Why We Baptize

By Vaughn Winslett

A response to an email, asking why Primitive Baptists baptize, even though Christ’s work was completed at the cross.

As we are men, far beneath the Lord God, we do have diversity on some things in the church. Baptism, however, is not one of them.

First Peter 3:21 plainly states that Baptism is not putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.

The sins of God’s people are put away by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:4 explains this. We are presented holy and without blame to God he Father in His blood. The salvation Peter speaks of is the salvation of walking with God in this sinful world.

The Lord Jesus declared on the cross “It is finished,” John 19:30. Eternal life was paid for at that time. The sins of every child of God wiped clean. Baptism is required to be in the full fellowship with the church. When God’s Spirit reveals His righteousness in Jesus Christ to one of His, they seek repentance. As in Acts 2:37, they see their sin and sorrow to repent.

As Christ Jesus was baptized, so is everyone who comes into the militant church in this world of time. We stand together trying, by God’s grace, to follow him in obedience. We strive to save ourselves from this untoward generation, a salvation from this sinful world.

Christ Jesus (anointed Savior), is our salvation. He redeemed us, He is the propitiation (mercy seat) for our sins. In Him is remission of sins. Baptism shows our God given faith in Jesus Christ and him alone. In love of our Savior we follow Him in Baptism, giving all glory unto the Lord.

I hope I have briefly answered your question. If I did not let me know and I’ll try again.


Elder Vaughn Winslett

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