~~ Baptism is Necessary ~~

I have written before on how to be baptized; now I am writing on the necessity of baptism. So many are saying that baptism has nothing with salvation; so I went into the word of God to prove that it is indeed very necessary to salvation. This is the Scripture on this subject; not man's made-up doctrine.

Acts 2:37--Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Now, check and see, were these people asking this question already--- what you call 'saved'? If so why is Peter preaching to them? Why are they 'pricked' in their heart? What and why are they asking What shall we do?

Remember Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom to Peter; so he surely knew what the truth of salvation is, right? Do you believe Peter? Do you believe Acts to be the true Word of God? Do you think you can isolate one verse and make a whole doctrine of salvation out of this one verse and ignore the rest of the Word?

Now for Peter's answer: V38--Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION OF SINS, and ye SHALL receive the gift of the HOLY GHOST. Now, people, be honest--- and study this Word here carefully a few minutes. If these people were ALREADY saved, why are they questioning Peter about what they should do? If their sins had ALREADY been remitted, why did Peter say to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS?

If Baptism has not one thing to do with REMITTING SINS, why did this man to whom Jesus gave the keys to the Kingdom say this thing? Was he trying to deceive these people? Most people seem to think anyone who teaches this today is a deceiver. If they already had the HOLY GHOST why did Peter tell them that after they OBEYED the Word in this matter, they would then, AFTER the repentance, and AFTER the BAPTISM, THEN they would receive the HOLY GHOST?

People, you need to accept this the same as the other verses which you THINK disprove the NECESSITY of obeying the Word in this matter of Baptism? When they asked what shall we do, Peter did not even mention BELIEVING, now did he? You see, the Word is written this way; it is never all put into one place; that is why we must study it to be approved of God. It must be put together. When Paul told the jailor believe and you shall be saved; notice that this is NOT all Paul told him; this is written so we can put it together with the rest of the Word. It goes on to say that Paul said many other words to him. Then what was his reaction to the rest of what Paul said? He asked to be BAPTIZED THAT VERY NIGHT.

Now, in all honesty and intelligence, one must conclude from this action, that Paul most certainly DID tell in about the need to be baptized. In Acts 8:26-40--Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch; then the eunuch said, See, here is WATER; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Go back and read this: not one word is said that Philip preached Baptism to him; ---yet we know he had to have---else how did this man know to ask to be baptized? Why was it so urgent to him? You need to find these answers. It made it very clear that they both went down into the water; so it cannot be denied that water baptism is meant here.

Now, read Acts 19:1-7--- Paul met 12 believers--- He asked them "have ye received the HOLY GHOST SINCE ye believed? (Now if this is not the way -- if one receives it automatically just WHEN they BELIEVE--I ask you, why did Paul ask them this [stupid question]? Did Paul not know how it really is? They said, We have not so much as heard if there be any Holy Ghost. What did Paul say next? Did he say well then, you did not believe right or from the heart--- for the Holy Ghost comes WHEN you believe? Did he say anything of this nature? No!! V3--And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized?

See, he knew immediately that something was wrong with their baptism; for he knew the apostles' doctrine; brought by the one with the keys, Peter, that if you are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, you have the promise of the Holy Ghost. These men told Paul they had been baptized by John the Baptist. Read v 4. V5--When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

FIRST---- BEFORE--- V6---And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

See it can come either way; but it is all necessary. The household of Cornelius first received the Holy Ghost with the same sign of speaking in tongues as the Jews had received in Acts 2; BUT IT DID NOT STOP THERE! Then Peter, the one with the keys, COMMANDED them to be BAPTIZED in water in the name of Jesus Christ. If it is not necessary, WHY DID PETER COMMAND THEM TO DO THIS?

They had to obey it all; just as everyone else has to obey it all. If believing only saves one, Satan is saved; for the Word declares that he believes in one God.

Now study Acts 8. Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ. The whole town believed; even Simon the Soccer. V12--But when they BELIEVED Philip (was it finished?) No!!---Preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were BAPTIZED, both men and women.

Now, this tells me that Philip had preached baptism to this town. And they all obeyed this; but is this the end? No. Read v. 14-17-- Here we find that Peter and John heard about this town turning to the Lord. V15--Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; For as yet he was fallen upon NONE of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. V17--Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Now, this shows that more people believed and were baptized BEFORE THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST than the other way around. So how, say some of you, that baptism is only an outward showing that in inward thing has happened? More of these people were baptized first. The apostles were all in agreement that this is the normal way. They never one time rebuked this or said it is out of order.

So, it is only this modern day, Acts denying, group which has turned it around and saying that Baptism is not necessary; that it always should FOLLOW CONVERSION. They all taught that it is indeed part of conversion. I would like to find out why so many are against this? What is behind this denial of the truth so plainly laid out in the Book of Acts--- the only book which shows the way. You read believe on the Lord Jesus and ye SHALL be saved; you say it stops there. But no! How about this?

Mark 16:16--He that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED? See the very same words; if one believes and is baptized SHALL BE SAVED.

Now I ask you, WHY do you believe one of these verses and deny the other one? Is it not saying the same thing that IF YOU DO THIS YOU SHALL BE SAVED? Seems to me, you are picking certain verses that suit your church's doctrine and denying the others which say more on this subject. You must put it all together. You must obey it all. All of this is the true way of Salvation.

Now for one more 'you shall be saved' Scripture:

Matt. 10:22--And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end SHALL BE SAVED. See the very same words----you SHALL BE SAVED.

So, see there is a lot more to being saved than just BELIEVING. That is only a starting place. You must go on and obey the rest of the Word. All of it is God's Word; all of it pertains to salvation.

Baptism is necessary but how is it to be applied?

I know that there are plenty of people today that get married without taking on the husband’s name. Jesus said if you deny me and my name I will deny you before my Father. So you see it is very important that we take on his name in baptism.

Acts-2:38-Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [see he said in the name of Jesus we must take on his name if we are to be his bride.]

Acts-4:12- Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [see salvation can come no other way but taking on his name.

Acts-10:48-And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. [see it is a commandment to take on the name of Jesus.]

Acts-22:16-And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. [you see Paul was even baptized in the name of Jesus.]

Acts-8:16-[ For as yet he was fallen on none of them: only they were baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus.]

Acts-19:5- When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Col.-3:17-And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

There is so many scriptures on this matter if you are interested look them up. I have showed you just a few. May God open your understanding.

By: Jo Smith