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Baptism is an immersion in water (mode) for the remission of sins (purpose) of a penitent believer (subject).  Baptism is commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission as a means of making disciples.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28:28-20).  The only passage where Jesus connects baptism with salvation is Mark 16:16.  “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”  With these passages in mind, let’s consider the blessings of baptism.
Salvation
In Mark 16:16, Jesus taught that faith and baptism were essential to salvation.  The salvation gained is deliverance from sin and its consequences.  Unbelief condemns the human soul and, if not corrected by repentance, will bring one to damnation (eternal punishment).  Faith in Jesus involves complete trust in Him and His word.  But, notice, faith is not standing alone nor acting alone.  Faith must be accompanied by baptism.  Faith and baptism are aorist participles and the action described by them must be completed before the action of the main verb (shall be saved).  Most believe faith is essential to salvation, but deny that baptism plays any role in our salvation.  This belief is a contradiction of what Jesus taught.  We must not call Jesus Lord and, then, disobey His commands (Luke 6:46).
Discipleship
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus teaches that we make disciples by teaching individuals the Word of God and baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  You cannot be a disciple of Jesus without knowing His truth and being baptized.  Disciples of Jesus were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26).  You cannot be a New Testament Christian without baptism.  A disciple is a learner or a follower of a significant leader.  A disciple becomes like the leader by obedience to the teachings of the leader as well as following the example of the leader.  Christians follow Jesus Christ in both respects.  This is transformational and is the result of self-denial (Matt. 16:24) whereby we take up our cross and follow Him.
Forgiveness
The apostle Peter answers the question posed by the multitudes on the Day of Pentecost, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).  “Then, Peter said unto them, 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” (Acts 2:38).  Peter gave two commands:  repent and be baptized.  Both commands are necessary in order to obtain the remission of sins.  Forgiveness is a promise/blessing that is realized when we obey the commands given.  Forgiveness is the result of the redemptive work of Jesus when He died upon the cross and shed His blood for the atonement of sins (Eph. 1:7).  We come into contact with the blood of Jesus when we are baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-4).  The unforgiven will die in their sins.  “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).
A New Name–Christian
Peter taught the household of Cornelius the gospel of Christ and baptized them into Christ (Acts 10:47-48).  Once the Gentiles were granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18), a new name was called upon those who were disciples of Jesus.  That new name was the name Christian (Acts 11:26).  In this name, Christians glorify Jesus Christ who is the Messiah and the Son of God.  Both Jews and Gentiles who obeyed the gospel wore this name and so it unified them and gave them a new identity.  Baptism results in spiritual union with Christ and gives us a new identity.
Membership in the Kingdom of God
Baptism is the means of entrance into the spiritual kingdom of God or the church of Christ.  In John 3:3-5, John records these words of Jesus, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”  “Born of water and of the Spirit” is one birth with two elements–water, and the Spirit.  The water is a reference to baptism and at the time of one’s baptism, the believer is regenerated (given new life) by the Spirit.  Before baptism, one is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.  At the time of baptism, a new life is begotten (I Pet. 1:21; Eph. 2:1; Rom. 6:4).  The church of Christ is the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:18-19).  Jesus built the church and bought it with His own blood (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28).  Paul declares, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (I Cor. 12:13).
Name Written in the Book of Life
Those who belong to God are known by name to Him!  “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.  And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (II Tim. 2:19).  “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:23).  “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil. 4:3).
Heir of God and Joint-Heir With Christ
When we are baptized into Christ, we put on Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).  This is how we become a child of God and stop being a child of the devil.  If we are a son, then, we are an heir of God.  “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Gal. 4:7).  “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Rom. 8:16-17).  Baptism puts us into the spiritual sphere where all spiritual blessings are located (Eph. 1:3).  This makes every Christian spiritually rich.
