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Where do we ever read of a Christian Being Baptized? By: Garland M. Robinson |
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Where do we ever read of a Christian Being Baptized? By: Garland M. Robinson |
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Water baptism is an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. There is no salvation without it (contrary to what denominations believe). Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved..." (Mark 16:16). Notice the order of these words. One first believes, is then baptized, and salvation follows. This verse answers the question! Will you believe and accept it? It’s as simple as 1,2,3.
There is not one single example of a Christian being baptized anywhere in the New Testament. In fact, there is no scriptural authority to baptize a Christian, period! Every Christian has already been baptized because it is by baptism that one becomes a Christian. Therefore, you cannot baptize a Christian, you can only baptize a penitent believer -- one desiring to become a Christian.
Some say Saul of Tarsus was saved (became a Christian) on the road to Damascus and then was baptized by Ananias three days later. When we read the account of his conversion in Acts chapters 9, 22, & 26, it is found this is not the case. In Damascus he was told to “be baptized, and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16). If he was saved on the road to Damascus, he would not have had any sins to wash away! They would have already been forgiven. But, he was baptized to wash away his sins in Christ’s blood.
Those on Pentecost in Acts 2 were baptized in order to become Christians -- "...Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). There were no Christians baptized there! I Peter 3:21 says “...baptism doth also now save us...." Since baptism saves, one cannot be saved before baptism, hence, no Christian can be scripturally baptized! Baptism is the act wherein one becomes associated with Christ’s death and his atoning blood. “...We are buried with him by baptism into death..." In water baptism, one’s sins are destroyed (Romans 6:3-6). Only in water baptism does one obtain forgiveness of sins -- becomes a Christian; therefore, a Christian cannot be baptized! It’s impossible.
Being saved, becoming a Christian, being baptized, and forgiveness of sins, are all synonymous. To do one is to do the other. Do you believe (Hebrews 11:6)?