Text: 1 Corinthians 1:17
One of the notable points of disagreement we have with the religious world is over baptism. We teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, yet many religious people reject this. Our text is often used to argue that baptism is NOT necessary, but that was not Paul’s point. We need to understand what this verse means and what the Scriptures teach about baptism. Hopefully, this study will help us defend the truth and lead others to understand the gospel.
Scripture Harmonizes
- This is a fundamental principle of Bible interpretation – “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35); the Bible will not contradict itself; it is God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16) and we must not change it (Proverbs 30:5-6)
- Paul was not contradicting other passages that teach the role of baptism in salvation
- Words of Jesus (Mark 16:16), Peter (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), to Paul (Acts 22:16), of Paul (Romans 6:3)
- Actions of Paul as he went about preaching (Acts 16:15, 33; Acts 18:8; 19:4-5; 1 Corinthians 1:14, 16)
- How could Paul be telling the Corinthians that baptism was not necessary for salvation?
- Paul’s words do not contradict these passages – man’s interpretation of Paul’s words contradicts
- Baptism is clearly shown to be necessary for salvation – it goes along with the preaching of the gospel (Mark 16:15-16)
Preaching and Results
- Paul’s purpose was to preach, not to baptize – what does that mean?
- It’s the difference between an action and the potential results of that action
- We are in control of one (preaching), but not the other (the response of the hearers)
- We plant and water and God causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6) – different people will respond differently (Luke 8:11-15); we do not always know one’s heart
- We must simply preach the gospel – without it, no one will be saved (Romans 1:16); trust in God that His word is able to pierce to the heart (Acts 2:37) and accomplish His work (Isaiah 55:11)
Why People Reject the Gospel
- We know that the gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16) – naturally, we want people to be saved; but we also know that not all will be (cf. Matthew 7:13-14)
- Why do people reject the gospel? How should this affect our teaching efforts?
- Some do not understand the gospel – so we need to speak plainly (2 Corinthians 3:12)
- Some do not believe the gospel – so we provide reason and evidence (Acts 17:2-3)
- Some do not want to obey the gospel – so we must persuade (2 Corinthians 5:10-11)
- In all of these efforts, we must not stop preaching the gospel
Do Not Compromise the Truth
- Too many people, in order to convert more people, compromise the truth to appeal to more people – they act as if their purpose is to baptize; if compromising leads to more baptisms, they’ll do that
- But preaching a different gospel helps no one (Galatians 1:6-7) – it actually leads them away from God; it also results in condemnation for the one who taught the different gospel (Galatians 1:8-9)
- Baptism alone does not save – it must be preceded by belief (Mark 16:16) and repentance (Acts 2:38); in it, we must be making an appeal to God for a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21)
- Jesus commissioned His apostles to “make disciples,” then baptize them (Matthew 28:19) – unless one commits to being a disciple, baptism is meaningless; he is only getting wet
Conclusion
- Paul’s statement about preaching and baptizing is important – but we must appreciate the context
- People must be baptized in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)
- But we cannot compromise the truth to make more “converts” – preach the gospel; make disciples
