THE PLACE OF BAPTISM IN THE PLAN OF SALVATION by Steven T. Eddy Text: Mark 16:16 Aim: To prove that baptism is essential in order to be saved. Introduction: 1. Some things are "either / or." 2. Other things are "both / and." 3. Both belief and baptism are necessary for salvation. a. Unbelief results in condemnation. b. "But he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18). 4. Parallel expressions: a. He that eateth and digesteth shall live; he that eateth not shall die. b. He that buyeth a ticket and getteth on the bus shall go to Tampa; he that buyeth not a ticket shall remain here. Discussion: I. BELIEF ONLY IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAVE. A. Some chief rulers believed but would not confess him (John 12:42-43). 1. The Bible says they "believed on him." 2. We have no reason to discount their faith. 3. They had other priorities. a. Fear of being put out of the synagogue b. They wanted the praise of men more than the praise of God. 4. Luke 14:26 Others and self had more importance in their lives. B. Works brings faith into completeness (perfect) (James 2:22). 1. Believe does not mean "believe only." 2. "Drive" means more than "steer the car with the foot on the gas pedal." a. Included in "drive" is steer, brake, signal, accelerate, shift, start, park, be licensed. b. The Bible uses "believe" the way we use "drive." C. The Philippian Jailor was told to believe (Acts 16:30-34). 1. In his ignorance, he could not believe. a. People who have not heard the gospel can't believe (Rom. 10:14). b. "They spake unto him the word of the Lord" (Acts 16:32). 2. People must hear and do what Jesus says (Matt. 7:24). 3. He responded to the preaching by repentance and baptism "straightway" (Acts 16:33). 4. Having obeyed, he rejoiced, "believing in God" (Acts 16:34). II. "CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD" INVOLVES ALL THAT GOD HAS COMMANDED, INCLUDING BAPTISM. A. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13). 1. Some say this is all you have to do to be saved. a. "He that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 10:22). b. "Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing ...." (1 Tim. 2:15). c. The Bible doesn't teach "call only" any more than it teaches "faith only." 2. Believing comes before calling upon the name of the Lord (Rom. 10:14). a. Belief and calling upon the name of the Lord are not the same. b. Since calling brings salvation, belief alone does not. B. Peter told the people how to "call on the name of the Lord." 1. "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21). 2. First he brought them to faith. a. Witness of the Spirit in the gift of tongues. b. Witness of God in the miracles which Jesus did. c. Witness of themselves in their part in the crucifixion. d. Witness of David in prophecy. e. Witness of the apostles to the resurrection. 3. The crowd pleaded "What shall we do?" a. Things Peter did not tell them to do. i. Believe (They already believed.) ii. Say a prayer. iii. Sign a promise card.
