Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
There’s a lot of nuances to baptism (sprinkling v. immersion, adult v. child, etc.), but I’d like to focus on the core question of whether or not it’s essential for salvation.
What do you think? Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
there were two thieves being crucified beside Jesus .one of them mocked Jesus . the other rebuked the first and said they both were thieves and deserved their punishment,but Jesus was innocent .then he asked Jesus to remember him when he came into His kingdom .Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradice that very day.matthew23:39-43.the thief had no way of being baptised before he went to heaven with Jesus.
gerald,
u see babtism did not come into play yet because jesus had not yet been killed or burried. There God had the power to forgive that thief on the cross. Look at act 2:38 after jesus was burried and resurrected from the dead, Peter addressed the crowd on the day of penticost, speaking in their tongues explaining what had just happened. Peter told them to repent, and be baptized for the forgivness of sins and they will receive the gift of the holy spirit. So yes, baptism is crucial for salvation according to the scripture. Here’s a few other supporting scripture. 1st Peter3:21
Rom:6:3-4, Mark 1-4. Hope this helps.
i agree a 1000% i dont understand where this argument comes from , further more if you are following jesus and he was baptized wouldnt you want to do the same without questioning
Ephesians 2:8
The act of baptism in itself does not save. It is faith in gods word that saves and is bestowed by grace. You Must be saved beore you can be baptised. the act of baptism demonstrates what the believer believes.
Baptism is among the last commandment given to us by Christ before His ascension to heaven – Matt. 28:19-20 and in John 3:3-5, 14-16 He told us that outside of water (baptism), the Spirit and of course His blood we can not be born again or see the kingdom of God. This commandment has been compromised and wrongly interpreted because the devil is looking for every possible means to contradict or chipping what Jesus did and say. So many are suggesting that it’s not important, or it’s not necessary and others saying they can do without it or do it the way they like or want it, but the biblical truth stands because God’s word can not be changed or compromised in spite of what we thing or feel. Baptism in water is something we can not do without, it is as important as the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and these three procure our salvation (The Spirit, The Water and The Blood). These three must all come in agreement for our salvation to be sure – 1 John 5:7-8.
The spirit is the one that seal our salvation, (i.e. if we remain in Him we shall be saved at last) Eph. 1:13, the water is the one that washes us (i.e. we go down as old self and come up in newness of life Rom. 6:4) Eph. 5:26 and the blood is one that redeemed us from our sin Eph 1:7. God always leave a witness for Himself for as it is in heaven so also shall it be on earth, if there is a witness in heaven, then there must also be a witness on earth and except these three are in agreement there is no witness. If baptism is not important, Jesus wouldn’t have baptized people Himself John 3:22-28 and given us the same commandment to carry on the work from where He stopped. So is clear that whosoever is neglecting or rejecting this commission is living in disobedient and unworthy of this calling
What we shouldn’t forget is that God is all Knowing. Therefore even before those thieves were crucified God new what was going to happen.
Jesus Christ Says ‘He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that Loveth me…(John 14:21)’
Jesus commanded his didciples saying ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Ghost (matthew 28:19).
Once you believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart and if you Love him you will keep his commands and follow them.
Even in the Old Testament people were Baptized (1 corinthians 10:2) why shoudn’t we? A command is not an option.
Going back to that thief on the cross; Since he was not free(He could not be removed from the cross so that he could be baptized God new his situation. The fact is that he believed in Jesus that He could give life of eternity that’s why he asked him,( Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will di it so that my Father may be Glorified through the Son John 14:11-14). Now that he asked , he received. Baptism should be done when you believe.
AMEN.
But Jesus was still alive and had the authority to forgive sins. His baptism did not come into effect until after his death (as the New Testament also was not in affect until his death)
Gerald, Not that it matters, but Christ forgave the thief and promised him to be in Paradice, as for us, we are not hanging there dieing with the Lord, so why argue about obeying his words.Christ own words ,in red in some Bibles says “He who belives and is Baptized shall be saved”
Just to make a startling observation to you. remember Jesus’s Words to the thief “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Luke 23:43) Remember Jesus Christ was raised after three days, even then He had not been taken to glory to be with The Father. so then how do you reconcile this statement so superficial this way?
