be imputed with the sacrificial blood of Jesus to be forgiven (See: Galatians 3:26,27; Romans 6:1-5).
All human efforts to convince people they need to be immersed engages in an unbiblical mere assumption. Only sinners who see and feel his/her need of “forgiveness” should be encouraged to be baptized (immersed).
A study of references to baptism will make this very clear. Let us remain faithful to Bible teaching and never misuse inspired teaching on this subject. This is why it is hard to teach the truth about baptism to religious people, they have been taught they’re forgiven without it. They should be encouraged to study the scriptures for themselves.
Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:37-41
Acts 8:36-39
Acts 9:17-19
Acts 22:16
Romans 6:1-8
1 Corinthians 12:13
Galatians 3:26-29
Ephesians 5:25-27
Colossians 2:11-12
Titus 3:4-5