Loved ones, the false “saved by faith only” teachers say, “Men are baptized because they have been saved, not in order to be saved.” How would anyone come to that conclusion if he reads what the Bible teaches about baptism?
Consider this prophecy: “76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins” (Luke 1:76-77). Later, Peter told the believing Jewish sinners: “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).
Peter told them to do two things: (1) repent and (2) be baptized. These two things are joined together by the word "and," which means both of them are to be done for the stated purpose — "for the remission of sins." Why were they to repent? Did they repent "because they were saved," or "in order to be saved"? Surely, no one will claim sinners are to repent because they are already saved! Jesus taught "repent or perish" (Luke 13:3, 5). Sinners are to repent in order to be saved.
The connecting word "and" demands that both things are done for the same purpose. Whatever reason we repent is the same reason we are to be baptized. Sinners are to repent in order to be saved, and they are to be baptized in order to be saved. The stated reason for repentance and baptism is "for the remission of sins." We can learn the meaning of that statement by comparing Acts 2:38 with Matthew 26:28, where the exact words in both English and Greek are used in connection with the Lord's Supper. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Did Jesus shed His blood "because we are saved," or "in order for us to be saved"? Of course, He poured out His blood so we could be saved. We were lost and could not be saved without the cleansing power of His blood.
Peter used the same words in talking about salvation. Believing sinners must "repent and be baptized" "for the remission of sins." Dear friends, that means "in order to be saved.” God is so good. Love you. Samuel - 14 June 26
