Scripture Reading: Mark 16:14-16 | Spanish/Español

Introduction

A. The relationship between water baptism and salvation has long been a subject of heated religious debate.

B. Just a few minutes spent with the words of Jesus will shed more light on this subject than would a lifetime of study of the most scholarly debates of the most learned of men.

Discussion

I. Was it really necessary for Jesus to be baptized?

A. Jesus’ baptism was necessary to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15; cf. John 1:6; Matthew 21:24-27).

B. Jesus’ next baptism was necessary to bring about the redemption of mankind (Luke 12:50; John 12:27; Matthew 20:22; 26:42; John 18:11; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 24:46-47).

II. What does Jesus have to say about baptism and salvation?

A. Jesus said that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5; cf. Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).

B. Jesus said that we must be baptized in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; cf. Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).

C. Jesus commanded His disciples to go out and baptize other believers (Matthew 28:18-20).

Conclusion

A. We may ignore the words of Jesus, but these are the words that will stand to judge us on the last day (John 12:48).

B. If Jesus was willing to be baptized because it was essential for us, why should we refuse to submit to the baptism that He said is essential for us to receive?