This is a question that is frequently asked of us, and it is one that we are only too happy to answer. The simple response to it is, “Yes.” And the reason for this particular reply has nothing at all to do with what a “Church of Christ creed” (which does not exist) might be said to demand of us. Rather, it is a simple matter of what the Bible teaches.

It teaches us this with great clarity, so much so that we deem it a matter of faith and doctrine. An alien sinner who is outside a covenant relationship with his Maker must be baptized in water for the remission of his sins in order to be right with God and in a saved condition before Him.

Here is what the Bible says about it:

1. I must be immersed to satisfy the Lord’s command. Jesus said immersion (baptism) is a requirement or commandment of God: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). The commandments of God are not subject to human opinion as to whether or not to obey them. If we disobey God we will have to answer for it and to Him who is the Judge.

2. I must be immersed because salvation is dependent on my doing so. Once again, Jesus said belief and baptism are prior to salvation in God’s plan for redeeming man (Mk. 16:16). Peter also linked baptism with salvation: “which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21).

3. I must be immersed because it is preliminary to the forgiveness of my sins. By this I mean that the Bible teaches that baptism comes first and then forgiveness of sins comes afterward, as a result of it: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). I know that if the Bible is true and what it says is of any importance at all, then I must be baptized before my sins will be washed away (Acts 22:16).

4. I must be immersed in order to be in Christ. Being in a relationship with God in Christ is central to enjoying all of the spiritual blessings in the present as well as for the future (Eph. 1:3). It is for this reason that I am willing to submit to immersion in water; I know that this action places me into that precious relationship: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).

Why would anyone refuse to take this simple step in demonstration of obedient faith? Baptism is the final step in making a commitment to divine service in the Kingdom of God. Clearly it is the door to so many magnificent blessings in Christ. Do not delay to take this step into a new life in the Lord! Don’t try to think of an excuse as to why not; do what you know that you need to do in order to be saved!