"Baptism Now Saves YOU"

People are told, "Baptism is not essential to salvation…" J. G. Bow, What Baptists Believe, p. 37. But the Bible says, "BAPTISM now SAVES YOU…" 1 Peter 3:21 (NASB). Who do you believe?

But isn’t baptism just figurative of salvation already received? That is not what the TEXT says. "Figure" in the King James Version means "antitype"— Noah’s salvation by water (v. 20) was the type; our salvation by the water of baptism, the antitype: "There is also an antitype which now saves us— baptism" (New King James Version). Is the power in the water? No. The power is in God, who promised salvation on this condition, Mark 16:16. Doesn’t this make salvation dependant on works? Not works of merit for which one could boast—rather, it is the act of a penitent sinner making an "appeal to God for a good conscience" 1 Peter 3:21. It is a work of faith —the "obedience of faith" (Romans 1:5): "faith working…" (Galatians 5:6). So, you may hear, "Baptism does NOT save you," but remember that the Bible says, "Baptism now SAVES YOU." "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins…" Acts 22:16. – Steve Fontenot


The Church of Christ in Humble meets at 621 Herman St., corner of Ave. "F" and Herman St., Sundays at 9:30 A.M., 10:30 A.M., and 5:00 P.M. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. For further information or to set up a home Bible study, call (281) 446-2562, or write, humcofc@earthlink.net, or, P. O. Box 2706, Humble, TX, 77347. We invite you to join us in our current study, "Answering Religious Error."