Baptism Is an Urgent Matter

by Bryan Gibson

Many people, understanding neither the purpose nor the importance of baptism, put it off. Some, thinking that they have already been saved, wait until the next “baptismal service.” That baptism is an urgent matter can be seen from several examples in the Book of Acts.

When the people in Acts 2 wanted to know what to do to be saved, Peter said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ...” (Acts 2:38). Those who “gladly received his word” didn’t wait. They were baptized “that day” (Acts 2:41).

Read carefully what is said of the people of Samaria: “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12). There was no delay. When they believed, they were baptized.

The Ethiopian treasurer in Acts 8, upon learning the truth, was very anxious to be baptized. He said to Philip, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). After the treasurer confessed his faith in Jesus, “both Philip and the Eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38).

When Ananias was sent by the Lord to tell Saul what he “must do,” Ananias said to him, “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Saul didn’t hesitate. “He arose and was baptized” (Acts 9:18).

After Paul and Silas preached the gospel to the Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:32), the very next verse says, “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:33).

Why were all these people baptized right away? It’s really very simple. They had to be baptized to have their sins forgiven, or washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16)—even though they had already confessed their faith in Jesus and repented of their sins. They could not be saved until they were baptized (1 Peter 3:21).

Do you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins? Please don’t wait. Do it immediately; do it today.