Sermon Audio Archive

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 7/28/02 Radio Program

Question:

The Bible talks about one faith, one baptism, etc. Elsewhere, it speaks of water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, and baptism of fire. Which baptism is the one baptism?

Answer:

This question is an excellent question. To begin, yes the Bible speaks of one baptism. Ephesians 4:4-6 says: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." At the same time, we find that through the Bible, different "baptisms" are mentioned. We read of the baptism of Moses (I Cor. 10:2). There is also the baptism of John (Acts 19:3), as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Jesus also spoke of a baptism of suffering that He would face (Matt. 20:22-23). Yet, these "baptisms" are all passed, having served their purpose.

There still remains another, and this is the baptism which was taught in Acts 2:36-38. It is the baptism which was practiced in Acts 8:35-39, and the one which when one does it, Paul says you "obey from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made free from sin ..." (Rom. 6:17-18). This is the baptism in water for the remission of sins. It is the baptism to which all New Testament converts submitted, and it is the one which remains today. This is because it is the baptism in which all Christians are united (Eph. 4:4-6)! Are Christians united in Moses' baptism? Or, the baptism of suffering? Are we all united in Holy Spirit baptism, or the baptism of John? By no means! Yet, we are all united in that baptism in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

Therefore, though the Bible records different "baptisms" through history, there is but "one baptism" today! If we wish to be saved (Mk. 16:16; I Pet. 3:21), we'll submit to it, ourselves before it is too late!

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