Take a proper look at this i pray that God gives you a deeper insight to this
The thief was still under the old law as Christ was until Christ was raised on the 3rd day and the new Law began
Jesus had the authority to forgive sins while on earth. Matthew 9:6. Furthermore, Baptism is the participation in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:1-4. There was nothing to participate in yet until He was crucified, buried, and raised again.
Well Jesus is our example and he was baptized, but some people get saved on their death bed, say the sinners prayer, and I believe they are saved, without being baptized.
What is the sinners pray place can u send me it to my email please
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Romans was written by Paul to CHRISTIANS…. not the lost… keep that in mind.
One has to look at many factors to see the truth. Gerard makes a valid point using one of the most obvious answers – How would the thief on the cross next to see Christ in Paradise even that day? Was their going to be some symbolic and mystical baptism before he died?
Most of the “baptism for salvation” argument is based on Acts 2:38, but even a cursory examination of the language used (go back to the Greek), one sees that the changing in tense would best be rendered as because of, not to be saved. This has been a hot-button issue, but it is quite important.
That is correct. The Bible gives so many examples of being saved besides this. John 3:16, and plenty of others. However if you have ask God into your heart, I think you would want to follow through and it shows the world that we are a child of the King.
So, in that same text: Acts 2:38, using your reasoning, I should repent BECAUSE I was save…. so Repent and be Baptized FOR the forgiveness of sins means both together. You can’t have one without the other and if you are already saved BEFORE baptism, then WHY repent because you are saved. doesn’t make sense.
We do on earth everything that is in heaven. There is a baptism by faith through the Holy Spirit, the living water of heaven and the Blood of Jesus. For these 3 bear witness.
All our human efforts and performances are deeds of faith. They prove our faith but they do not save us in themselves. Discipleship is a life of following Jesus. First we hear the Word and the seed is planted. We are sealed by God. When we believe salvation has been planted. BUt faith without works is dead. We must prove our faith is real and that starts by confession and being baptised with water on earth. Repenting and growing in faith and love.
Water baptism on earth is symbolic and it must be done if we follow Jesus. If we are led by the Spirit of God we will want to do everything Jesus commands us to do.
Baptism is not symbolic. It is the point of salvation.
Peter states in one of his espistles that it is by faith we are saved. Likewise, most of the new testament is absolutely clear on this: salvation is by faith apart from works.
However, is one primary part of the new testament that might muddy this a little bit. In John, Jesus speaks with Nicodemus, saying that man must be born of both water and spirit to inherit eternal life. Some proponents of baptismal regeneration take this “water” to mean “baptism.” However, an examination of the text surrounding the verse in John 3 gives no such recommendation for this interpretation. Jesus’ explanation of his metaphor instead suggests that the “water” is referring instead to “flesh” because he states “that which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit.” It is certainly possible that this interpretation is incorrect, but this passage makes no mention of Baptism –a rather odd thing for Jesus to exclude from a man who is directly asking how to be saved!
One succint point against the argument of baptismal regeneration considers Paul’s words to the Romans when he is describing the theology of salvation. There were those contending that the old testament’s counterpart to baptism, circumcision, was absolutely necessary for salvation. Paul rebutts this argument by reminding the reader that Abraham was declared “righteous” BEFORE he was circumcised, not AFTER. Like the thief on the cross, we are declared righteous when we have saving faith and a personal relationship with Jesus, not when we’ve gotten wet in a ceremony to announce it illustratively to the world.
However, it would be wrong not to make mention that the Bible clearly states that we cannot call Jesus “Lord” and do not do what he asks of us. Jesus himself stated these words. While it may go so far as to be called legalism to say that one must be baptised in order to be saved, one cannot also ignore the words of the Lord, that if we do not do what he asks of us, we cannot call him “Lord.”
Baptism is not necessary for salvation if by necessary you mean mandatory. However, every everyone who comes to the knowledge of Christ (when circumstances allow) must be baptised – not so that they will be saved – but:
1. in obedience to Christ’s command in Matt 28v19
2. a physical sign of their faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection and what it accomplished for them Rom 6v3-4
3. a physical welcome into the family of God – the Church.
i agree with this statement. we should be baptized as christ was
baptized. its being obediant to christ and his word but if for some reason something happens where you cant,you can still be with the lord.
like he sid about the thief,he was not baptized.but your able to i would
do it.
How much more need be said? Mark 16:16 “…He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
What abaout 1 Peter 3:21?