Loved By God and Jesus
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).  Those who obey the commandments of Jesus enter into fellowship with Him and with God.  The bond that holds this relationship together is love.  We show our love for God and Christ when we obey them (John 14:15).  In turn, they will love us with a divine love that brings their presence and power into our lives.  God will never fail nor forsake those whom He loves (Heb. 13:5).  Our love for God and His love for us makes us inseparable (Rom. 8:35-39).
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
In Acts 2:38, Peter gives two commands and two promises.  When we obey the commands to repent and baptized, then, we receive the promises of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the spiritual, non-mirculous, indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians.  “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:32).  “Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit” (I John 4:13).
If we eliminate these blessings of baptism, then, we are spiritually impoverished, beleaguered, and dead.  We are still living in our sins and fulfilling the lusts of flesh.  We are living without God which is the very definition of doom, despair, and hopelessness (Eph. 2:12).

Baptism is an immersion in water for the remission of sins.  This statement is supported Scripturally by Acts 8:35-40 and Acts 2:38.  “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believes with all thine heart, thou mayest.  And he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”  “Then Peter said unto them, 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.”  Baptism is essential for salvation (Mark 16:16).  From these passages, we learn that baptism is an immersion in water, for the remissions, and administered to a repentant believer.
Consider the following blessings of baptism.
First, baptism is necessary to obtain the forgiveness of sins.  Forgiveness (remission) is accomplished through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on the cross at His death.  Jesus predicted that “remission of sins” would be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-49).  The first time this occurred was on the day of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem by Peter and the apostles (Acts 2).  The horror of horrors is to die unforgiven.  “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).  To die unforgiven, is to die without mercy.
Second, baptism into Christ brings a new name.  After the Gentiles were granted repentance unto life, a new name was called upon the disciples of Jesus.  That new name was Christian (Acts 11:26).  This was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 62:2.  The disciples of Jesus Christ were called Christians first at Antioch.  In this name, we glorify God by wearing the name of the Messiah (Jesus Christ).
Third, there is the blessing of being added by the Lord to His church.  Baptism is the only means of entrance into the kingdom of God.  “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot se the kingdom of God.” “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3,5).  The kingdom of God is the church of Jesus Christ (Matt. 16:16-18).  Jesus built the church and bought it with His own blood (Acts 20:28).  He is the only foundation of the church (I Cor. 3:11).  On the day of Pentecost, after Peter preached the gospel to the multitudes, they asked, “men and brethren what shall we do? (Acts 2:37).  Peter told them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).  Then, they that gladly received his word were baptized.  There were about 3,000 souls who obeyed the gospel.  Then, we are told that Jesus added them to the church (Acts 2:47).  This is how you become a member of the Lord’s church.
Fourth, there is the blessing of having your name written in the Lamb’s book of life.  Those who belong to God are known to Him by their name.  “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:23).  See also Phil. 4:3 and Rev. 21:27.  The book of life is the record of those who have obtained the promise of everlasting life.
Fifth, there is the blessing of being an heir of God and joint-heir of Christ.  “The Spirit itself bearers witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Rom. 8:16-17).  God owns everything in heaven and in earth.  We become heirs of all that God possesses.  All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3).  In Christ, we are truly rich toward God.
Sixth,  there is the blessing of new life in Christ.  The old man was dead in trespasses and sin.  But, the new man is alive in Christ.  Baptism results in newness of life.  “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).  “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17).
Seventh, there is the blessing of oneness with Christ.  Fellowship with God and Christ is the result of being baptized 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.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26-28).  Spiritual union with Christ means that we are never alone.  It means that we have the privilege of prayer and can call God our Father.  It means that we are bound to God by love.  God and Christ love us and we love them and this bond makes us inseparable (Rom. 8:35-39).
Eighth, we are loved by God.  To be loved by God as a child of God is a very special spiritual blessing.  “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).  God’s love for His people means that God will provide for them and protect them.  God will never fail us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
Ninth, there is the blessing of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Peter promised the “gift of the Holy Spirit” to those that repented and were baptized (Acts 2:38).  The non-miraculous, spiritual presence of the Holy Spirit in our life is affirmed in Acts 5:32, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”  The Holy Spirit helps us produce the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and He strengthens us in the inner man (Eph. 3:16).  He also intercedes in our behalf when we pray (Rom. 8:26).  These spiritual blessings are part of the means of sustaining the Christian life on a day to day basis.
