Mark 16:16-18 TPT “Whoever believes the good news and is baptized will be saved, and whoever does not believe the good news will be condemned.
17 And these miracle signs will accompany those who believe:
18 They will drive out demons in the power of my name. They will speak in tongues. They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”
Let us examine the word “baptized” because the New Testament church just presumes this is the performance of water baptism. But the original word, baptize,” does not refer to water but has the context and definition of “immersion.” Since it defines immersion, the New Testament church presumes it must be water baptism since John the Baptist had performed water baptism, calling people unto repentance. But the word itself describes the act of immersing, not the element. This message is not discounting water baptism, but there is still a more important significance beyond the symbolic performance. We also see in other parts of the Bible that the Word commands us to baptize in the Name of Jesus or in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Is water baptism itself a prerequisite for salvation? Of course not, as one of the thieves on the cross who hung next to Jesus was saved and was not water baptized. JESUS is the Lord of Salvation, and His mercy is to whom HE gives mercy. But then what is the importance of Mark 16:16? Jesus wants people to believe in Him and be immersed in all His Fullness. Water baptism is a good thing, but those who are being water baptized need to understand that the act is symbolic, and it is more of a promise to immerse their lives in Him. The water can represent His Word, Spirit, and Life.
The act of water baptism is not only unto repentance but a vow to immerse one’s life in full commitment to the life of Christ as a surrendered nation (person/family). It may be a starting point, but not a prerequisite to salvation, and can be viewed as a personal promise from which a genuine conversion was made. What personal promise? A promise to read and come to know His Word, keeping His commandments. A promise to pray without ceasing as Jesus prayed. A promise to give one’s life in full surrender and submission to His Authority and Kingdom, walking in a worthy manner to glorify Him. A promise to produce fruit in keeping with one’s repentance!
As God told the father of faith, Abraham, to walk blameless and live in His Presence, and as Jesus commands us to be perfect as the Father is perfect, let us come to maturity and completeness as a fruit ripens. This is the goal of the race to come into the fullness and life of our Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then the power for verses 17-18 can manifest.
Additional Comments:
When your life is immersed in Him and not smoking crack, drinking, sinning, or doing nonsense, then you will be able to conquer, become successful, and reign in life rather than being a bottom feeder.
And die to yourself.
And to love one another as HE loves you.
Senior Pastor Steve Kim