Without exception, television and radio evangelists will preach the gospel of salvation, make an altar call and then tell those who responded that they are now born again, period. But this procedure has left out a most vital part of the salvation process - water baptism.
The Bible clearly teaches that water baptism by full immersion MUST IMMEDIATELY follow conversion. Reading through the Book of Acts confirms this. Even Jesus Christ who never sinned and the most improbable person to need water baptism, needed to be baptised. Jesus said it is required to meet God's demand. When Jesus did it God sent the Holy Spirit to infill Him and authorise Him for ministry.
It is not different for us. We need to be water baptised in order to fulfil all righteousness so that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for God's work. All who receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour need to be told that they should ask to be baptised. Television and radio evangelists do a great disservice to the gospel when they don't mention the baptism part.
John the Baptist said Jesus would baptise believers with the Holy Spirit and with power. Peter told the 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost to repent and be baptised. In the Great Commission Jesus commanded, "Preach to all nations. Those who believe, baptise them. Thereafter, teach them". So why is the church so careless about Bible instructions? Why have we abandoned water baptism?
The Bible clearly teaches that water baptism by full immersion MUST IMMEDIATELY follow conversion. Reading through the Book of Acts confirms this. Even Jesus Christ who never sinned and the most improbable person to need water baptism, needed to be baptised. Jesus said it is required to meet God's demand. When Jesus did it God sent the Holy Spirit to infill Him and authorise Him for ministry.
It is not different for us. We need to be water baptised in order to fulfil all righteousness so that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for God's work. All who receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour need to be told that they should ask to be baptised. Television and radio evangelists do a great disservice to the gospel when they don't mention the baptism part.
John the Baptist said Jesus would baptise believers with the Holy Spirit and with power. Peter told the 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost to repent and be baptised. In the Great Commission Jesus commanded, "Preach to all nations. Those who believe, baptise them. Thereafter, teach them". So why is the church so careless about Bible instructions? Why have we abandoned water baptism?
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