For years, the churches of Christ have been known for emphasis on the topic of baptism. Baptism has been a constant discussion among theologicals for hundreds, it not a couple thousand years.
As various religious groups have found themselves divided over baptism, it is key to look at what the Bible says regarding baptism. One overlooked passage is Romans 6.1-14. For instance, look at a few of the questions and let Romans 6 answer them:
Is baptism really important?
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6.3)
When one is baptized they are baptized into Christ – that is really important.
What does baptism do?
“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6.4)
Baptism connects one with the death of Jesus and the raising to walk in a new life – that is really important.
Is baptism necessary?
“For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Romans 6:5)
To be united with Christ, you must be baptized – that is really important.
By the time you read this another app on your phone or computer will be facing another update. For some, this means nothing, but for others you will understand it will mean an adjustment to learning the new system and all of its bells, whistles and frustrations.
Every new update usually means another set of bumps and issues. Due to the quickly expanding world of technology, many software manufactures try to quickly get their product into the market and as a result, they can complicate something to the point of angered frustration.
After putting up with several technological issues, I am thankful that God made the plan to live with him simple. Take a moment and read Habakkuk 2:2 and see that God wanted His message written plainly.
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”
There is not a technological aspect to the plan God has shown to man through His Son Jesus. God knew man would not be able to save himself, because we were created to make our own choices and in such cases, we choose to leave the foundational principles of the Word of God and make our own path. Salvation through God is simple, but sometimes man creates the problem.
Consider those on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Each person was committed to following God because they had made the journey from other regions to be there for the Pentecost celebration. While celebrating the feast, Peter (along with the 11) became a Spirit-filled spokesman for the Almighty God. The message was personal and pointed. During Peter’s message, the people realize, “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer was simple and pointed.
Peter’s words were…
(1) Repent
(2) Be baptized.
God plan is simple because He wants all me to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)
I am glad God’s plan is not technical, but simple.
