Hey Believer In Christ - Why Aren't You Getting Baptized?
I'm personally irked by the "I don't need to be water baptized" attitude.
I thought we are supposed to be seeking to be like Jesus in all our efforts and endeavors?
Jesus Himself was baptized. John the Baptist tried to tell Jesus no, and Jesus told John the Baptist to suffer it to be so.
Matthew 3:14-15 KJV
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Jesus told Nicodemus you have to be born both of water and spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 KJV
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told His disciples to preach the word and to baptize people.
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The book of Acts is FILLED with people being told to be baptized and being baptized by Jesus' disciples.
"Oh, but the thief on the cross wasn't baptized so I don't have to be either!" 😡
Folks, I'm sorry, but I think the bible makes it EXPLICITY clear that water baptism is an expectation, not an optional choice. As I already pointed out, Jesus was baptized Himself, so it's not like He's asking us to do anything He didn't.
I fully believe that in extenuating circumstances like the thief on the cross, provision will be made for those who don't have the time or opportunity to be baptized. However, I don't believe that should be used for justification to not be baptized at all.
Baptism is a sign of obedience, and a public declaration of your faith.
Matthew 10:32-33 KJV
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
If that makes you angry, take it to Jesus in prayer and let Him direct you accordingly.
Think about it and consider it please. And may God bless you.
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