We are saved by faith, not by our works. If we make baptism necessary for salvation then we say that our works are necessary for our salvation. That means that Jesus’ sacrifice didn’t pay the full price for our salvation. His sacrifice did pay the full price for our salvation. However, baptism is necessary if we are to be obedient to Jesus. He commanded that we are baptized and that we baptize others in his name.
So baptism is necessary for obedience, but not for salvation.
Baptism is a grace. It is something we receive. “Which baptism did you receive”. Now if baptism is a work then prayer is most certainly a work. How many out there believe that we are saved by a prayer (Praying Jesus into your heard for instance).
Please look up all scripture in the NT where baptism is mentioned. You should find the following associated with baptism:
1 – the forgiveness (washing away) of your sins
2 – the reception of the Holy Spirit
3 – entrance into God’s Kingdom
4 – born again
5 – entrance into the Light
Simply stated, you are not a biblical Christian without baptism for who has heard of a un-saved, un-reborn, non-H.S. filled, in the darkness Christan?
Then what does James tell us about works+ our faith? Both fit together one can be without the other. God considered Abraham righteous by his faith, but for his faith to be known he had to act by offering his son. Paul acted in faith when he converted. One must act in obedience by faith. Whats the purpose in having faith if it is a dead faith a faith that is not a working faith? Yes Jesus did make the ultimate sacrifice, but does that mean everyone is now saved? God might as well not have given us the bible if we weren’t suppose to do anything. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us we must hear the word which is the gospel of your salvation, what is this telling us, the gospel as a whole is our salvation. Not just belief. Even the demons believe are the save? I think not. It takes obedience to the faith to be saved. Ephesians 2:1-9 says we are saved by grace, but if you read further into the verse it says we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. If works are not important what does this verse say. There would be nothing to strive for, to live for. God tells us to study daily the scriptures, plus there are warnings upon warnings about falling away, staying true, running the race. If all you have to do is believe, then whats the purpose of those things listed above?
Baptism is clearly not necessary for salvation – but it may be a very valuable step towards spiritual growth. Since Jesus started his ministry, it was the very first task he put to new followers, and in doing so, can be considered a new follower’s very first act of obedience – in several places it is written that people should “repent and be baptised”
Levi hit the nail on the head”If we are led by the spirit of God we will want to do everything Jesus commands us to do.and it is written @ John 3:3…”except aman be born again he can not see the kingdom”
No. Baptising is to show the world that we’ve turned from our old ways and have a new life in Christ Jesus.
Where does it say that in the Bible?
Follow Jesus Christ if we are true Christian.
Jesus Christ himself went for baptism in living water by total immersion ,to set an example to us to follow. He said “I tell you the truth, no one can enter kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Sprit” (John 3:5) .
“Some people get saved on their death bed, say the sinners prayer, and I believe they are saved, without being baptized.”. This is not biblical.No such truth in the bible.
“there were two thieves being crucified beside Jesus .one of them mocked Jesus . the other rebuked the first and said they both were thieves and deserved their punishment,but Jesus was innocent .then he asked Jesus to remember him when he came into His kingdom .Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradice that very day.matthew23:39-43.the thief had no way of being baptised before he went to heaven with Jesus.” This incidence is abnormal case , we cannot use abnormal or exceptional incidence to be the base of truth. Further Christ was not yet died on the cross,when He said to the thief. The new testament is only begin when Christ died on the Cross. Any one before the begining of New Testament was safe by faith, Like Abraham , Issac, Daniel etc.
“And now what are you waiting for ? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Act 22:16). Follow Christ , dont agrue with HIM.
Be for I get started I would like to say that being baptised is to be baptised into Christ death.Ro.6:3 The theff on the cross sins had been forgiven by the living Christ who had the power to for give sin on earth.The theff on the couldnot be baptised into Christ death because Christ had not died yet.The bible teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins,Acts.2:38,Rom.6:3-9,Co 2:11-15,Act 22:16. In the book of Acts their are no less than ten acounts of people receiving Christ and none without water.Jesus said in Mark 16:16 he that believes and is baptised shall be saved.1Peter 3:21 says that baptism does now save us.Jesus said in John 3:5 you must be born of water and of spirit to enter the kingdom of God. 1Co 10:2 Paul says Israel as an example to us were baptise into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. and if you are confused by wether or not we are saved by the spirit, water, or the blood 1John 5:8 the three are in complete agreement. What is called the great commission Mt.28:19 by the LORD JESUS CHRIST to make diciples out of all nation by baptism and teaching them to observe all the things that He had comanded them,has been subtily changed to just make believers.The enemy I think has read the book of James who ask the question can faith along save you even the devils believe and trembles
Father raise up apostles prophets,evanglists,pastors and teachers to make diciples out of those who believe in Christ.
