Many churches schedule special services where one must wait one to two weeks, if not longer, after making it known his or her decision to be baptized. Ultimately this is because many do not understand the importance of baptism. Furthermore, those ready to be baptized believe whole heartily that they have already been saved; hence, the postponement of baptism.

It should be admitted that the Scriptures teach that baptism was done immediately after the preaching of the gospel. Luke recorded, “That same day” (Acts 2.36-41), “What hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8.35-38), “Can any man forbid water?” (Acts 10.44-48), “In the same hour of the night” (Acts 16.30-33), “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19.5) and “Why are you waiting?” (Acts 22.16). Every example found within the pages of Acts tells and shows us that baptism was not delayed.

Those who heard (Rom. 10.17; Acts 2.37), believed (Acts 16.31), repented of their sins (Acts 2.38) and confessed their faith in Christ (Rom. 10.9-10) were immediately baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2.38).

Why the rush to be baptized? Baptism stood between them and being saved (1 Peter 3.21), forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2.38; Acts 22.16), having a new life (Rom. 6.4), being in Christ (Gal. 3.27), becoming a child of God (Gal. 3.26-27) and being in the kingdom (John 3.5).

Those who teach that baptism does not save see no reason why to be immediately baptized. However, Jesus commanded it and we must obey Him to be saved (Matt. 7.21; Heb. 5.8-9). He said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16.16). Since Jesus taught that belief plus baptism equals salvation, we should not postpone baptism for some special service as if it is unimportant thereby risking our opportunity for salvation. – Bryan Garlock

Many do not understand Biblical faith. This is directly attributed to man’s distortion of the original concept and definition as revealed by God. Interestingly, God has revealed a massive amount of information concerning faith. With so much of the concept rooted in Scripture it is a wonder why so many today do not understand this simple truth. To understand Biblical faith one is encouraged to study the totality of the Scriptures (Psalm 119.160).

Notice a few things the Scriptures teach about faith: First, “…faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11.1). Second, faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10.17). Third, faith is essential to our salvation (John 3.16; 8.24; Acts 16.31; Rom. 5.1; Eph. 2.8-9). Finally, faith is active and obedient (Heb. 11.8; Rom. 1.5; 16.26).

Furthermore, the Scriptures teach that faith alone does not save. John penned, “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it…” (John 12.42). Thus, faith without confession will cause one to be lost eternally. Additionally, James spoke of those who had faith but not works. He wrote, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (2.17). He went on to say, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” When complimenting Abraham’s faith, James said, “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works…” (2.22) and finally, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (2.26). Therefore, while faith is essential, faith alone is essentially dead. If you believe in Jesus won’t you obey Him today (John 14.15; Mark 16.16)? -Bryan Garlock