Baptism is Necessary for Salvation

Today I read John 3 which is famous for a few reasons. It is famous in one respect because people at sporting events like to hold up signs that read John 3:16. I have never understood why they hold up a sign with that particular scripture. Now don't get me wrong, it is a fantastic scripture, I just don't understand what it has to do with a sporting event. The scripture reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I guess it could be as simple as they are trying to show their love of that verse of scripture. I just don't know.

This chapter is the first time we are introduced to Nicodemus, a Pharisee who actually believes in Jesus. Now, he does not believe to the extent that he is willing to be publicly associated with Jesus, but he knows that Jesus is sent from God. Nicodemus goes to Jesus in the middle of the night to ask Him questions. It is here that Jesus tells Nicodemus that a man must be born of God in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven. Given that all Christians believe the Bible, I have often wondered how it is that certain denominations declare that baptism is not necessary for salvation given this scripture. It clearly states that man must be born of water and of the Spirit. Although, I guess to someone reading that without the Spirit to help them, it could be a little vague, I suppose.

This chapter is also the first recorded instance in the New Testament of Jesus baptizing people. In verse 22 it states that Jesus came into the land of Judea and He tarried with he people and He baptized. So, even if the part with Nicodemus is vague, how can you argue against the fact that Jesus Himself was baptized and that He baptized others, personally? I just don't understand how someone can say that baptism is unnecessary and actually believe it. Jesus Himself is baptized, no one can dispute that, although the manner in which He was baptized seems to be in dispute. So why would we not follow the example of the Savior? Why was He baptized? I don't know what other denominations who state that baptism is not essential say. Latter-day Saints know from the Book of Mormon of course that He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and to set a perfect example. In other words, He was baptized because it is a commandment from God and Jesus was perfectly obedient.

I also think it is important that Jesus personally baptized people. How neat would that be? To have your baptism done by the Savior Himself? What an honor that would be! But honor aside, as I mentioned above, this is the first recorded instance of Jesus or His Apostles doing actual baptizing. Unfortunately John does not record the method of baptizing they used or that would have avoided a millenia of confusion and arguing and strife. Few things were argued, and in some places still argued, quite as fiercely as the method of baptism or for that matter whether it is necessary for salvation. The fact that it is necessary should really not be in contestation in my opinion given this chapter, but then again I have no idea where the doctrinal basis for baptism by sprinkling comes from either.

The rest of the chapter is John the Baptist bearing witness and testimony of the Savior. John's disciples were asking John about Jesus stating that He received any and all that came unto Him. The Jews had a real problem with the fact that Jesus accepted everyone who came to Him and did not discriminate against those who were sinners or afflicted with illnesses. I imagine that the Jews were not the only culture to have issues with such things, but we have many instances where the Jews are quite vocal about their distaste for sinners and publicans especially. So it's no wonder those people had a hard time accepting Jesus since He did not discriminate against anyone and accepted all who came unto Him. He gave us a perfect example to follow. As we overcome our own prejudices, we will become better Christians and better people. And that of course is really what we are here to do, after all. And as we become better about accepting all people and not judging those different from us, we really will be a lot happier, I promise you. The best part is, as with most of the Gospel, you can try this for yourself. Put it into practice, the next time you feel the urge to reject someone for whatever reason, be nice to them and see what happens. The Lord will bless you for your efforts and you will feel much better about yourself, I promise. Until tomorrow.