Frequently Asked Questions

Why is baptism by immersion so important? (continued)

In fact, there exists no record in the New Testament anywhere of any believers who were not baptized. Trying to dissect the plan of Salvation and asking unanswerable questions like "when is a person saved?" is a divisive tool of the adversary that has been used to effectively destroy the unity of the body of Christ. It is unthinkable that the early church would have ever asked such questions. The biblical example is simply one of obedience. This is what we desire to follow.

Baptism in the New Testament is always associated with those who make a decision to accept Jesus, and those old enough to comprehend such a decision. The idea that God would condemn small children unable to even know right from wrong is a deception that flies directly into the face of the true nature and character of God. No where in scripture is there is an example that would suggest that a loving God would do such things.

The imagery of baptism itself speaks to its significance. Baptism was a common feature of the Hebrew faith any time a gentile [non Jew] choose to accept the Jewish faith. This individual was required to openly renounce all other gods, to acknowledge that the Hebrew God [of the Bible] was the only true God and to follow His teaching. He would then by baptized by immersion. It was then said of Him; “He has been born again.” Nicodemus would have understood this very clearly in John 3.

Because baptism is an identification with Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. And since we cannot be "raised with Christ" unless we "die to self" [Rom. 6:5-7], then what might that suggest about the person who claims he has surrendered to God and yet will not allow himself to be buried with his Savior? (See Colossians 2:8-12) Dead men do not struggle with obedience.

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