Speaking to the Jews in Corinth who had rejected the message of the Gospel, the apostle Paul said, “From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). Satan the great deceiver had effectively done his work again. Paul left the Jewish synagogue and went to the house of Justus, next door to the synagogue. Justus was a Gentile who worshipped God.
We see next, in verse 8, “Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.” This verse is an abridged or condensed statement of what a person must do to be saved, just as Jesus gave in Mark 16:16. Crispus and other Corinthians did more than just believe, just as those Jews we read of in Acts 2:36-38 did.
As we see in Romans 10:14, we must hear the message of the Gospel, in order to know what we must believe. Then, believing what is heard, we must repent of our sins as Acts 2:38 and 17:30 tell us. Next believers must be baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins. We must always take all that the Scriptures say on any subject, not leaving any part out that is relevant. This is the only way we can keep the commandments of the Lord as we see from Deuteronomy 4:2.
Many who believe in the Lord have never been baptized (immersed) because they have been taught it is not necessary. Many have been baptized (immersed) having been taught they were saved when they believed. They have not been baptized as the Bible teaches they must be, in order to obtain forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38); i.e., to have their sins washed away (Acts 22:16) by the blood of Christ.
Many have received what they are taught is baptism but it is not by immersion as the Bible teaches. The first known case of such was in 251A.D. The changes that led to the formation of the first denomination, the Roman Catholic Church, were well on there way at that time. It did not become common practice however until about 450 A. D. (Mattox). None of those mentioned have been baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins, as the Bible teaches.
Friends, I don’t expect you to take my word on this. I do hope that you will read the Scriptures and see it is true for yourself though. Do as the noble Bereans you read of in Acts 17:11, and compare what I say with the Scriptures. You will be following the best of examples.
Questions to aid your spiritual growth:
1. Do the Scriptures mentioned teach that more than believing is necessary in order to be saved?
2. Can we keep the commandments of the Lord if we do not follow Deuteronomy 4:2?
3. Does God want us to follow the example of the Bereans?