Are people wrong to reject baptism?
Question:
Dear Brother,
I have a question regarding the plan of salvation. I ask this with the intent of seeking clarity rather than passing judgment on others.
My question concerns the forgiveness of sins. Scripture clearly states that water baptism by immersion, rooted in faith and by grace, effects the forgiveness of sins and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, I am under the impression that denominations which reject this—believing instead that salvation is attained through faith alone and that baptism is merely an answer of a good conscience toward God rather than a requirement for salvation—are essentially in error, as they reject the order established by Christ.
Is this understanding correct? I look forward to your response.
Thank you, and with Christian greetings.
Answer:
"You are My friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14).
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me'" (John 14:23-24).
Since it is Jesus and His apostles who tell us that baptism is necessary (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:1-7; I Peter 3:21, etc.), then the obvious conclusion is that those who ignore Christ's command neither love him nor are his friends. You can't serve God partially.
