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     Over two dozen times the New Testament uses the word mystery.  The apostle Paul wrote God had revealed to him “the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:1-4).  Everything about Jesus being the Savior and King of His kingdom and, Christianity is the mystery God revealed after Jesus ascended into heaven.

     In the past articles, we focused on baptism as the rebirth (born again) which Jesus said was necessary to enter His kingdom.  We also considered the false translation of the Greek word “baptizein” which actually means to “immerse” and nothing else.

     Many people see baptism as a mere ritual similar to being initiated into a club, fraternity or sorority.  First baptism is not something a person does, but what one allows to be done to him.  It is a person’s decision to be baptized.  Only the person being baptized can make that decision.  However, that decision is much deeper and eternally significant than what might appear by observing a person being baptized.

     Shortly before ascending into heaven, Jesus told His apostles, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  Note:  Belief is connected to baptism.  Baptism without belief does not result in salvation.  This “belief” is paramount in the decision one makes to be baptized.  Belief is faith in Jesus, acknowledging Him as the resurrected Son of God, who died to pay the penalty of one’s sins.  Jesus said, “… for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).  In other words if one does not believe Jesus is the divine Savior, his sins will not be forgiven, thus will be damned eternally.

     This belief which prompts baptism is not mere belief, such as I believe the Himalayas exist even though I have not been there, nor seen them, nor touched them.  The apostle Paul wrote, “we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed” (Ephesians 1:12, 13).  “Trust” in Jesus is the motivation to do what He commanded — submit oneself in baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

      The apostle Peter later wrote of this decision to submit to Jesus, “… which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God)” (1 Peter 3:21).  That decision to submit in baptism springs from that good conscience.  No one at any time in your life can make that decision.  Only you can.  Have you?  Further Jesus, knows who has the honest heart, thus He is the one who adds people to His kingdom (church), “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).  Baptism is the entry point into the kingdom of Jesus!  Another part of the mystery of Jesus kingdom.

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