Baptism and Salvation

By Envangelist Rosalind Harris

Baptism is one of two ordinances given to us by Jesus. The other is Holy Communion. We are to be baptized. It is an act of obedience and an outward confession of what has already happened inside. As a gift for our belief, we are anointed with and cleansed by the Holy Spirit.

It started on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit guides us toward obedience (baptism), love, forgiveness of others, and the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). He compels everyone to share the good news which brings about new disciples of the word for baptizing, loving, guiding, and teaching. They go out and do the same. Thus, in summary it brings others to Christ.

It is our calling to share the word in faith and truth. God's word is His bond. It will not return to Him void. In Isaiah 55:11, God reminds us that every word that goes forth from His mouth shall not return to Him void. In other words, God doesn't make empty promises. If He has given you a word on something, you can trust Him. His Word gives us life. Is tells us that whomsoever believe in His son, Jesus, shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). His word is Spirit and it is life. It is the Spirit that quickeneth (gives life) John 6:63.

It all starts with belief and as a result a new Spiritual love comes over us for better living. We love as he loved us. (John 15:12). The rest falls into place via the Holy Spirit. If you believe your heart, the Spirit will not let you do otherwise. But it all starts with belief and love. Jesus is love (1 John 4:19). Love conquers all (1 Cor. 13:7), love is the greatest gift (1 Cor 13:13), the greatest commandment (Matt 22:36-40)…And when nothing else could help me, love lifted me from the darkness of sin into the marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9). It is why I live and breathe today. It is the message. It is the essence of salvation. Believing that Jesus died for our sins is all it takes. Baptism cannot be separated from faith they go hand and hand. But I am not saved by the water. I am saved by the blood. Christ shed it because he loves me. I live because I believe and love Him.

By Christ's shed blood we are redeemed, ransomed and set free from our sins (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 1:5). And by that blood we can overcome the evil one (Revelation 12:11), since none of his accusations against us can condemn us (Romans 8:33-34).