To be baptized in water AFTER repentance, is a COMMANDMENT of Jesus Christ and an ABSOLUTE
REQUIREMENT for salvation. Jesus Christ Himself was baptized in water.
John the Baptist was at first not willing to baptize Jesus. We read in Matthew 3:14,15.
"14But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and
do You come to me?” 15But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for
in this way it is fitting for us to FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Then he permitted Him.'
To be baptized in water after believing in Jesus Christ, means to FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS
because to be baptized in water is a COMMANDMENT that comes from God. Jesus Christ did not
say or do anything on His own initiative. he came to do the will of the Father and thus
He spoke the words of the Father. We read in John 5:30 Jesus said: “I can
do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because
I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. "
We also read in John 8:28 Jesus said:" I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak
these things as the Father taught Me." Whatever Jesus commanded we have to DO to
have eternal life. we have to OBEY Him. We read in Matthew 28:19,20 Jesus commanded:
"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, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
" Jesus Christ COMMANDED these things.
We read in Mark 16:15,16. And He said to His disciples “Go into all
the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16“He who has believed AND HAS BEEN BAPTIZED
shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned."
That is also the reason why many believers do not receive the Holy Spirit, because Jesus
Christ gives His Holy Spirit to those who OBEY Him, who REPENT and who are BAPTIZED
IN WATER. We read the words of Peter in Acts 5:32 "And
we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those
who OBEY Him." Have you OBEYED Jesus Christ since you believed?
Did you REPENT of sin. Were you baptized in water and did you receive the baptism in the
Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to those who OBEY Him?
May Jesus bless you.