When individuals are taught falsely that baptism is not essential to salvation and they listen to this false instruction, they disobey God and miss the blessings of baptism.  This can only result in spiritual poverty and peril to one’s soul.

Wayne Jackson wrote an article for the Christian Courier titled, “The Assault Upon Mark 16:16” (online: www.christiancourier.com). In this article, bro. Jackson defends the authenticity of Mark 16:16.  Sometimes individuals remark that if we lost Mark 16:16 (it was not deemed authentic) then, it wouldn’t matter because everything taught in Mark 16:16 is found in other places in the New Testament.  Upon closer examination of this concept, it proves false.  Consider the following aspects of this important, authentic, passage of Scripture.
Its Simplicity.
The passages expresses in the simplest terms the requirements for salvation.  This simple truth needs to be understood by every single person who desires to be saved and go to heaven.  Jesus makes it clear that both belief and baptism are essential for salvation.  Read Mark 16:16 and see for yourself how easy it is to understand.
Its Authority.
The words in the passage are from the lips of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings.  His authority is preeminent and unassailable.  Jesus said that His words would not pass away (Matt. 24:35) and that His words would judge us in the last day (John 12:48).  Who could affirm that the words of Jesus are unimportant and if lost would not be significant?
Its Lexical Import
This passage of Scripture is the only verse in the Bible where Jesus connects the words baptism and salvation in such a way as to affirm the essential nature of baptism.  If faith is essential for salvation, then, baptism is also essential.  Many deny that baptism is essential for salvation.  They contradict the plain words of Jesus. Faith is “taking God at His word.”  It is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1).  Faith is trust in God.  We must believe that God is (Heb. 11:6) and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24).  Baptism is an immersion in water for the remission of sins (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38).  The purpose of baptism secures its role in our salvation.  We cannot be saved without the forgiveness of our sins.
Its Grammatical Construction
Mark 16:16 is the only passage in the New Testament where the words believe, baptism and salvation are syntactically connected in such a way as to show conclusively that baptism precedes salvation and does not follow salvation.  The words believeth and is baptized are aorist participles.  The words shall be saved constitute the main verb in the sentence.  The aorist participle indicates action that is completed before the action of the main verb (Dana and Mantey, A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, 230).  This shows that baptism precedes salvation.  Both faith and baptism preceded salvation.  This is why Peter commanded the multitudes on the day of Pentecost to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (by His authority) for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38).
Its Textual Authenticity
Mark 16:16 can successfully be defended in regards to its authenticity.  Bro. Jackson mentions several individuals who have shown the evidence for the authenticity of the passage:  Scrivener, Burgon, McGarvey, and Lenski. I might add Maurice Robinson and Dave Miller in Reason and Revelation (http://apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=13&article=704).  The works of these men are readily available to the reader.  Since the gospel of Mark is part of the history of the life of Christ and we are forbidden to preach any other gospel (Gal. 1:8-9), let us uphold this passage as part of the holy Scriptures that are able to make us wise unto salvation (II Tim. 3:15-16).
