Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be
saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned” (Mark 16:16).
I’ve known quite a few people who have had a
problem accepting the words of Jesus in Mark 16:16.
Those who believe that one can be saved by faith
alone dismiss the word “baptism” – claiming that it is
merely an option, or that it is an outward sign of an
inward grace. Yet Jesus did not state it as an option
but as a requirement. The apostles also taught that
baptism is a requirement for salvation. Peter
commanded it (Acts 2:38; 10:47-48). In fact, in
1 Peter 3:21 he specifically states that baptism saves
us.
Imagine, if you will, people dying of a disease that
was only curable by taking a special pill. And the
doctor who made the pill said, “He who buys the pill
and takes it will live; but he who does not buy it will
die.” Would you have a hard time understanding that
you’d have to take that pill in order to live? The same
is true with baptism, my friends. I sure hope you took
your medicine.