Why baptism is necessary

A primary doctrine that most people associate with churches of Christ is the essentiality of baptism to salvation. Now, I can assure you that it is not my desire to stand out like a "sore thumb" among people. Probably less than 1% of religious groups make this claim. The reason that we do is because we find it necessary according to the Bible.

Peter said that baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:21). Jesus said that those who believe and are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). On another occasion, Peter, when asked by the people at Pentecost, "What shall we do to be saved?", stated that those who repent and are baptized will be saved (Acts 2:38). Finally, the Lord Himself said that those who are born of water will "see" or "enter" the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5).

In light of this plain, scriptural evidence, who will deny the one who wants to be baptized for the remission of their sins. Ananias told Saul that baptism would "wash away his sins" (Acts 22:16). Why do so many religious groups deny the effectiveness of baptism when the Bible so plainly states that it saves us? Why not just submit in humble faith to this simple command?

Kyle Campbell