Firstly let me say that as the Lord’s disciples, the main reason that we are baptized in water is because this is an instruction given to us by the Lord Jesus. For as quoted in the above passage of scripture, the Lord Jesus instructed us to go into the entire world and make disciples “baptising them” in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And so this brings us to the discussion about water baptism. As I said earlier, to be baptized in water is an event that takes place only after one has been baptized into Christ and is thus born-again. Unlike the first baptism however, i.e. being baptised into Christ, not every believer in the church today experiences water baptism. So why is that? There are two main reasons why believers today are not baptised in water. The first reason is ignorance, because they have not been taught about water baptism at all, or they have been taught incorrectly, i.e. that it is not that important and so can be ignored. The second reason is because of man-made doctrines that have come into the church and have thus replaced God’s word. Here I am specifically referring to the practice of “baptising” little children by sprinkling water on them. This is a man-made practice that is completely contrary to what scripture teaches.
Michael E.B. Maher
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