when you look at Saint John chapter 3:3 Jesus told Nicodemus,’ I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
4″How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”
5Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
So that scripture tells us that both the baptism of the holy ghost and the baptism of water is required to enter the kingdom of God. The gift of the holy spirit is free just as salvation is free, you just have to reach out for it. The word says you can be saved if you want to be saved.
The children of Isreal were led through the Red Sea which is a type of Baptism which in the Greek is “brought under” (Bapto).All who were brought under did not make it to the Promised Land not having the Blood of Christ for their sins. It is obediance and following Christ that makes baptism the beginning of Faith and seperation from the world.The Holy Spirit Baptism is given so we would know that all of His promises are true.
Eph 1:14 Amplified
Blessings to all of you. I firmly believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. Some arguments have been made both ways, so I would like to bring something new into the mix. There are some that say that it is not necessary, because we are saved by faith and not by works, so then baptism, which they they regard as a work, is not necessary. So the questions I pose are these: “What does a person with faith have to do to be saved? Anything? Do they have to raise their hand? Do they have to say the sinner’s prayer? Or do they just sit or stand quietly and make sure they do nothing because then that would be salvation by works? What I am trying to get to is this: The bible teaches that baptism is the way we manifest our faith unto salvation. The bible does not teach that we raise our hand or say a prayer. All we have to do is read the book of Acts to know that wherever the apostles went preaching the gospel, they baptized unto salvation. Baptism is not a work, anymore than raising your hand and saying a prayer, but it is a biblical mandate unto salvation. Did not Ananias tell Paul, “The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name (Acts 22 – NIV).” Ananias did not say, “raise your hand and repeat after me.” He said, “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” So I humbly fut firmly ask you this question, “What are you waiting for to believe and teach the same thing?” I believe many do not change their belief on this issue because they feel they would be turning their back on how their denomination teaches, or how their father or grandfather taught them, or how their christian friends believe. So I respectfully and cordially end with the following, “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard (Acts 4 – NIV).” God bless you.
I have not heard anyone mention what Jesus himself said about salvation. Jesus says in John 6:47 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. KJV or HE says in the NIV “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” If Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Col 2:11-15, Rom.6:3-9 are to be taken to literally mean baptism is required for salvation, then all these scriptures are in contradiction to What Jesus says in John 6:47, John 3:16, Jesus clearly says in these scriptures it is our belief “in Him” the word believes in John 6:47 in the Greek is “Pisteo” (Unsure of spelling) which means “put your complete faith and trust in”. There is no mention of baptism by Jesus here, therefore since the Bible does NOT contradict itself people are taking the above mentioned verses out of context to claim baptism is required for salvation. In the original Greek, Acts 2:38 says be baptized “because” you are saved, not to be saved! A simple sports analogy, When my Miami Dolphins score a touchdown, the crowd erupts in cheer! The crowd does not erupt in cheer to make them score! Baptism is form of cheering, saying to the world I am now saved, Jesus commands believers to do this in Matt 28. It is a command of Jesus for believers, but not required for salvation. Bottom line, to make baptism a requirement for salvation says Jesus did NOT do it all on the cross if there is anything we have to do to be saved. Eph 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.” NIV I believe Paul makes it very clear here in his letter. So What Paul wrote in Acts can not be in contradiction to what he wrote in in Eph, so just trust what Jesus says! Whomever believes in me HAS everlasting life! period! Then go get baptized to obey Jesus! But if you die before you can be dunked in some water, rest assured because based on what Jesus says in John 6:47 You already have eternal life!
Metus: For me, I have been baptized and stand firmly in it. For your sake though, I just hope you are right.
Look at the context, when Jesus say to beleive him. It is usually after a hard teaching to accept, like baptism being needed. Look at the specific audience. We must take off our 21st century glass when looking at the Bible.
baptism that comes with peanace is the true baptism but if you just go to the water without naming your sins to God in prayer in the Name of His So then you just receive the baptism of water it comes without confirmation. Test and prove for yourself the truth this shows faith.
