How is it that we go about communicating the purpose of a thing? I googled a question about this and the first thing that came up was from a website entitled “Jefferson Lab.” I know literally nothing about Jefferson Lab, but here is how they advised one communication purpose: “Communicate your message as directly and concisely as possible.” That certainly sounds reasonable. Don’t use unnecessary words and jargon. Don’t “beat around the bush.” Just indicate very simply and concisely what the purpose is. Don’t make it complicated.
So how does the Lord communicate through His word regarding eternally important matters? What about the purpose of baptism? Let’s take a look.
We begin with the “Great Commission.” The “Great Commission” is the charge that the Lord specifically gave to the apostles before He ascended to heaven. He told them in Mark 16:15-16, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” To say the least, we see that baptism must be very significant if it is a part of the response to the Gospel of those who will be saved.
Just a few weeks after the ascension of Jesus, the Spirit descended upon the apostles and Peter preached to the Jews assembled on the Day of Pentecost. When his message convicted them of their sins, they cried out in verse 37 and said, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38). Peter’s audience knew they had a serious problem… they were separated from God in their sin (see Is. 59:1-2). Peter told them they needed to repent (turn from their sin) and be baptized. Why, or for what purpose? “for the forgiveness of sins.” The word “for” clearly designates the purpose for which they were to be baptized.
Now, in order to check ourselves and be certain we aren’t misunderstanding something regarding the purpose of baptism, look with me at two other passages:
Acts 22:16 – “‘And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Why be baptized? To “wash away your sins.” What does baptism do? It “now saves you.” The Bible simply and concisely teaches the purpose for which penitent believers are to be baptized. Baptism, according to the revelation of the Holy Spirit, is “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
Daren Schroeder
