Many things could be said in connection with Pontius Pilate, yet there is one act for which he will forever be notorious. The Bible records that “when Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person’” (Matthew 27:24). In this one infamous act Pilate tried to free himself of the blood of Christ and the responsibility of his actions.

In considering this passage, I couldn’t help but think of the irony of Pilate’s actions, especially when compared to another, more powerful, washing described in scripture; baptism.

While it is true that both involve water (albeit in different amounts since “baptism” literally means “immersion and Pilate merely washed his hands) and both involve an individual seeking freedom from the guilt of his actions, it is here where the similarity ends. For by washing his hands Pilate was trying to take care of his own problem via his own power. He thought the only way to free himself and bring an end to the matter was to distance himself from Jesus. However the Bible teaches that to find freedom from the sin and the guilt of our actions one must draw near to Jesus.

In Hebrews chapter 10 the writer discusses the removal of sin, showing how it is “not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (10:4). It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus (10:19) that one may draw near unto God and rid himself of an “evil conscience” (guilty conscience, NIV, 10:22). Pilate only washed the dirt off of his hands, but baptism “saves” because it is more than the “removal of the filth of the flesh” it is “the answer of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21; c.f. Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3, 6).

Pilate washed to signify the end of his association with Jesus of Nazareth, but the Bible writers show baptism to be the beginning of a relationship with Him. Paul wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). According to passages such as these, baptism is all about Jesus. In baptism we die with Him, we are buried with Him, we are raised with Him, and united with Him. In baptism the old person dies and a new life begins. We wash, not to end, but to begin our association with Him. Only in Him one can we discover a new birth (John 3:3-5) and a new beginning  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Pilate washed to show he was not responsible for what would happen to Jesus; whereas in baptism all must take responsibility. “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). On the day of Pentecost Peter taught those listening that before they could enjoy the blessings of baptism (i.e. have their sins remitted) they had to repent. Pilate wanted to place the guilt on others. He said, “I am innocent” (Matthew 27:24), yet Pilate was not innocent. And the fact remains, neither are we. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Our sin put Jesus on the Cross just as surely as did the sins of Pilate. No matter how often we wash our hands that guilt remains unless we turn to Jesus.  There is one who can wash “us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). How will you respond to Jesus? 


- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)    

In the religious world today, baptism seems to be a forgotten command. I recently read an article by Rick Warren, popular Christian author and pastor of the Saddleback Church (average attendance is 20,000 plus), in which he says concerning baptism, "Baptism doesn't make you a member of God's family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God's family. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart." (Internet article, Baptism: Identifying With God's Family). Warren's statements express a view that many hold toward baptism today. It is seen merely as a symbol of one's salvation—important but not necessary or essential to one's salvation. Is this what the Bible teaches?

In Colossians chapter two, Paul sheds light on New Testament baptism by comparing it to circumcision (a religious practice of the Old Testament). The old law commanded that every Jewish male was to have his foreskin removed (circumcised) on the eighth day after his birth (Leviticus l2:3). Paul, drawing on this image, says, "In Him [Christ] you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2:11-13, NKJ). A sinner experiences a circumcision "made without hands" (i.e. spiritual) when he turns to Christ. At what point does this spiritual surgery, this "circumcision of Christ" that cuts away the "body of the sins of the flesh” take place? According to Paul, a person's sins are removed (cut away) when they are “buried with” Him [Christ] in baptism."

Paul experiences this very thing when he undergoes his conversion to Christianity. His story is told a number of times within the book of Acts. In Acts 22, Paul tells how Ananias finds him alone, blind, and praying to God. Ananias restores his sight and talks with him concerning God's plan. He then asks Paul, "now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). At this point Paul still has his sins, and has not called upon the name of the Lord. Yet he has already had a religious experience (Acts 22:6), has come to believe that Jesus was Lord (Acts 22:8), has confessed that Jesus was Lord (Acts 22:10), and has even fasted and prayed for three days (Acts 9:9, 11). In spite of all this, he still has not been forgiven of his sins! Why? Because he has not yet submitted to baptism, thus failing to complete God's plan of salvation. Paul's baptism was the avenue by which he called "upon the name of the Lord" and contacted the cleansing blood of Christ (Acts 22:16, Romans 10:13, Revelation 1:5).

In every incident in which the Bible addresses both baptism and salvation, the former always takes precedence over the latter; not one example exists in the New Testament that shows salvation occurring before the act of baptism. 

Is baptism necessary? Absolutely! "Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words...Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:4, 8).

Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)