Its Historical Significance In Apologetics
Alexander Campbell used Mark 16:16 in his debate with W. L. McCalla in 1823.  In this debate, held Oct. 15, 1823, Alexander Campbell affirmed “immersion for the remission of sins.”  Douglas Foster remarks that this is “the most explicit statement he had ever made in public” on this topic.  Campbell declared, “The Lord saith, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” He does not say, he that believeth and keeps my commands, shall be saved: but he saith he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.  He places baptism on the right hand of faith.  Again, he tells Nicodemus, that “except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” — Peter on the day of Pentecost, places baptism in the same “exalted place”–“Repent,” says he, “and be baptized every one of you, FOR the remission of sins.” –Ananias saith to Paul “arise and be baptized and WASH AWAY your sins, calling upon the name of the Lord.” –Paul saith of the Corinthians, “Ye were once fornicators, idolators, adulterers, effeminate, thieves, covetous, drunkards, rioters, extortioners, but ye were WASHED in the name of the Lord Jesus,” doubtless referring to their baptism. He tells Titus, God our Savior saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. See again its dignified importance! Peter finishes the grand climax, in praise of baptism–“Baptism doth also now save us, by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.” I have thus, in the naked import of those testimonies, shown, that it is of vast import, of glorious design” (quoted by Douglas Foster in A Life of Alexander Campbell, 71-72).   Alexander Campbell included Mark 16:16 in the Living Oracles (a translation he was instrumental in producing in 1826) even though it was based primarily on the Greek text of Greisbach who, in the second edition of his Greek text (1806), omitted it.
Thomas Warren defended and used Mark 16:16 in his public debate with L. S. Ballard.  In this debate (held July 23-26, 1952), Warren defended Mark 16:16 with the Washingtonian Manuscript housed at the Freer Gallery in Washington D.C.  The Washingtonian manuscript is a fourth century manuscript and so matches, in age, the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts that are used to assault the authenticity of Mark 16:16. It contains the verses in dispute and is part of the overall evidence for the defense of these passages.
Garland Elkins used Mark 16:16 in a public debate with Bob Ross that was held in Parkersburg, WV (April, 1979).  Elkins made the grammatical argument on Mark 16:16 noted above about the aorist participles.  This proved an effective means of conveying the truth that baptism is essential for salvation.  These are just a few examples of how Mark 16:16 has been used in public debate to defend the truth about baptism.  It is an apologetic passage of Scripture that refutes the doctrine of faith only.
These observations on Mark 16:16 show that it is a unique passage of Scripture, spoken by the Lord, an authentic passage that has merit as an apologetic against false doctrine.  The loss of this passage would be significant.  Yet, many of the modern translations in use today either omit the passage or cast doubt upon its authenticity.  Perhaps we should reconsider which translation is truly upholding God’s Word in the English language.

Before Jesus launched His public ministry, He appears to John the Baptist to request baptism by John.  Jesus recognized John as a prophet from God and knew that his message was from God.   Jesus complied with John’s baptism and was immersed in the Jordan River.  Why?
Personal Purpose.                                                                           Jesus’ mission was “to do thy will, O God” (Heb. 10:7).  Jesus was sinless and therefore, did not need to repent or be baptized for the remission of sins–both of which were aspects of John’s baptism (Mark 1:4).  However, positive conformity to God’s Will was most certainly required by Jesus.  Jesus publicly declares by His baptism His resolve to fully surrender His will to God’s will.  Had he not been baptized, He would have fallen into the same camp as the Pharisees and Sadducees who rejected John’s preaching and thus rejected God (Luke 7:30).  Later, Jesus rebukes them for this rejection (Matt. 21:25).
Paramount Principle
“And Jesus answering said unto him, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15).  Righteousness is right conduct based upon God’s Word.  John’s baptism was from heaven (authorized by God, Matt. 21:25).  When the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected John’s baptism, they rejected the counsel of God against themselves (Luke 7:30). These Jewish leaders would not repent.  They would not obey John’s preaching.  They would not obey God.  They acted against their own spiritual welfare.  They violated the sacred principle that Jesus spoke and upheld.  This principle must guide every person today.  We must understand that we are amenable to the authority of God.  We must comply with all of His will for our lives or be in transgression of that will.  Transgression of the will of God is sin (I John 3:4).  There are no excuses for not obeying God.  There are no exemptions from obeying God.  Even Jesus Himself, who was without sin (Heb. 4:15; I Pet. 2:22) complied with all of God’s Will.  If anyone could or would have been exempt, it would have been Him.
