December 1, 2018
Adrian Rogers
Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:18-20
There are two common misconceptions people have about baptism: that it is either necessary for our salvation, or that it is not important at all.
Adrian Rogers says, “This is a church, not a club; we don’t make up our rules as we go along. Jesus has all authority, and He is the one who tells us about baptism.”
In order to grow as Christians, we cannot minimize what the Bible has emphasized, which is starting right with biblical baptism.
Matthew 28:18-20 says, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”
In Mark 1:9-10, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The word used, “baptizo,” means, “to immerse.” Therefore, the biblical method of baptism is by immersion: placing a person underwater and bringing him out.
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as our death, burial, and resurrection with Him. It is a picture of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:4 says, “Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
While baptism is not necessary for our salvation, it is necessary for our obedience. It shows that we belong to Jesus Christ.
Baptism is not a suggestion; it is a command from Scripture. Have you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have you been baptized?
