What do the scriptures teach about baptism?
Introduction. I assume the question has reference to water baptism. Indeed, the New Testament has much to say about water baptism.
What is not taught. For starters, the scriptures do not teach baptism is "an outward sign of an inward grace." The word of God does not teach baptism is sprinkling or pouring – it is immersion, as the word suggests (see Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12). The New Testament does not teach baptism renders one sinless the remainder of their life (Acts 8:13–24). Neither do the scriptures teach baptism is simply the means of membership in the local church (Acts 9:18-26).
What is taught. Baptism is "for the remission of sin" (Acts 2:38). Those who argue "for" means "because of" need to see Acts 22:16, "...arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins..." Scriptural baptism places one in the spiritual body of Christ where salvation is realized (Gal. 3:27, 2 Tim. 2:10). Baptism is the "answer of a good conscience toward God" (1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism "saves" (1 Pet. 3:21). In baptism the old man of sin is crucified and one arises to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-6). Baptism is a command of God (Acts 10:48). Baptism is part of that "form of doctrine" which one obeys to cease being a "servant of sin" and to become a "servant of righteousness" (Rom. 6:1–18). Baptism is for the lost sinner (Mk. 16:16). Baptism is for responsible individuals who are capable of believing (Mk. 16:16). Baptism is to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15).
A culminating act. The scriptures portray water baptism as the last God–ordained act standing between the lost and their salvation. Belief in Jesus as God's divine Son and resurrected Savior, repentance from sin, and confession of Jesus precede baptism (Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, 8:35-37; Rom. 10:8-13). Have you been scripturally baptized?
What is not taught. For starters, the scriptures do not teach baptism is "an outward sign of an inward grace." The word of God does not teach baptism is sprinkling or pouring – it is immersion, as the word suggests (see Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12). The New Testament does not teach baptism renders one sinless the remainder of their life (Acts 8:13–24). Neither do the scriptures teach baptism is simply the means of membership in the local church (Acts 9:18-26).
What is taught. Baptism is "for the remission of sin" (Acts 2:38). Those who argue "for" means "because of" need to see Acts 22:16, "...arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins..." Scriptural baptism places one in the spiritual body of Christ where salvation is realized (Gal. 3:27, 2 Tim. 2:10). Baptism is the "answer of a good conscience toward God" (1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism "saves" (1 Pet. 3:21). In baptism the old man of sin is crucified and one arises to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-6). Baptism is a command of God (Acts 10:48). Baptism is part of that "form of doctrine" which one obeys to cease being a "servant of sin" and to become a "servant of righteousness" (Rom. 6:1–18). Baptism is for the lost sinner (Mk. 16:16). Baptism is for responsible individuals who are capable of believing (Mk. 16:16). Baptism is to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15).
A culminating act. The scriptures portray water baptism as the last God–ordained act standing between the lost and their salvation. Belief in Jesus as God's divine Son and resurrected Savior, repentance from sin, and confession of Jesus precede baptism (Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, 8:35-37; Rom. 10:8-13). Have you been scripturally baptized?