In many denominational churches there is a preoccupation with a partial truth that is very distressing when it comes to discussing the truth of God’s Word, and the “holy commandments” regarding salvation. Many individuals, who are members of denominational churches, hold fast to the ideology that “faith only” is enough to provide access to the blood of Christ. Martin Luther coined the phrase “salvation by faith only”, yet many overlook his answer concerning the command of baptism. When asked “What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?” Luther answered, “It affects forgiveness of sins.” It is not unusual for the afore mentioned individuals to overlook what does not suit their likes, in fact when you boil the whole problem down it is their “likes” that they always cling too. I suppose it is human nature to take sides with the things we like, and to turn away from the things we do not. Keeping the above information in mind, I would like to look at the necessity of baptism from a different perspective. Now all the “holy commands” of the gospel are equally important, but baptism is the one that seems to cause the largest abyss in understanding with individuals who hold to the “faith only” concept.
Let’s look at the baptism of Jesus first. Now we know Jesus was without sin, and his baptism was the baptism of John. So why then was He baptized? The scriptures answer this question with the words of Christ Himself in Matthew chapter 3.
But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. (Matt. 3:14-15)
As we can plainly see Jesus said His being baptized was to “fulfill all righteousness”. If the example of Christ’s baptism was to fulfill all righteousness, then how does that righteousness apply to the overall picture regarding those who do not believe baptism is a necessity in the plan of salvation? Let’s look now at what Paul said in the Roman letter.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith. (
It is my opinion that Paul makes an indirect reference to something in the plan of salvation here, and also in subsequent chapters, and I believe it has to do with baptism’s role in that plan. It should also be noted that Paul, in the letter to the Colossians, spoke of the proper faith that saves in baptism (i.e. Col. 2:12). Paul follows this comment about righteousness with more in chapter 3 of the Roman letter saying…
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Rom 3:21-25)
Notice how the comments in verse 25 mentions “to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins”. Is this just a coincidence? I think not, because it ties together so many other scriptures dealing directly with baptism. And it shows how we contact the blood of Christ in baptism, which was shed for the remission of sins (c.f. Matt. 26:28). The entire group of scriptures from Romans chapters 1 and 3 show direct inference to the great commission, as given by Christ in Luke 24:47, not to mention Matthews account which gives a direct command concerning baptism (i.e. Matt 28:19). Paul goes further in the Roman letter to describe how we become a part of the body of Christ, or how we get “into Christ” with the comments found in Romans chapter 6.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Rom 6:3-6)
How can anyone read those passages and not see the importance of baptism? Keep in mind that the letter to the Romans is just that, a letter (inspired by God). We should never break it apart and use only the pieces that we “like”, and discard the ones we don’t in order to support what we want to believe. Members of denominational churches are fond of using Romans 10:13 without considering the context of the preceding scriptures. Paul was leading up to what he says in verse 13. Through God’s inspiration Paul did not intend to become redundant in repetition of the same points. Those who read the entirety of the letter should know what he is talking about by the time they reach that verse. Let’s look now at a passage that reflects the same train of thought we see in Romans 6:3-6.This passage from the Ephesian letter is connected because it mentions the same inferences, which are highlighted in the passage from Romans chapter 6.
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Eph 4:24)
For those who are not familiar with Ephesians chapter 4, Paul mentions baptism in verse 5 of this same chapter, and now he refers to putting on Christ (i.e. new man) in much the same manner as he does in Galatians 3:27. That same chapter of Galatians speaks of faith again, saying the law was a schoolmaster or a tutor that brought us to Christ, but now that faith has come we are no longer under a schoolmaster. This ties in with the passage from Romans 3:21. It can also be tied to Romans 6:4. Notice also what Paul says about the “new man” we are to “put on”. Paul says, this new man is “created in righteousness”. Here again an indirect inference to a direct command concerning salvations plan can be clearly seen.
It deeply saddens me when the “holy commandment” is delivered to people, and they still refuse to listen. Whether it is because of pride, personal likes, or just plain mule like stubbornness, there will be no excuse when they stand before God on that final day and face the “righteous judgment”. Perhaps this is why Paul makes mention of those who set “about establishing their own righteousness” in chapter 10 of the Roman letter. As I mentioned, members of denominational churches are quite fond of going to this particular chapter to defend the “faith only position”. I really wish they would read the beginning of the chapter, and consider its context with the things I have mentioned in this article. Then they might understand the underlying premise of Romans 10:13 (c.f. Acts
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom 10:3-4)
To many times people look to the Word of God to support what they want to believe, when they should instead look to God’s Word and want to believe what it supports. The truth of God’s Word must be fully examined, especially with regard to the “overall” plan of salvation, of which baptism for the remission of sins is a vital part. There is no doubt that salvation is tied to the righteousness of God. Remember what Peter wrote about those who have received the holy commandment, and even though he speaks of those who were Christians and turned away, it has application to the “righteousness” Christ fulfilled.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (2Pet.