South Highway Five Church of Christ

John's baptism was "for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4). Jesus had no sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18; 2:22; 3:18 and others). So why was Jesus baptized? John himself was puzzled when Jesus came to John to be baptized of him (Matthew 3:13, 14). Then in verse 15, Jesus explained why: "to fulfill all righteousness." But what does that mean?

In Psalm 119:172, we read that "all thy [God's] commandments are righteousnees." Thus Jesus was baptized to fulfill the commandments of God. God had commanded Jesus to be baptized of John. Thus Jesus, every ready to obey the Father's will (Matthew 26:39, 42), was baptized. If Jesus had neglected, ignored, or refused this commandment of God he could not have been the perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sin.

Jesus understood it was necessary for him to be baptized. God had commanded it. How inconsistent this apparent Bible truth is with what is taught by so many today. God has plainly commanded baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16). His command that men be baptized today is plainly implied as well (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 3:21).

If forgiveness of sins is "in Christ" (and it is, Ephesians 1:7), and if baptism is into Christ (and it is, Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), what of all those people who have never been baptized?! Shame on those today who teach people they need not be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins ! In 1 Corinthians 15:1, the apostle Paul said he preached the gospel to people in Corinth. In Acts 18:8, we read what people in Corinth did upon hearing Paul preach: "...and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (See also Acts 8:5, 12, 35, 36). Those who teach people they need not be baptized have changed the gospel and teach another gospel! How serious is that? As serious as being lost! As serious as having the curse ("anathema") of God upon one! But that's the warning of Paul in Galatians 1:6-9.

Let us teach and preach the truth and expose error. Let us warn our friend, neighbors and family members of those who teach another gospel and lead people away from what God has graciously commanded and provided for our forgiveness. The apostle Paul warned, "come out from among them and be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:17), and "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove [expose] them" (Ephesians 5:11). The apostle John warned that we must not extend fellowship or bid "God-speed" to anyone who goes beyond and abides not in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11).
Stephen Rook, preacher