Perpetual Pattern
Doing all that God instructs us to do is a powerful ethic for pleasing God and living a disciplined life as a Christian.  All of the evil in the world is the result of a departure from doing God’s Will! No excuse is good enough for disobedience to God.  No one is exempt from obeying God.  Jesus’ obedience to God’s Will is a perpetual pattern for all who would follow Him.  We must walk in His steps (I Pet. 2:21).  In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded His disciples to teach men to obey all of His commands (Matt. 28:18-20).  One of those commands is to be baptized (Mark 16:15-16).  Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be damned.”  It is perilous to the soul to disobey the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The call to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins is a legitimate part of the gospel.  Peter proclaimed this message on the day of Pentecost and three thousand souls obeyed it (Acts 2:38-41).  Respect for the principle Jesus uttered at His baptism is essential for our salvation.  Will you follow Jesus?

A recent article in Christianity Today (March, 2015, p. 17) related the success the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has had with digital decisions.   In 2014, the BGEA shared the gospel with almost 9.5 million people around the world.  Of those, only about 180,000 were in a live audience at a crusade, while 7.5 million were reached through BGEA websites.  Of the 1.6 million people who told the BGEA they prayed “to accept Jesus Christ as (their) Savior” in 2014, less than 15,000 did so in person, while more than 1.5 million did so with the click of a mouse.  Since the BGEA launched its family of evangelistic websites–which include SearchForJesus.net and PeaceWithGod.net–less than 4 years ago, more than 5 million people have indicated a decision for Jesus.
Digital Decisions and the Sinner’s Prayer
The digital decisions referred to in the article in Christianity Today are possible because of the Sinner’s Prayer.  In September, 2012, an article in Christianity Today by David Neff  described the Sinner’s Prayer as a “work of genius” (p. 73).  The Sinner’s Prayer comes in many different forms, but generally, contains two elements:  repentance for sin and trust in Christ’s redemptive work at the Cross for forgiveness.  A sample Sinner’s prayer is:  “Lord Jesus, I need You.  Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins.  I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord.  Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life.  Take control of the throne of my life.  Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”  The prayer consists of three elements: (1) absolute dependence upon God’s grace; (2) trust in Christ’s lordship; and (3) union with Christ.  The majority of Evangelicals accept the Sinner’s Prayer as the gospel message.  Often, whenever someone says that they “got saved” they mean that they have said the Sinner’s Prayer. The basic concept is “grace only through faith only resulting in union with Christ.”
Obedience to the Gospel is Essential For Salvation
The Sinner’s Prayer leaves out an important part of obedience to God.  The grace of God is essential for salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).  The personal faith in Jesus Christ of the individual is essential for salvation (Rom. 5:1; Heb. 11:6).  Repentance of sin is essential for salvation (Acts 2:38, 17:30).  Confession of faith that Jesus is the Son of God is essential for salvation (Acts 8:37, Rom. 10:9,10). Love for God is essential for salvation (Matt. 22:36-39).  Faith works by love (Gal. 5:6).  No one has ever been saved by faith alone!  The reason is that love for God is the greatest commandment and love for God involves obedience to Jesus Christ (John 14:15).  No person can be saved without loving God and His Son.  The Sinner’s Prayer leaves out baptism.  Baptism is an  essential element of salvation.  Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).  This statement was made as a part of the Great Commission.  In Matthew’s account of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), Jesus teaches that individuals become disciples by being taught the Word of God and being baptized into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Baptism is essential to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Baptism is the new birth (John 3:3-5).  If and only if we are born again (born of water and of the Spirit) will we enter into the kingdom of God.  Jesus taught this to Nicodemus and made it a part of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16).  If we leave out baptism, then there is no entrance into the kingdom of God.  If we leave out baptism, then there is no discipleship.  If we leave out baptism, then there is no remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
What is the gospel?  The gospel is the good news of our salvation from sin through the atoning power of the blood of Jesus Christ.  The gospel is the story of our redemption.  The gospel focuses on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:1-3).  The gospel consists of the facts about Jesus’ life, the commands that He has given through His word, and the promises that God has revealed to us.  There is only one gospel (Gal. 1:8-9).  An anathema (condemnation, judgment from God) is pronounced upon anyone that changes the gospel of Christ.  Paul doubled this statement for emphasis.  Don’t change the gospel!  The Sinner’s Prayer changes the gospel by omitting the command to be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).
