Baptism

As many of you know I was baptized this Wednesday.  If you don't then now you do.  Some people say that baptism is not necessary.  It says it in the Bible that baptism is necessary.  If it says it in the bible then you should do it.  It is not a matter of preference like whether to clap or not.  The Bible specifically commands it.  In John 3:16 a verse we all should know well, it says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  Some take that verse and say all that you have to do is believe.  But in Mark 16:15-16 it says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."  Hmm, to some it seem to be contradictory, but the way I see it, it is not.  If you believed someone would you not listen to them?  I think what John is trying to say in 3:16 is that "Hey, if you believe this guy, then you are going to do what He says."  If you believe that He is the Son of God then would you not obey him.  Jesus never says "Cursed are you because you believed and killed me anyway."  The Pharisees and Sadducees and the other "top" officials did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.  They thought Jesus was some ragtag Galilean who didn't wash properly or hang out with the right people, well you get the idea.  It is implied that if you believe Jesus you will obey Him, and He commanded us to be baptized.