Many Were Baptized
By
Shelby G. Floyd
Paul
devoted himself exclusively to preaching and testifying that Jesus was the
Christ. (Acts 18:5.) While Paul was at
Belief plus Baptism Equals Salvation
Before Jesus left the earth, his last instructions to the apostles were to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16.15-16.)
Baptized into the Name of Christ
Later when Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church, he stated that he was thankful he had not personally baptized a great number of people. This was because he did not want anybody to say that he had baptized them into his name:
“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized
into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can
say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of
Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I
baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize,
but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of
Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:13-17.)
We
are to be baptized into the name of Christ and therefore we can be called
Christians (Acts
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and
on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with
you always, to the very end of the age." (Mt. 28:18-20.)
Like the Corinthian
converts, all today who hear, believe and are baptized, will find forgiveness
of sin and the hope of everlasting life. All blessings in heavenly places are
found in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3.) Copyright © 2008