Prax, I do make a distinction between the Gospel and baptism while I also understand that baptism presents a beautiful picture of that Gospel. It is the Gospel dramatized, but it is not the Gospel itself.
I do understand baptism is very close to the Gospel in that it declares, like I said, the believer's repentance and faith "in the Gospel." Remember Christ said he that believeth (the Gospel) and is baptized shall be saved. Christ makes a very clear distinction between the Gospel and baptism. Paul does the same when he said that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the Gospel.
I agree that ALL who believe/are saved should be baptized. The purpose though is not to be saved in the eyes of God. He knows the heart and recognizes the regenerative work He's performed in the confines of the soul. We, on the other hand, as mere men, do not know the innermost hearts of men so we must have a criteria by which we accept someone into the church at large "as being saved." Christ said that his Church was to be built upon the rock of an open confession in Him. Baptism was the time at which a believer openly declared his repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.
Confession "unto salvation" was made before the community at large. Salvation in the eyes of God? No. Salvation in the eyes of our peers. With the heart man believeth unto righteousness (i.e., unto salvation before God) but with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (before our peers) [
Romans 10:10]. Baptism was the time at which an open confession in Christ was declared. Only those who made such a confession were to be given the right hand of fellowship and welcomed in the Christian community at large.
Baptism was "the answer of a good conscience toward God" (
1Peter 3:21). A good conscience of one's right standing before God was required prior to getting dunked. Water baptism is not supposed to be administered to anyone who does not have the full assurance of faith that he has been freed from sin by the work of Christ (
Hebrews 10:22). Baptism was the time at which an inquiry was made concerning the conscience toward God.
Baptism was the "answer (eperotema) of a good conscience toward God" (
1Peter 3:21). The word "eperotema" was a word used in court settings when a witness was inquired of his pledge to tell the truth. If I remember correctly, it was Tertullian who pointed out that water baptism was the time at which a new believer was asked concerning his "good conscience toward God" concerning sin. This "inquiry" (eperotema) of faith was directed toward every baptismal candidate. The candidate who did not feel free from the guilt of sin did not have true faith in the sin remitting work of Christ. Only those who have "full assurance of faith" in the Lord Jesus Christ and have a good conscience toward God are to be baptized.
In other words, only those who truly believe the Gospel are to be baptized and considered saved by the Church.
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