Published Nov. 10, 2006
The Question was: Can water baptism save or did Jesus die in vain?
Answer Below: {submitted to Opinions in the Ironton Tribune ) <---click here to go to the Question
Jesus said to his Apostles in Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things what so ever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world. No Jesus did not die in vain, but in his death is included the plan that all must obey to receive the benefits of the blood. The Apostles was commissioned to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Therefore those who obey what Jesus said will receive remission of sins, by the blood of Christ. II Timothy 2:15, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Water baptism alone does not save, but obedience from the heart to the gospel of Christ does save. Romans 6:17-18.
The statement of Matthew 3:11, John was having reference to Jesus who would come after him, that would give the baptismal gift of the Holy Ghost to his apostles, that would enable them to preach the gospel that had not been written, and the baptism of fire is a threat at judgment to all the disobedient. The first baptism was of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. Water baptism is to all people by which they typify the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
The people of the Old Testament was not commanded to be baptized for the remission of sins, as we read in Acts 2:38. They were living under the Old Testament law. When Christ died, he blotted out the Old Testament law, and brought into existence the New Testament. Baptism alone does not save, we are commanded to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, also to repent of all sins. Acts 2:38, and to confess Christ before men. Matthew 10:32, and be baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38.
You answered your own question in Hebrews 9:22, in the Old Testament it was animal blood in the New Testament it was Christ blood.
You say Acts 2:38 was spirit baptism, but examples like Acts 8 35-39, Phillip taught the Eunic, and they went down into the water, after the Eunic made his confession.
The gospel is the power to save. Romans 1:16. Baptism is a burial in water. When a person obeys the gospel; Faith, Repentance, Confession and Baptism from the heart that person is saved. Romans 6:17, then becomes a servant of righteousness.
Jesus spoke salvation to different people, when he was here on earth, before his church was established. After the church was established everyone obeyed the gospel to become a member of the church. No person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit today, like the Apostles. The Apostles could lay hands on others and impart gifts, but those people could not impart the spirit to others. That was in the infant stage of the church.
Baptized believers today receive a gift of the Holy Spirit; that is common to all who obey the gospel not a baptismal gift.
You say there are two baptisms, but what do you do with the scripture of Ephesians 4:5, that reads, one Lord, one faith and one baptism. You are not rightly dividing the scriptures.
J. W. Holcomb
Minister: Cannonsburg Church of Christ
Ashland, Kentucky