Does Baptism Matter? Part 1

Upon the birth of his first child Alexander Campbell was

once more confronted with the practice of infant baptism.

Unable to produce either command or example of infant

baptism in the New Testament, Campbell decided not to

sprinkle his baby. His study concluded that baptism was by

immersion for the remission of sins. Ultimately, he decided to

be baptized scripturally. He also discovered others wished to be

baptized, as well. So, on Wednesday, June 12, 1812, Campbell

and his wife, Margaret Brown, his sister, Dorthea, his father,

Thomas Campbell, James and Sarah Henon, and James Foster

were all immersed in Buffalo Creek. Earl West said, “Before

long, practically the whole Brush Run Church had followed

suit.”.

Does baptism matter? It did to Jesus. His cousin John

baptized him in the Jordan River (Mt. 3:13-17). Does baptism

matter? It did to about three thousand Jews on the Day of

Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Does baptism matter? It did to the

Samaritans (Acts 8:12). Does baptism matter? It did to an

Ethiopian nobleman lost on the road from Jerusalem down to

Gaza (Acts 8:38). Does baptism matter? It did to Saul of Tarsus,

the “chief of sinners,” who would become known better to us as

the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:18; 22:16; I Tim. 1:15).

Does baptism matter? It did to a Centurion from Caesarea named Cornelius

and his household (Acts 10:47). Does baptism matter? It did to

Lydia and her household (Acts 16:15). Does baptism matter? It

did to the Philippian jailer and his household, even at midnight

(Acts 16:33). Does baptism matter? It did to the Corinthians

(Acts 18:8). Does Baptism matter? It did to 12 mistaken men in

Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7).

To be continued. . .

-Selected by David Powell

The Spiritual Sword