The Gospel Command: Belief, Baptism, and Salvation
The Global Call of the Gospel
In Mark 16:16, Jesus Christ gives a clear and far-reaching command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” This instruction defines the scope of the gospel. It is not limited by nation, culture, race, or background. Instead, it reaches all nations, the whole world, and every person.
Within this universal population, Jesus identifies two distinct groups, each with a very different outcome. He says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” These words establish both the promise of salvation and the consequence of unbelief.
Two Responses, Two Outcomes
The first group consists of those who believe and obey. Biblical belief is more than mental agreement. It means accepting and responding to the gospel message as it was first preached by the apostles. This preaching began in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts chapter 2.
Those who believed the message and followed the apostolic instructions were promised salvation. Their obedience bound heaven’s promise to earth and loosed them from sin. The second group consists of those who refuse to believe. Scripture teaches that unbelief results in separation from eternal life. Such individuals face judgment and purification, described in Scripture as the Lake of Fire, a place of refining where nothing unclean can remain (Revelation 22:14–15).
The Apostolic Foundation of Salvation
The foundation of salvation was clearly laid in Acts 2:38, when Peter declared:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
This message is not optional or cultural—it is the biblical pattern for the new birth. Repentance changes the heart. Baptism applies the blood. The Holy Ghost gives new life. Together, they form the complete born-again experience Jesus described in John 3:5: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Born of Water and Born of the Spirit
To be born of water means baptism in water, specifically in the name of Jesus Christ. To be born of the Spirit means receiving the Holy Ghost. This was the experience of the early church, and it remains the standard for believers today.
Unfortunately, many modern churches have departed from this apostolic foundation. Some claim to be born again while rejecting biblical baptism. Scripture warns of such a condition, saying, “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness” (Proverbs 30:12).
Remission of Sins Through the Blood
The phrase “remission of sins” means complete removal from the record. It is not merely forgiveness, it is cleansing. This remission is made possible by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
This truth is illustrated in the conversion of the Apostle Paul. After encountering Jesus, Paul was told, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Baptism was the moment his sins were washed away, not before.
Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
Those who refuse to obey the command of baptism cannot receive the promise through disobedience. Scripture consistently teaches that obedience matters. Moses serves as a sobering example. Though faithful for many years, his single act of disobedience, striking the rock instead of speaking to it—cost him entry into the Promised Land.
Likewise, spiritual zeal cannot replace obedience. Many may claim great works, yet ignore the command to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The Word of God remains clear: “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
Baptism and the Born-Again Experience
The Apostle Peter later affirmed, “Baptism doth also now save us… by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is the appeal of a good conscience toward God. It is the moment when sins are loosed on earth and forgiven in heaven.
This command is established by God, accepted in heaven, and binding on earth. Those who obey it experience true biblical salvation.
A Minister’s Appeal
I write this as a minister of the gospel, urging all who read to examine the Scriptures carefully. Salvation is not based on tradition or opinion, but on obedience to the Word of God. The gospel message has not changed—and neither has God’s promise.
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@PossibilityPluspm for inspiring videos
Support our Ministry Here: https://printify.com/app/store/products/1
Undeniably consider that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as people think about worries that they plainly don’t recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as outlined out the entire thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you