Lesson 673

(Lesson 673)(06-21-13) The next time we find a variation of the term "baptize" is in Mark 16:15-16, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
This quote is Mark's account of the same events that are found in Mathew 28:19-20. There term "baptized", as it is applied herein, has no more reference to water as a medium than does the application in Matthew 28. Just as in Matthew 28:19, the term "baptized" refers to being wholly submersed, acceptant of, or wrapped within the concept of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

Sadly, this scripture is mistakenly used by many in a misguided attempt to confirm that one must be "baptized" (immersed) in water before becoming a child of God. Galatians 3:26-27 clearly tells us that a "baptism" (immersion) into Christ is what gives us that status, not an immersion into water into Christ, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have PUT ON Christ."

This passage even goes so far as to explain that "baptism" into Christ is to PUT ON Christ.
Water is clearly NOT the implied medium into which Mark 16:16 implies that one is to be "baptized" to be saved.~