By Kevin Gillins
Sept. 16, 2018
One of the most common questions regarding salvation is the role that baptism plays in the process. While the Bible shows that baptism is a command given to all Christ’s disciples, and that it takes place for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38) to bring us into fellowship with Jesus and his body (Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27), there are many who argue that it is unnecessary, or “a good next step” in our relationship to God.
When we look at the concept of baptism in the scriptures, we can see how it grew out of traditions and practices that were well understood by the Jews of that day, but in John the Baptist’s teaching, they took on a new significance that was ultimately fulfilled and perfected in Jesus. As we look at the significance and meaning of baptism, we can understand better all that God has done for us in His grace, cleansing us of sin and adding us to Christ’s body, the church.