The hand-off is one of the most important exchanges between a quarterback and a running back. It is often fraught with fumbles and perilous miscues. Because of the critical nature of the hand-off and the numerous things that can go wrong, top athletes practice this over and over and over again. As Christian athletes the exchange of truth from one person to another; one generation to another is far more important and fraught with many more obstacles. Correctly handling the word of God is essential to being a profitable teacher of God’s word (2 Tim. 2:1-2).
One such truth, under constant bombardment from the denominational world is the biblical topic of baptism. Satan’s swarming defense makes this exchange difficult at times. Baptism is the rejected command in the plan of salvation. Jesus commanded (Mark 16:16) and men reject it, either because of ignorance, prejudice or dishonesty. Pride often moves people from ignorance and prejudice to dishonesty once the truth of God’s word has been clearly handed off.
The importance of baptism cannot be biblical denied due to the fact that is has several significant attachments. Baptism is attached to...
· The blood of Jesus (Rom. 6:3; Jho. 19:34).
· The body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:25; cf. 1:22-23).
· All spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3; Gal. 3:27).
· The resurrection of Christ (1 Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12).
· The forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
· Heirs of God (Gal. 3:26-29; 1 Jho. 3:1).
So, what the Bible says about baptism - no matter how controversial - no matter how contrary to what we have been taught - we must be willing to accept biblical truth - the whole truth and nothing but the truth (Jho. 8:32).
Rick
