Devotionals by Jack Graham
Does Baptism Get You into Heaven?
July 17
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
In the history of Christianity, one of the most contentious issues has been the role of baptism in the Christian life. Some use certain Bible verses to promote the idea that baptism is necessary for salvation. Others see it as a command, but not necessary to go to heaven. So what’s the answer?
Well, for one, the Bible is clear in its teachings that salvation is by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). So if baptism was a requirement for heaven, then salvation wouldn’t be through faith. And second, just because you’re baptized, it doesn’t mean you’re saved by faith.
The best analogy I’ve heard related to baptism is a wedding ring. I wear my ring every day as a display of my commitment to my wife. But when I take it off at night, I’m no less married than when I had it on.
Baptism is a command, but it’s commanded as a public proclamation of your relationship with Jesus Christ. It doesn’t save you, but it’s not to be neglected either. So if you haven’t been baptized as a public display of your salvation, I encourage you to do it. Follow the biblical command of baptism and proudly display your wedding ring of faith to the world!
ACKNOWLEDGE PUBLICLY THAT YOU’VE PLACED YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST BY BEING BAPTIZED.
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Jack Graham
PowerPoint Ministries
About PowerPoint
PowerPoint Ministries is the radio and television broadcast ministry of Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church — a nearly 37,000-member church with three campuses in the Dallas and North Texas region. Through PowerPoint Ministries, Dr. Graham offers practical, biblical steps on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.
About Jack Graham
Dr. Jack Graham serves as Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations.
When Dr. Graham came to Prestonwood in 1989, the 8,000-member congregation responded enthusiastically to his straightforward message and powerful preaching style.
Now thriving with more than 57,000 members, Prestonwood continues to grow, reaching throughout the North Texas region. In 2006, the church launched a second location, the North Campus, in a burgeoning area 20 miles north of the Plano Campus. Prestonwood also has a flourishing Spanish-language ministry, Prestonwood en Español, which includes members from more than 20 nations. And Prestonwood.Live, the online community, draws worshippers from all over the world.
Dr. Graham is a noted author of numerous books, including the latest Reignite: Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith. In this deeply personal book, Dr. Graham shares lessons he learned in the midst of crisis – offering insight on how to focus on Jesus even in the darkest days.
Other books include A Man of God: Essential Priorities for Every Man’s Life; Unseen: Angels, Satan, Heaven, Hell and Winning the Battle for Eternity; Angels: Who They Are, What They Do and Why It Matters; Powering Up: The Fulfillment and Fruit of a God-Fueled Life; and Courageous Parenting, written with his wife, Deb.
His passionate, biblical teaching is also seen and heard across the country and throughout the world on PowerPoint Ministries. Through broadcasts, online sermons and e-mail messages, Dr. Graham addresses relevant, everyday issues that are prevalent in our culture and strike a chord with audiences worldwide.
In October 2022, the Bible in a Year with Jack Graham podcast was launched in partnership with iHeartPodcasts and Pray.com, with a cinematic feel that brings the Bible to life. Within the first week of its release, the podcast reached the top spot on the Spotify religion list, and it has now surpassed 30 million downloads.
Dr. Graham has served as Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer and has helped lead various national prayer initiatives. He served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country with more than 14 million members.
He and Deb have three married children and eight grandchildren.
Contact PowerPoint with Jack Graham
jgraham@powerpoint.org
http://www.jackgraham.org
PowerPoint Ministries
PO Box 799070
800-795-4627