If it did, this teaching would be contrary to Bible teaching. In Romans 6:6, we read, "knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." Again, in Chapter 6:12, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." In view of the two preceding scriptures, it would be foolish to affirm that just because one has been baptized he has the right to sin. The child of God is to live above sin as much as is possible and not mix it in with his activities.

The fact that one has been baptized does not mean he will never face problems again. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." The indication here is that godly people will be persecuted. So, we see that many times, instead of ending one's problems, they are only multiplied. Of course, they are of a different nature. Many problems are caused by sin. These problems will cease when we cease sinning. But those problems that are heaped on people who live for God must be borne by the baptized believer.

Some people have the idea that once they are baptized all responsibility ends. This statement is not true. The blessings of discipleship bring great duties. One's task of Christian living begins, rather than ends, with gospel obedience. In Romans 6:4, Paul declares we are raised to "walk in newness of life," indicating a change, such as the apostle mentions in Colossians 3:1.

The design of baptism is neither to change the physical appearance of man nor to cleanse the outward man. Baptism works inwardly, changing the inner man. In 1 Peter 3:21, we are reminded that baptism is not for the "putting away of the filth of the flesh." But, to the contrary, it is "the answer of a good conscience toward God."

Many who misunderstand often claim we believe in water salvation, inferring we believe baptism alone will save people. This idea is not true. The scriptures plainly teach "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), and that unless we repent we will perish (Luke 13:3). Thus, without these two, baptism would be ineffective and of no value whatsoever.

One must have the right attitude of heart if baptism is to save him. To force one to obedience defeats the purpose. Paul says our obedience must be "from the heart," Romans 6:17-18. When it is, then we enjoy the benefits of salvation; when it is not, we go through a process that accomplishes nothing.

The answer is definitely "yes." There are over 100 references in the New Testament to the words baptism, baptize, and baptized.

Again, the answer is "yes." In Colossians 2:12, "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with [Him] through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Also, Romans 6:3-4, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Baptism, then, is a burial. It is an immersion in water, not a sprinkling or pouring of water.

Many such examples are given. In Acts 2:37-40, we have an example of 3,000 being baptized. In Acts 8, we read of the Nobleman from Ethiopia. Again, in Acts 16, we read of the conversion and baptism of the Philippean Jailer. In fact, if you will read the entire book of Acts you will be given a very vivid picture of many people being baptized in harmony with the commands of our Lord.

We will let Acts 2:38 answer that question. "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' " Thus, baptism is performed in order that we might receive the remission of our sins.

Let us consider some scriptures that will give us the answer to this question. 1 Peter 3:21, "There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Acts 22:16, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Mark 16:15-16, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.' " Galatians 3:26-27, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." From these scriptures, we can see that baptism saves, remits one's sins, washes away sins, and puts one into Christ. Who then, in the face of such testimony, can say that it is not essential to salvation?

Yes, it definitely does. Everyone is not a fit subject for baptism. Note the following outline:

	Those who are taught Mark 16:15-16
	Those who believe Mark 16:15-16
	Those who are willing to repent Acts 2:38
	Those who are willing to state their faith in Christ Acts 8:37
	Those who gladly receive the word Acts 2:41

It certainly does. The answer is--NOW. Saul was asked in Acts 22:16, "why are you waiting, arise and be baptized." In Acts 8:12, it says that "when they believed they were baptized." The Jailer in Acts 16 was taken the same hour of the night. It is something that should not be put off. Death is too certain, and eternity too long, for one to gamble with his soul. For this reason, when one understands his duty, baptism should follow as soon as possible.