The One Baptism
The apostle Paul, writing to "the saints at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 1:1) declares that there is one baptism. He speaks of "one lord, one faith, one baptism." (Eph. 4:5). Now these Ephesians had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-5). Paul preached the one baptism, and practiced what he preached. The baptism he preached and practiced was the one baptism, and that in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Peter commanded the household of Cornelius to be baptized "in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:47-48). This baptism was in water (verse 47); hence the one baptism which is in the name of the Lord, is administered in water.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter commanded the Jews to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ "for the remission of sins." (Acts 2:38). From these passages it is very clear that the one baptism is (1) in the name of the Lord, (2) in water, and (3) for the remission of sins.
Baptism Of The Great Commission
The baptism of the world wide commission was to last as long as that commission lasted, and was unto the end of the world. The baptism of this commission was "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38), and was "for the remission of sins." This baptism, as we have already shown is the one baptism, and is in water. Hence, the one baptism of the scriptures is the baptism of the great commission and will last till the end of the world.
The baptism of the great commission is a condition of salvation. This is very evident from Mark's record. (Mark 16:15-16). This is the baptism which Paul preached and practiced. This baptism is in the name of the Lord, is a condition of salvation, and will be binding to the end of the world. (Matt. 28:19-20). All the authority of Jesus is behind this one baptism which is a blood sealed commandment of his testament or will.
Baptism into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is "in the name of Jesus Christ," and that means it is by his authority. He is now Lord, or Ruler—King of his kingdom, head of his church. The child of God is married to, or united with, the Lord; and Matthew 28:18-20 contains the marriage ceremony. The conclusion is inevitable that the one baptism unites us with the Lord.
What Baptism Does
The one baptism puts us into the body of Christ. (Gal 3:27; Rom. 6:3-4). But we are all baptized into one body. (I Cor. 12:13). That body is the church. (Col 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Hence the one baptism puts one into the body of Christ, the church.
Reconciliation to God is in the one body. (Eph. 2:16). So the one baptism puts one into reconciliation, and is therefore essential to salvation.
Salvation is in Christ. (II Tim. 2:10). The one baptism puts one into Christ. (Gal 3:27). Therefore it puts one into salvation. It brings him into the place where salvation is possible.
All spiritual blessings are in Christ. (Eph. 1:3) Since the one baptism puts one into Christ, it logically and scripturally follows that those who have not received the one baptism stand without Christ, and have not one spiritual blessing to enjoy.
All promises are in Christ. (II Cor. 1:20). But we are baptized into Christ. (Gal 3:27). Hence, the one who has not been baptized in water for the remission of sins is outside the body of Christ, and stands without one promise.
Redemption is in Christ, or his kingdom. (Col 1:13-14). The one baptism puts one into Christ, his church, his kingdom. (I Cor. 12:13). The one who has not received the one baptism is not redeemed and is not in the kingdom of Christ, but is in the kingdom of the devil If man is saved without the one baptism, which is baptism in water for the remission of sins, then this would place salvation and remission of sins in the kingdom of the devil instead of in the kingdom of the Lord, Such is the logical conclusion of all denominational teaching.
Since it takes the birth of water and the Spirit to induct one into the kingdom (John -3:5); and since the water of this passage is simply baptism in water for the remission of sins, it clearly follows that those who have not received this one baptism are not in the kingdom of God. Since they are not born again, they cannot be children of God. For the one baptism is essential to induction into the family of God.
If one has not been born again, he is not in the family of God. Conclusion: those who have not received the one baptism are outside the family of God, which is the church or kingdom of God. They have no promise, no spiritual blessings, no forgiveness, nothing in fact, but the certainty of eternal destruction.