WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
God's plan of salvation is so simple that it takes a lot of help to
misunderstand. Jesus gave the Great Commission to his disciples with a
simple command and a simple plan. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God and
immersion in water were all they needed to preach. The result would be
what man had needed for over 4000 years, forgiveness of their sins.
Mark recorded the words of Jesus like this, "Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved." (Mk. 16:15-16) Simple, isn't it? But some men
are not satisfied with God's way of doing things. Some preach that
baptism is not necessary. Others substitute sprinkling or pouring for
immersion. In fact, if you look at an English dictionary the word
baptism does not even mean immersion. Why then does the English Bible
not translate the original Greek word "baptizo" which means "to dip, to
plunge, to submerse, to immerse" (Thayer) as immerse? The answer: So
false teachers can cover up their false doctrine! (More on the use of
translations to hide the truth at a later time.) It sure would make the
truth easier for people to understand if preachers would stop using
denominational words and then translate the translation. Instead, what
if they quoted God's Word exactly as it was written by the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit? "He that believeth and is immersed shall be saved."
Simple, isn't it?
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus the
Apostles did as they were commanded. GO, PREACH and IMMERSE. The first
occasion was the day of Pentecost. They went to where the people were
and preached a resurrected Savior. The audience were convicted of their
sins and wanted to know what they should do. The answer was, "Repent
and be immersed everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the
remission of sins." (Acts 2:38) Is immersion necessary for one to be
saved? Well, what does the Bible say? Simple, isn't it?
What were they to be immersed in? Again, we will let
the Bible speak. "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be
immersed? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou
mayest...and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the
eunuch and he immersed him." (Acts 8:36-39) Simple, isn't it?
Let's look at one more passage. This one answers
both questions: What is the mode of "baptism" and is it essential for a
person to be saved. This scripture is so plain that no one who wants to
know the truth can misunderstand. It is found in Romans 6:3-5. "Know ye
not, that so many of us as were immersed into Jesus Christ were
immersed into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by immersion
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." Simple, isn't it?
Salvation from sin is not the only blessing that
comes from our obedience to God's plan. The Apostle Paul uses these
words: "For by one Spirit we are all immersed into one body, whether we
be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free." (1 Cor. 12:13) What
is this body we are placed in? "And hath put all things under his feet,
and gave him (Christ) to be head over all things to the church, which
is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (Eph.
1:22-23) As Acts 2:47 says, "And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved." This new life and new relationship with God
is best described as a family. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and
earth is named." (Eph. 3:15) Isn't this beautiful? We not only have our
sins forgiven but we have a new family. God is our father and we have
new brothers and sisters. (James 2:15) Who are my brothers and sisters?
Those who believe, repent and are immersed in water for the remission
of their sins. Out Father does the adding of the saved into HIS FAMILY.
Now we can proudly wear the family name, CHRISTIAN. (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet.
4:16) This is parson preaching.