Articles
Baptistry Closed
So, the other day someone questioned me (jokingly) if we had decided to forego the
necessity of baptism for salvation. After a quick laugh and re-assurance that we still preached the
necessity of baptism, he explained that he had seen it on a sign. The sign reads, “Leave water off.
Baptistry closed.” Quick explanation. Our baptistry is being repaired due to safety concerns and
will be “out of commission” for a time. I had been notified of that but had not seen the attached
sign. At first, it made me laugh, and then made me think...
Yes, baptism is that important! John preached a baptism (Mark 1:4-5), Jesus was baptized
(Mark 1:9-11), Jesus and His apostles baptized (John 4:1-2), and 3000 were baptized on the day
of Pentecost, following the “first” gospel sermon (Acts 2:41). Throughout the book of Acts,
baptisms are recorded, immediately following the preaching of salvation in Christ and the
kingdom of God (Acts 4, 5, 8, 9, etc.). The apostle Paul wrote of the necessity of baptism so as to
follow in the pattern of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-7, 17-18). The
apostle Peter stated in words that quell any argument against baptism, “...baptism now saves
you…” (1 Peter 3:21). Is there really any doubt of the necessity of baptism for salvation?
Perhaps what is often left out of the discussion of baptism is the symbolism of being
washed in the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:14; 1
John 1:7; etc.). Time and space prevent me from sharing all Scripture that point to the cleansing
blood of Jesus. But we must also look at the need we have to submit ourselves to Jesus. And
maybe that is the bigger challenge that many face when it comes to accepting baptism for
salvation. Many just don’t want to submit (be obedient) to Christ. They just want to continue
living the life they want to live. But to be a child of God, born into the family, one must be born
again (John 3:3, 5). Such a simple action, but packed full with meaning. Are you a child of God,
baptized for the remission of sins, redeemed by the blood of Christ?
Yes, our baptistery is closed, temporarily! But I will still preach that “all things are
ready…” And if someone desired to be baptized today (any day), we would be sure to take care
of their need. A little inconvenience is nothing when considering the hope of eternal life with
Jesus Christ. Felix put off Paul and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time (when I
have a convenient season, KJV), I will summon you” (Acts 24:25). Sadly, we have no record of
Felix ever submitting his life to Christ and being baptized. “All things are ready,” come to the
feast! Come, while He waits to welcome thee; delay not while this day is thine, tomorrow may
never be.” P. Mowrer
