The subject of baptism is one of the most thrilling of all Bible subjects. Yet, due to the diverse teachings that exist today about baptism, it sometimes loses its thrill in the midst of discrepancy. While the Bible clearly teaches the essentiality of baptism in order to obtain salvation from sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16), many religious groups today teach that baptism is not essential to be saved. If that is true, then why were individuals so quick to be baptized in New Testament times? Let’s look at it.
On Pentecost, about three thousand souls were baptized “THAT DAY” (Acts 2:41). Why does the Bible even include that detail? What difference does it make to tell us what day they were baptized and how soon after hearing the gospel it happened? Those Jews likely did not come prepared to be submerged in water that day, so why do it THAT DAY? The Bible answer: Because it was essential “for the remission of sins” (2:38).
The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized beside THE ROAD in a DESERTED PLACE (Acts 8:38). The man was traveling home from Jerusalem to Ethiopia by chariot and was in an unpopulated (and likely unfamiliar) location. Why did he get baptized after hearing one sermon? Why didn’t he wait until he got home to invite family, friends and witnesses? Why did they STOP everything to be baptized? The Bible answer: Because it was essential for “rejoicing” over his salvation (8:39).
The Philippian jailer was baptized IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (Acts 16:33). The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas were praying and singing in an inner prison at midnight (16:25). Why does the Bible tell us the time? What possible difference could that have? They taught the jailer and his household the gospel (16:32), and “the SAME HOUR of the night…immediately he and all his family were baptized” (16:33). Why not wait until morning light? Why go through the trouble of a middle-of-the-night baptism? The Bible answer: Because it was essential to be “saved” from sins and “rejoice” (16:30, 34).
Ananias asked Saul of Tarsus why he was WAITING to be baptized (Acts 22:16). What an interesting question to ask. So, why did Ananias ask this question? Why didn’t Saul wait to go back to Jerusalem and gather the biggest crowd possible to witness this persecutor being baptized? The Bible answer: Because it was essential to “wash away sins” (22:16). That cannot wait!
In every way possible, the Bible affirms in clear language that baptism is an absolute requirement in order to be saved from sins. If it wasn’t, all of these examples could have waited for another day or another location. Let’s allow the Bible to do the teaching and for us to do the obeying.