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What saves us from our sins, is it the blood of Christ or baptism into Christ? This is a great question, one of which we should give great thought to, because our soul hangs in the balance. The New Testament speaks of those who obey not the Gospel receiving God’s wrath (2 Thess. 1:7-9). What does it mean to obey the gospel? In order to answer this question, one turns to the book of Acts, (or the book of conversions as some call it.) With each conversion, you will notice steps that were followed.
When we put all of this information together, we learn there are five steps: Hear (Acts 18:8); Believe (Acts 16:31); Repent (Acts 2:38); Confess (Acts 8:37); Be Baptized (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12,13; 8:36-39; 9:18; 10:48; 16:15; 16:33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16).
Some upon hearing the plan of salvation have questioned what saves us from our sins, is it the blood of Christ or baptism into Christ?
First Peter 1:18-19 tells us we are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ and 1 John 1:7 informs us that the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin. But, Mark 16:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 teach us that baptism saves us. As will be demonstrated this is not the dilemma some have made it into.
Let us now compare some passages to help us understand blood of Christ and baptism into Christ.
Blood of Christ
• Revelation 1:5 teaches that the blood of Christ washes away sins.
• Matthew 26:28 Jesus tells us that He shed His blood for the remission of sins.
• Ephesians 1:7 – Through His blood we have redemption and forgiveness of sins.
• Romans 5:9 – We are justified by His blood and saved from the wrath of God.
• Acts 20:28 – Jesus purchased the church with His blood.
Great Commission Baptism (water baptism- by immersion)
• Acts 22:16 – Baptism washes away sins.
• Acts 2:38 – Baptism is for the remission of sins.
• Acts 2:38 – Baptism is for forgiveness.
• 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16 – Baptized to be saved.
• 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:47,41 – Baptized into the church (His Body Eph 1:22-23).
To Summarize: Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus shed His blood in His death (John 19:34). We are baptized into His death (Romans 6:3). And when we obey from the heart that form (pattern) of doctrine, then you are free from sin (Romans 6:17-18). The Blood of Christ is contacted in Baptism. The answer to the question Blood or baptism, can be answered satisfactorily when we understand this; things equal to the same thing, are equal. Baptism is for the same purpose that Christ shed His blood, for the remission of sins. “So why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16).
Michael Foresha
Nettleton church of Christ
Jonesboro, AR