Consider the blessings that the New Testament says are in Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 says that redemption and forgiveness of sins are in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10 says that salvation is in Christ.
Romans 8:1 then says that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ.
And 1 John 5:11 tells us eternal life is in the Son.
But how does a person come into Christ? There are two passages in the New Testament that tell how to come into Christ.
Romans 6:3 says: “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”
And Galatians 3:27 says: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
How many people have put on Christ? Just as many as have been baptized into Him. How many people then have received the blessings that are found in Christ? Just as many as have been baptized into Him: no more and no less.
Many people will tell you that baptism has nothing to do with salvation, but don’t be deceived! Can a person be saved outside Christ? Surely not. But the Bible says we are baptized into Christ. So how can we be saved without baptism?
Yes, a person must believe and repent in order to be saved. Baptism would be worthless without these. And no, neither faith nor repentance nor baptism can earn salvation.
But when faith leads a person to repent, confess Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sins, then and only then does that person come into Christ. Nowhere in the New Testament can you find anyone who was in Christ without being baptized into Christ.
Would you like to receive forgiveness and salvation from sin, eternal life, and freedom from condemnation? If so, then why not do as the Bible says and be baptized into Christ?
(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2018; gospelway.com
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Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.