07/03/2018
WHAT HINDERS YOU FROM BEING BAPTIZED? (Joe R. Price)
The Ethiopian learned about water baptism when Philip taught him the gospel of Jesus: "Then Philp opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eu**ch said, 'See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?'" (Acts 8:35-36) He immediately affirmed his faith "that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). He was promptly baptized by Philip, and his sins were removed. He was saved (Acts 8:38; 2:37-38, 40-41). Nothing hindered him from being baptized.
What hinders you from being baptized?
1. Some are hindered from being baptized because they have not heard the gospel. Like the Ethiopian, faith is established in the heart when one hears the gospel, and is convicted by it (Rom. 10:13-17, Acts 2:37). Therefore, infants and small children, who do not have the capacity comprehending the gospel (and who are sinless), are not subjects of water baptism. Infant baptism is not Bible baptism; it is man's feeble, false attempt to improve on God's perfect model of redemption (Mk. 16:15-16).
2. Some are hindered from being baptized by real or perceived inconveniences. "The water is too cold;" "My friends or family cannot be present;" "It is too late, or too far, to go to the water now," etc. By contrast, the Philippian jailer and his house were immediately baptized "the same hour of the night" when they believed in Christ (Acts 16:33). This is the right attitude of one who is ready for baptism.
3. Some are hindered from being baptized because they think their life is too busy to become a Christian. Like governor Felix, they wait for a more "convenient time" to be saved and to live for Jesus. They look to tomorrow, which never comes (Lk. 12:20). Today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).
4. Some are hindered from being baptized because they think it will condemn their loved ones. This misdirection is the devil's deception. Your sin condemns you; nobody else. And, your gospel obedience saves you; nobody else. Your obedience does not condemn anyone. We each stand responsible and accountable to God for ourselves, and God will righteously judge every person (Ezek. 18:20; 2 Cor. 5:10). You must obey the gospel for your own salvation, not hindered by what others did or did not do.
5. Some are hindered by threats from unbelievers. Pressure applied by family, friends, cultures, governments and others, can deter some from obeying God rather than men. But, Jesus demands that we fear God more than men (Matt. 10:28).
When these reasons are used to delay, or to refuse being baptized, they are not the real hindrance. The true culprit in each case is a lack of genuine faith. Where faith exists, nothing hinders one from promptly and fully obeying Jesus Christ (1 John 5:3-4). Instead of being hindered by unbelief, put your full trust in the Lord Jesus. Come to Christ in full faith, repent of your sins, confess your faith in Him, and be baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:9-10). Do this, and Christ will save you. "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
