“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16, KJV).
Loved ones, what a wonderful consolation we have as Christians to be able to say, "I believe." According to Scripture, faith has to do not only with an "assurance of things hoped for;" but also "a conviction in things not seen. Another version renders the latter as, "the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith therefore is not dependent upon the Word of God alone, but also "evidence" supporting those words.
God's creation offers such evidence: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Noteworthy is that "the invisible things are clearly seen... through the things that are made." We therefore can see what otherwise could not be seen – the creation self-evidences God!
Furthermore, besides the evidence found in creation that reveals God, there are also the internal and external evidences that give credit to the Bible as being a revelation from God. These evidences are available to the diligent student of the Bible. The only conclusion to be drawn from such study, dismissing of course all assaults against the Bible, is that, "all Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16).
With such a faith, there is no stumbling blindly, no leap in the dark, no areas of doubt, and no skepticism. It is a complete and sustaining faith, which is able to carry the believer through this life to heaven above (cf. Acts 20:32).
Paul, in writing to the Philippians, stated, “12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Christians notably have Scripture for what is believed and practiced — nothing is to be believed or practiced religiously without scriptural warrant! Jesus condemned the Jewish leaders because they were guilty of “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9), and having "made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition” (verse 6).
There is a consequential difference in applying faith to religion and mere human judgment. Faith in religion, we know, pleases God (Hebrews 11:6); but what can be said of forcing human judgment or tradition into religion? How comforting it is as Christians to readily apply Scripture to our religious beliefs and practices; thereby, we can confidently say, "I believe."
Because we have studied the Scriptures, we believe what God says: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16). Later, “18 Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:18-19). Again, He said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).
After Peter commanded the Jews on Pentecost to repent and be baptized, “They that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41; cf. v. 47).
The Holy Spirit led Philip to preach the Gospel to the Samaritans. “When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12).
Later, Philip taught the treasurer from Ethiopia about Jesus, and when they came unto a certain water, “36 The eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-38).
When Ananias placed his hands on blind Saul, “Immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight…” Ananias asked, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Forthwith, Saul arose, and was baptized (Acts 9:18; 22:16).
After teaching the first Gentiles the Gospel, Peter asked, “47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…” (Acts 10:47-48).
When Lydia, attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul, “…she was baptized, and her household” (Acts 16:15). Paul and Silas taught the Philippian jailer about Jesus, and after midnight he and all his house were baptized (Acts 16:30-33).
“…Many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). They were told, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Twelve men from Ephesus, who had received an incorrect baptism, were taught the truth by Paul. “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:1-5).
The Christians in Rome were asked, “3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
Salvation is located in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Peter taught, “20 …Eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…" (1 Peter 3:21).
That's what God said about baptism. Who can argue with God? The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered. If you have Bible questions or wish to comment on this post, please do so. Lord willing, a Bible answer will be provided for every Bible question.
The churches of Christ are neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18-19). We are the loving suffering ONE body of Christ (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4-6) – CHRISTIANS: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28).
We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35). Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA – 5 April 2026.
