Editorials

In his letter to the Ephesian church in Chapter Four and Verse Five, the apostle Paul told Christians that only one baptism remained. When writing to Christians at Rome, the same apostle taught that this one baptism is a burial or a planting, which means that Bible baptism is immersion.

"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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection" (Romans 6:3-5).

The apostle Peter stated the purpose of baptism in Acts 2:38, ". . . Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . ." Peter later wrote that Christian baptism occurs in water, and though it may appear to unbelievers to be a bath, really it cleans the conscience and saves the soul.

". . . in the days of Noah, while the ark [ship] was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Jesus Christ sent his apostles into the world to teach faith in him and the Gospel (the New Testament). He also taught that the natural result of this faith is baptism which brings salvation.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16).

Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins? Your friends in the churches of Christ are ready to help you better learn the Gospel (which produces faith in Jesus) and be baptized. We care for your soul.

Jesus said, ". . . I will build my church . . ." (Matthew 16:18). He did build the church on himself; "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). Speaking of Christ, Acts 4:11 reads, "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." First Peter 2:4-8 repeatedly refers to Jesus Christ as the chief corner stone of a "spiritual house." In this same passage Christians are called "stones," also a part of the same "spiritual house."

The church Jesus built is not made of brick, wood or stone; it is comprised of souls. The church Jesus built is spiritual. You too can be a "stone" in the "spiritual house" of God by becoming a Christian. To become a Christian you must rely wholly on the Gospel, believe it, be changed in mind and conduct by it, begin telling the world about Jesus the Christ and obey the Lord's commands -- starting with being baptized for the remission of your sins. For more information on how to become a member of the church Jesus built, especially study the book of Acts. The churches of Christ will gladly assist you in that study.