[216 words]
Did you know that William Shakespeare wrote the hymn, “I’ve found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me?” I should add that his full name was William Shakespeare Hayes, a journalist and songwriter who was born in 1837 in Louisville, Kentucky. So I told you the truth, but left out an important point.
Many religious groups do that as they teach from the Bible. They concentrate mainly on believing in Jesus and confessing His name, but repentance is hardly mentioned and baptism is rejected as being unnecessary.
Here’s a few things that need to be included:
1. Baptism is mentioned over 90 times in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit does not waste His breath.
2. Jesus and the apostles commanded it. (Mark 16:15-16).
3. Peter wrote that it saves us. (1 Pet 3:21)
4. Baptism is the only part of the salvation process that places you in/into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12; 13; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:1-6) Show me where confession does that or faith or repentance.
We are saved by grace through faith, but many teachers belittle, minimize, and neglect the importance of baptism. By the way, that is when you are united with Christ in His death—the only time (Rom 6:5).
Rick Laing
Highland village church of Christ
Austin, TX