The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Friday, February 4, 2022

WATER BAPTISM IS AN ACT OF FAITH

The scriptures led many to believe that water baptism is a part of salvation and that the born again experience cannot be a reality without it. This same kind of thinking would make seeing Jesus as a prerequisite for salvation (John 6:40) However, it is faith in the redemptive work of Christ that produces salvation not our actions. Faith alone saves but saving faith is never alone, it must be acted upon (Jas. 2:20) 

Water baptism is a command of Jesus and is the initial action taken upon believing. Water baptism is very important, it is an opportunity to act on your new profession of faith. Water baptism is a command, but keeping this command does not produce justification. Jesus administered forgiveness of sin without any mention of water baptism. However, anyone who refuses to follow Jesus’ command to receive water baptism maybe suspected of not really believing. 

Philip told the Ethiopian eunuch who asked Philip to baptize him that if he believed with all his heart he could be baptized (Acts 8:37) Philip used water baptism only after an individual believed. 

Prayer

Father, I ask, that you open me to the wondrous things in Your Word. I commit myself to being baptized in Jesus name. 

Further Reading 

1 Peter 3:21 “Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood], baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ] now saves you, not by removing dirt from the body, but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience, [demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

Colossians 2:12 “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

Read through the Bible in 1 year: Exodus 19:16-21:21 Matthew 23:13-39 Psalm 28:1-9 Proverbs 7:1-5

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Exod 6.28-9.35 & Psalm 35