False Doctrine Produces a False Hope
If the Sinner’s Prayer is really not the gospel of Christ, then it gives a false hope to many who embrace it.  In Matt. 7:21-23, Jesus spoke of individuals who call him Lord, Lord, but that do not obey His commandments.  These individuals claim a relationship with the Lord.  They do many mighty works in his name.  But, he will renounce them with these words, “I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  Jesus said, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).  Disobedience to the teachings of Jesus is a manifestation of lovelessness.  When we do not love the Lord, then we reject His teachings.  Lovelessness produces lawlessness.
The Sinner’s Prayer omits baptism which is commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ.  It perverts the gospel of Christ and it gives a false hope.  As an evangelistic tool, it is a digital deception.

In Mark 11:27-33, an exchange takes place between Jesus and his detractors. The religious leaders among the Jews challenge Jesus’ authority. Earlier, Jesus had cast out the merchandizers in the temple area (Mark 11:15). The event triggered the questions, “By what authority doest thou these things and who gave thee this authority” (Mark 11:28)?
The Question
The question is a valid question. We must be concerned about the authority behind what we do especially in matters that pertain to religion. Jesus’ enemies supposed that He had no authority to do or to teach the things He did. They know that they had not given Him this authority. They were not sincere in their quest. They were looking to find a way that they might accuse Jesus.
Jesus’ First Response
Jesus answered their question with a question. He asked, “The baptism of John, was it form heaven or from men?” Jesus showed that there are really only two choices regarding authority. Either authority comes from God, or it comes from men. If from God, then they must obey. If from men, then they could disregard it. In regards to John’s baptism, their actions had already betrayed them. They rejected it. Therefore, they did not hold that John was a prophet from God. Jesus revereses the obligation to answwer. He exposed by what authority they acted in disobedience to God. They were in reality following Satan by following their own wills.
The Challengers Respond
The internal thoughts of these men are revealed to us in Scripture. This is an indication of the inspiration of the Scriptures. Jesus’ opponents recognized that they were impaled upon the “horns of a dilemma.” If they say from heaven, then why didn’t they obey God? If they say from men, then they feared the people because the common person held that John was a prophet from God. They answered, “We cannnot tell” (Mark 11:33). First, if their statement is true, then they should have confessed their ignorance and humbly asked Jesus to explain. Second, if their statement is false, then they identified themselves with Satan (John 8:44). How did the common person know what they professed they did not know? Their actions betrayed their true beliefs. They rejected John’s baptism. John witnessed to Jesus (Jhon 5:33). If they accepted John as a prophet from God, then they would have to accept Jesus as the Christ (John 1:29).
The Lord’s Second Response
Jesus replied to them, “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things” (Mark 11:33). Jesus said He would not tell. The answer was already apparent to the unprejudiced mind.
The Answer to the Unanswered Question
The gospel writers permit their readers to come to their own conclusions about the events of which they write. Jesus was sent from God and spoke for God (Heb. 1:1-2). He possessed authority because He was and is the Son of God (John 10:30). John writes that “these things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God (John 20:30-31). Jesus possesses all authority (Matt. 28:18). He does so because He is deity (John 1:1). This means that all of us are now in the position of the Jewish religious leaders. If Jesus is a prophet of God and speaks the word of God to men by what authority would we reject His teaching? If we have not obeyed Him, we have rejected God and are following the authority of men. Jesus also commanded baptism (Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:16 and John 3:3-5). To reject the teaching of Jesus is to betray the fact that we follow men not God. The baptism of the Great Commission is it from heaven or from men?