What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
Some religious groups today teach that water baptism is not an essential step in God’s plan of salvation. However, the Bible is clear about the necessity of baptism. In Acts 2:38, Peter declared, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Likewise, in Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” These verses show that baptism is directly tied to salvation, making it an essential step in God’s plan.
Responding to Doubts About Mark 16:16
Some have questioned whether Mark 16:16 belongs in the Bible, but this doubt does not diminish the overwhelming evidence for baptism in Scripture. Ignoring this verse is a dangerous attempt to sidestep God’s will. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Choosing to disregard Mark 16:16 or any other passage about baptism is choosing to reject God’s clear instructions.
The following information in regard to Mark 16:16 has been gathered from my books and the internet during my research.
John William Burgon, in his work The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark, provides a thorough defense of the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20. Here are some of his key arguments:
Patristic Evidence: Burgon emphasizes that early Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus and Hippolytus, referenced these verses, indicating their acceptance in early Christian tradition. He states, "Irenaeus (A.D. 180) quotes the 19th verse expressly, as part of St. Mark's Gospel."
Manuscript Evidence: He notes that the vast majority of Greek manuscripts contain these verses, with only two notable exceptions. Burgon writes, "It is a fact, that there are only two copies in existence which leave out the last twelve verses of St. Mark's Gospel; and that those two copies notoriously stand alone in their omission."
Internal Consistency: Addressing stylistic concerns, Burgon argues that the vocabulary and style of these verses are consistent with the rest of Mark's Gospel. He asserts, "The style of these twelve verses is not inconsistent with their genuineness."
Burgon, discusses the peculiarities observed in Codex Vaticanus (Codex B) concerning the ending of Mark's Gospel. He notes that after Mark 16:8, there is a blank column—the only vacant column in the entire manuscript—sufficient to contain the twelve omitted verses. Burgon interprets this as evidence that the scribe was aware of the missing verses and intentionally left space for them, suggesting their recognized inclusion in the Gospel. Burgon writes: "It is the only vacant column in the whole manuscript;—a blank space abundantly sufficient to contain the twelve verses which he nevertheless withheld."
Burgon's comprehensive analysis, considering patristic citations, manuscript evidence, and internal consistency, leads him to conclude that Mark 16:9-20 is an authentic part of the Gospel. For a detailed examination, his work is available online.
The La Vista Church of Christ has an article titled "The Authenticity of Mark 16:9-20," which discusses the manuscript evidence and mentions Burgon's work.
Additionally, Apologetics Press, has addressed the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20 in articles such as "Is Mark 16:9-20 Inspired?"
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Baptism as the Way Into Christ
The Bible teaches that baptism is how one enters into Christ. Galatians 3:27 states, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Similarly, Romans 6:3 asks, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” Baptism is the point at which a believer makes contact with the saving blood of Jesus Christ. Without baptism, one cannot be united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
The Example of the Ethiopian Eunuch
The account of the Ethiopian eunuch provides a clear example of the importance of baptism. In Acts 8:36-38, the eunuch asked Philip, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Philip replied, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” After the eunuch confessed his faith, they both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. This account demonstrates that baptism was an immediate and necessary response to hearing the Gospel in the first century. The same is true today for those who seek to obey Christ’s teachings.
Baptism as a Command of Love
Baptism is not a work of man but a work of God. It is something God has commanded, and if we love Him, we will obey His commands. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Baptism is an act of obedience that demonstrates our love and submission to God’s will.
Conclusion: Baptism Is Essential
The Bible consistently teaches that baptism is essential for salvation. It is through baptism that we are united with Christ, receive the remission of sins, and begin our walk as Christians. Why would anyone read these clear and compelling verses and choose not to be baptized into Christ? Following the example of the first-century church, let us obey God’s plan of salvation and encourage others to do the same.
Verses Highlighting the Necessity of Baptism
Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Mark 16:16
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Acts 22:16
"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Examples of Baptism in the Early Church
Acts 8:12
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized."
Acts 8:36-38
"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, 'See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?' Then Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him."
Acts 9:18
"Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized." (Paul's baptism)
Acts 10:47-48
"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord."
Acts 16:14-15
"Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' So she persuaded us."
Acts 16:31-33
"So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.' Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized."
Acts 18:8
"Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized."
Explanations of Baptism
Romans 6:3-4
"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Galatians 3:27
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Colossians 2:12
"Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead."
1 Peter 3:20-21
"Who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us, baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
John 1:33
"I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'"
Ephesians 4:4-5
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
Titus 3:5
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."
Verses Illustrating the Connection to the Kingdom
Matthew 3:13-17
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?' But Jesus answered and said to him, 'Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'"
Luke 3:21-22
"When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.'"
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