WHAT BAPTISM CAN NOT DO
The Scripture is plain as to what baptism does: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16) Those immersed into Christ, put on (wear) Christ (Galatians 2:20) and are added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47). As with Saul of Tarsus, baptism washes away our sins (Acts 22:16). It is an act of obedience that mirrors our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6: 1- 6). It is what now saves us (1 Peter 3:21).
Unfortunately, many believe baptism does things it cannot do. We desire to turn our attention to a few of those misconceptions, and endeavor to help learning souls realize what they must do to be saved.
First, BAPTISM CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR BAD HABITS. That’s something YOU must do, and that change is called REPENTANCE. If you study the pattern of obedience found in the book of Acts, you will notice REPENTANCE always precedes baptism. Repentance is “ceasing to do evil, learning to do well” (cf. Isaiah 1:16-17). When one repents, he realizes what sin is (specifically, transgression of God’s law, 1 John 3:4), and being sorrowful for committing those sins, the soul determines to stop sinning and obey God (Romans 6:16). Baptism washes away the sins, but baptism can not change your bad habits – that’s your job!
Second, BAPTISM IS NOT A CURE ALL TO END ALL of your ills, spiritually or physically! Some acknowledge they need help to overcome a problem that is beyond their ability to conquer on their own. Undoubtedly, many people have such concerns, and many of these seek some type of professional help, as they should (Matthew 9:12). Yet even among these souls are they who believe there is some type of “instant cure” from their ills if they are immersed into Christ. There is not a single scripture that shows us that such is the case! Baptism is not a “miracle” as our Lord and the apostles performed. It does not cure cancer, cannot prevent death, does not restore mental acuity, does not end additions, and does not prevent a return to sinful activity. But it does make you a child of God with Whom you gain a presence that will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6). It does grant you an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). What YOU must do after being immersed into Christ is remain committed to Him and devoted to Him (Romans 6: 15 – 23).
Third, BAPTISM CAN NOT MAKE AN ADULT OUT OF A CHILD. Yes, the Bible does give us an “age of accountability” (better understood as a TIME of accountability.) That passage is James 4:17 – “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” When that age/time comes for an individual varies based on the knowledge that individual gains from reading, studying, and learning the law of Christ (i.e., New Testament). Sometimes, younger individuals express a fervent desire to obey the gospel. Some of these are less than a dozen years old! (The youngest I’ve ever known personally was eight years old.) Some contend this is too young, while others say, “It’s fine. Baptism will make them an adult.” No, baptism can not do that! Regardless of your chronological age, growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ is commanded (2 Peter 3:18). Adults, as well as the young who obey the gospel, are considered “babes” when they rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6: 1- 6; Hebrews 5:12 – 14), and having tasted that the Lord is gracious, these souls are obligated to give diligence in their spiritual growth (Hebrews 6: 1-12). Also, unless a soul, regardless of age, can believe and understand that Jesus is indeed the only begotten Son of God, and that He died for the remission of our sins; unless they understand what sin is and their need to repent of that sin; unless they can confess this belief with their mouth (Romans 10:10), baptism will profit them nothing! Remember, baptism is “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.” (1 Peter 3:21)
Fourth, BAPTISM CAN NOT ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT OF ADDING TO YOUR FAITH. Some believe baptism completes their obedience to Christ Jesus and assures them eternal life without any additional action. But the apostle Peter shows us faith must have seven additional works to assure us Heaven eternal (2 Peter 1: 1 – 11). Simply because someone has been immersed is not the completion of their obedience to God! Jesus said, “Be thou faithful unto death,” (Revelation 2:10) and this is not completed by merely sitting in a pew whenever the local church of Christ assembles! It means we give diligence in seeking God (Hebrews 11:6) and in that work, diligently add the seven works to our faith Peter mentions in 2 Peter 1: 1 – 11.
No, there are things baptism can not do. But friend, without it, you can’t go to heaven either! If we can help you in this study, contact us!