I often like to make comparisons. Personally, I learn easier when I can compare A to B. Then it seems to make things easier to comprehend. I truly believe Satan's focused attack is on the blood of Christ today. I want to make a comparison to show how the blood of Christ and baptism are related.
It actually all starts with Christ's death. Christ shed or poured out His blood in His death. Lk 22:20 We are commanded to be baptized (Mt 28:19,20) into His death. Rom 6:3 The baptism into Christ's death is by immersion only. Have you ever sprinkled dirt on a person at a funeral and called them buried? Have you ever rubbed dirt on their head and called them buried? NO! You call them buried when they are completely covered with dirt. Thus, we must be completely covered by water in our baptism into Christ's death. The close connection between baptism and the blood of Christ has begun. Let us compare A to B, or A (the blood of Christ) to B (baptism).
A What we Receive B
Mt 26:28 New Covenant/Added to the Church Acts 2:37-47
1Jn 1:7 Cleansed Heb 10:19-22
Rev 1:5 KJV Sins Washed Away Acts 22:16
Heb 9:13,14 Conscience Cleansed 1Pe 3:21
The true Christian walks in the light with Christ and the blood of Christ continually cleanses them. Now, there is nothing automatic about this. It takes work to walk in the light of Christ. We can't claim to be baptized into His death and washed by His blood and not walk in His light. We must be seeking a "way of escape" from temptations. (1Co 10:13) When we do stumble into sin after being blood bought and washed, we merely have to confess our sin and ask for forgiveness. (1Jn 1:9) Walking in the light of Christ, being blood washed, confessing our sins, and asking for forgiveness is how we know we are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. (1Pe 1:18,19)
Bible baptisms have always been done this way in the New Testament. Baptism must be preceded by faith in Christ and repentance from all sin. This should help everyone see that baptism is definitely linked to the blood of Christ.
Satan does not want people coming into contact with the saving blood of Christ. That is why he has created the fierce opposition to baptism into Christ's death for the remission of sin. DO YOU OPPOSE?
We are no doubt saved by the gift of grace given by God. (Eph 2:8) That grace comes through faith. We are not claiming this as a work that we should boast reception of grace rather, by obedience, we are working to be His workmanship. That is how God had prepared for us to walk. (Eph 2:8-10) Baptism into Christ's death for the remission of sin is walking in the light of Christ that God had prepared for us to walk in that way. Baptism and an obedient lifestyle proves us to be His workmanship, NOT EARNS OUR SALVATION!
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
We must hear the Word of God: Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4
We must believe or have faith: Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31
We must repent of our sins: Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30
We must confess Christ before others: Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37
We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38
We must be faithful: Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22
