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Baptism has for some reason been a controversial subject, and it seems to be one of the greatest reasons many are divided. Some reason that baptism is essential to our salvation, others deny this proposition. Some reason that baptism is pouring or sprinkling, others contend that baptism is only performed by immersion. No matter the stance, no one can deny that baptism is an important part of the Christian religion. It is so much so that Paul, through inspiration, included it into this list of important things which sets in stone God's standard for unity. Through no other technique can we truly have unity. Therefore, if we as professed Christians want unity, we must be united on this “one baptism.”

Baptism is so significant and important to the gospel of Christ that when Philip taught the Eunuch the gospel, baptism was also taught. The record tells us, “Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” (Acts 8:35) The next verse says, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, 'See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?'” (Acts 8:36) In teaching Jesus, Philip taught baptism! No one can honestly deny its importance.

What is significant about Christian baptism? All through the Bible we read of many baptisms. Written in the Pentateuch are the different baptisms of the Old Law. The crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground with walls of water on each side and the water in the clouds above was considered by Paul as being a baptism into Moses. (1 Cor 10:1-2) There was the promised baptism of the Holy Ghost, which was received on the Day of Pentecost, and forever became the Comforter of the Christians through the words of inspired men. (Acts 2; Heb 2:3-4) John told about a baptism of fire, which if seen in context would indicate the fires of everlasting destruction. (Matt 3:11-12) Of all these baptisms, the crossing of the Red Sea is most like Christian baptism. Just as the Israelites were no longer under the authority of Pharaoh and were put under Moses in the crossing of the Red Sea, we are taken from the slave master of sin and given to Jesus Christ. They were baptized into Moses (1 Cor 10:2), we are baptized into Christ. (Gal 3:27)

Not only that, but we are also baptized into his death. Paul says, “ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ” (Rom 6:3-4) It is because of this fact that we can rise to walk in newness of life. Without which, there is no newness of life! It is in Christ's death that we have the ability to have our sins forgiven. It is through faith in the gospel that we have access to this grace. (Rom 5:1-2) This faith motivates us to be obedient to what we believe, the gospel. Remember, the Eunuch had faith and wanted to be baptized because of that faith. And, it is in baptism, that we take part, or are in communion, with the death of Christ.

This is why Peter says, “ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 3:21, ESV) There is no soul saving property to water in general, but it is in this action that we make our appeal to God to clear our conscience. This is Justification by faith!