Baptism is an undeniable part of Christianity. However, depending on which denomination someone ascribes to, the purpose can vary greatly. Is baptism for the remission of sins? Is baptism just an outward showing of inner faith? Or is baptism simply a good thing to do? The answer must be found in the scriptures. It cannot be God’s will that we should be left in the dark about an issue that could mean the difference between eternal life and death. “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor 14:33, NKJV).
The first place we read about baptism in the Bible is in the gospel accounts. “John came baptizing in the wilderness…” as Mark 1:4 says, “…and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Here we read what John did and what its purpose was, which is repeated verbatim in Luke 3:3. “Remission” means “pardon” or “forgiveness.” In other words, the purpose of John’s baptism was to forgive sins.
Now, let’s go to the beginning of the church. In Acts chapter 2, we see that baptism is spoken of in its very first sermon. Peter is speaking before the multitude in Jerusalem, proclaiming the gospel. He tells them that today is the day spoken of by the prophet Joel, when “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” (v. 21) has come to pass. He then proves to them through the scriptures and by miracles that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, and they are guilty of His crucifixion. In fear, the multitude asks, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (v. 37). Peter replies, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (v. 38). It is the same purpose as John’s baptism! Only this time, the sin needing to be forgiven is the killing of the Son of God.
On the Day of Pentecost, the multitudes were asking the same question every believer asks. Peter gave them the answer. To repent and be baptized. Why? For what purpose? Peter says, “…for the remission of sins.” Can any man be saved so long as he is guilty of sin? Certainly not. “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Peter continued, “‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (vs. 40-41). Peter told them to be saved, and their answer was to be baptized that very same day.
Baptism is not just a good idea. The purpose of Baptism is to save souls. Later, Peter wrote, “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism.” He calls it “the answer of a good conscience toward God” (1 Pet 3:21). The door of salvation has been opened for you. What will your answer be?