God's word teaches time and time again that baptism is essential for one to be saved.  How sad there are those who teach just the opposite.  Some teach one is saved before baptism and is only baptized to "get into the church."  This is the final article in this series on baptism.

I would freely admit that there is no power in the water used to immerse one into Christ.  The power is in the Lord, Jesus healed a blind man by anointing his eyes and saying, "Go wash in the pool of Siloam" (John 9:6-7).  The power was of the Lord and that he needed to obey to receive the blessing.  Likewise, there is no power in the water of baptism, but one must go to the water to receive the blessing.  To be cleansed of leprosy, Naaman was told, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times . . . " (2 Kings 5:10).  There was no power in the water of the Jordan river, but if Naaman had not obeyed, he would not have been cleansed.  Similarly, if one does not obey the Lord and be baptized for remission of sins, he will not be cleansed.

We must realize a man is lost because he is a sinner, not because he is not baptized.  To receive forgiveness of that sin he must obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes baptism.

When baptized, you put on Christ (Gal 3:27), wash away sins (Acts 22:16), receive remission of sins ( Acts 2:38), are saved (Mark 16:16) and enter the body of Christ (I Cor 12:13).  What is your condition without baptism?  LOST - SEPARATED FROM GOD - DAMNED are words that describe the condition of the sinner who refuses to obey God and be baptized for the remission of sin.  Why not repent and be immersed in the name of Christ for the remission of sins?  Do not be deceived, humbly obey the gospel today.