This question is one that may need defining.  The question behind this article is formed from the thought of one being baptized into a denomination by immersion.  To further define the question this one was baptized with the impression that it was for the remission of sins.  Is this baptism valid according to God?  Many look at this and try to apply logic and arguments based on opinion.  The object of this article is to examine the subject with the Bible as the authority for the answer. This article is an article to not be taken lightly but to be examined for the truth that lies within it (II Timothy 2:15).

    To examine this properly I will cover several reasons why one must be baptized into the Lord’s Church before they are saved.  The first is the fact that repentance precedes baptism (Acts 2:38) “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  To repent from sins prior to baptism would eliminate anyone who did not repent from being saved.  Denominationalism is sinful.  (II John 9-11) “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.   If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”  In light of this passage how can one say that a person baptized into denominations was baptized into Christ?  The passage states clearly that if it is not the doctrine of Christ it does not have God or Christ involved and it is evil! 

    The second factor is the fact that when one is baptized they are baptized into Christ.  (Galatians 3:27) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”  How can one baptized into any denomination be baptized into Christ?  This passage along with (Romans 6:3-6) ends that thought.  The statement that if they are baptized no matter where, with the right baptism it is good.  If they are not baptized into Christ they have not been baptized.  Prior to baptism you need to be taught about the Kingdom (Church).  (Acts 8:12) “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”   To preach the Church one would have to preach the “oneness” of the Church (Eph. 4:4 and 1:22-23).  Christ said he would build his Church (Matthew 16:18).  His blood purchased that Church (Acts 20:28). 

    We have an example of some in the New Testament being baptized but not properly and that having to be corrected.  (Acts 19:3-5)  “And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  (See Acts 18:24-28)  These were baptized for the remission of sins yet they had not been baptized into Christ.  (Mark 1:4) “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”  The simple fact is that you must be baptized into Christ!  To be baptized into Christ is to be baptized into his Church.  (I Corinthians 12:12-13) “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

    How can one be married to Christ without knowing him?  We are in that relationship with him.  (Romans 7:4) “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”   How can we be married to one we do not know?  The answer is that you cannot.  To say that one in a denomination does not know, therefore he cannot repent is weak at best.  To hear the word is to be as those that heard Philip in (Acts 8:12).  They heard about Christ and the Kingdom.  Entering in another door would be sin and sin cannot save you (John 10:1-2).  I hope that if any read this it will change their heart, if it is not right already.  You must be baptized into Christ (Church) to be saved!  Give me one biblical example stating otherwise!  Only the truth sets us free (John 8:32).  One in a denomination has never gotten to the belief stage as they have never truly heard the truth as Christ word is truth (John 17:17).  Just remember that faith cometh by hearing what? (The word)  How can one hear the truth yet obey error?  Baptism is more than (Acts 2:38), and there are four steps prior to that baptism that are impossible for one that does not realize the truth to accomplish.  Remember in hearing we must believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16).  This cannot be accomplished without ever hearing the truth, which is the word (Gospel).  How does a person partake in that which is earthly, sensual, and devilish that is not from above (James 3:11-15), yet still have the approval of God?  How does a fig tree bear olive berries (Denominationalism produce a Christian)?  This just cannot happen. 
 

Copyright 2000 by Brian Yeager may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.