Beech Tree News Network

Last week, we studied baptism and learned things that baptism does in the lives of people. Since we studied what baptism does last week, let us take a moment to understand that there are some things that baptism does not do. What are those things?

Baptism does not make an unscriptural marriage Scriptural. When we study the Bible, we learn that God has specific rules for who is and is not allowed to be married. One who has never been married may be married (Gen. 2:18-25). One whose spouse has died may be married again (Rom. 7:2-3), and one who has divorced for the cause of fornication may marry another (Matt. 19:9). However, if two people are in an unscriptural marriage, then being baptized does not make that unscriptural marriage Scriptural. If a couple is living in an adulterous relationship before baptism, they will still be in an adulterous relationship after baptism if they do not repent of the sin of living in adultery (Acts 2:38; Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30)!

Another thing baptism cannot do is eliminate all problems. Sometimes, we find folks who treat baptism as the “magic” cure to problems. Yes, baptism forgives us of sins and puts us in a right relationship with God (Acts 2:38). However, baptism will not eliminate problems in our lives. In fact, at times, one’s baptism creates problems he did not have before! This is because by deciding to follow Christ, we also choose to reject the things of this world. When we do this, the world will hate us! Jesus stated this fact to the disciples in John 15:18-20. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said we are “blessed” when persecuted (Matt. 5:10-12). The apostle Paul said persecution comes to the Christian in II Timothy 3:12. Obviously, when one becomes a Christian, it does not eliminate all problems!

Baptism will not guarantee earthly riches to those who are baptized. Unlike what the so-called preachers of the “health and wealth” gospel say, earthly riches are not guaranteed when one becomes a Christian! Our Lord said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). Yes, God promises to take care of His own (Matt. 6:33; Ps. 37:25), but this does not mean that earthly riches are promised for all who are Christians. A Christian’s reward awaits him in eternity, not now (Matt. 6:19; II Tim. 4:8-10; etc.)!

Baptism does not grant immunity toward temptations and sin (Jas. 1:14-15). However, upon baptism, one has the right to pray and to know, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1:9). Numerous times in the Scripture, Christians are reminded to be steadfast, faithful, not weary in well-doing, etc., so that we will not give up while on earth (I Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9).

Those baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) have an advocate in Jesus (I Jn. 2:1) and a way to escape from sin (I Cor. 10:13). Have you been baptized for the remission of sins? If not, why not?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167