As a true man or woman of God we are obligated to the Commandments,Statues and Ordinances baptism with penance is an Ordinance
When one admits their sins to God in prayer in the Name of His Son He forgives them then they are washed clean in the baptism that is the purpose of the baptism. God sent His Son so that we all can be washed and become Holy and in true fellowship with God to accept the gift all must name their sins to God while in prayer then be baptized. Test and prove this to be the true Ordinance then you shall know the truth.
Some religions burden with extra-things to their fellow brothers, and
one of this burdens is baptism (by the Holy spirit, by water,by sprink-
lin water,etc.)But Jesus never said that you have to baptized in order
yo be saved.Salvation of damnation is only,ONLY by faith and believing in
Jesus, in his death on the cross and resurrection of the dead. Some
pentecostal churches said that you have to be baptized in the holy spirit, and that you have to speak in tongues, so in that way you show
that you really are saved!!!Jesus NEVER spock about it, thats satan´s invention to burden the believer.When Jesus preached in Palestine,many
people believed in him, some times after that they were baptized.In the
present time, after the believer confess his sins and repeanted of them,
he can ask to be baptized, obeiding the order of Jesus.
No baptism does not save, Jesus was the atonement for our sins, it is nothing we can do. Baptism is a decision to follow Christ and dedicating your entire life to Jesus. We are to be obedient to Christ and be physically baptised, but spiritual baptism takes place when we ask Jesus into our hearts to save us from our sins, then the Holy Spirit comes in to dwell within our soul. God is gracious and the two thieves on the cross is one example.
If it’s in the bible do what it says without question, without making the bible be as you want it to be.
Baptism is necessary for salvation. Every account of conversion in the book of Acts mentions it. These conversions were taking place AFTER Jesus’ death, under the New Covenant, (which is what we are under today). The theif on the cross was saved by God’s grace under the Old Covenant (before Jesus’ death). There is no such thing as “the sinner’s prayer” that one can just pray and they are automatically saved, but belief, repentence of past sins, confession that Jesus is the Son of God, and Baptism are all necessary for Salvation. You can’t have one, or some of these and be saved. Too many people take a verse or a passage out of the Bible, without taking it in its context, and use it to say what they want it to say, instead of listening to what God is saying.
Read the whole Bible, and you’ll begin to understand the God we will all answer to. God is a loving God. But He has other characteristics as well. He is also Just and Fair, in addition to being merciful. When men sinned (and continues to sin), Justice had to be carried out. Luckily for us today (anyone living after Jesus’ resurrection) Jesus has already paid the price.
We are saved by Grace, but we haven’t touched grace until we have obeyed His commandments, one of which is Baptism. We are not saved by our works, but Baptism is not a work – it’s a commandment from God. The Apostles understood this and preached Baptism to all after Jesus’ resurrection. We should do good works to please God and to obey Him. (James 2:14-19)
And there is nothing miraculous in the water you are baptized in, and you’re not going down into water to get a clean body. (1 Peter 3:20-22)
One last thing – as to immersion, sprinkling, etc., our English word ‘Baptism’ comes from the original Greek word ‘Baptizo’ which means “Burial”, and so as you can see, Immersion in water is symbolic of Christ’s Burial and Resurection, and sprinkling will not suffice.
Trey,
I would like to comment on what you said about baptism being a commandment. I agree completely that it is a command from Jesus, however so are the Ten Commandments, and we consider those “works”, or things we can do to get into heaven?
Romans 10:9-10, 12
I for one moment do not believe that a true and loving GOD would would hold water against the person repenting, Not just as with the thief and those on a death bed, there are those that are physically incapable of being sprinkled or dunked ( Both of which I believe to be an accurate way to baptize, there is no SPECIFIC reference to immersion only that Jesus came up out of the water, which could even reference his walking from to dry ground) back on track now, there are water allergies that make it impossible for some to even be dampened as it would severely injure them. These are still GODs children and GOD loves us all equally.
With all this said Baptism through water is an outward sign of an inward change, think of the time then, those who were being baptized and even likely baptizing their children we showing EVERYONE they were turning from one way of belief to one of a Christ like and Christ believing view and turning away from the traditional Jewish belief system and even Pagan beliefs of the time.
If baptism is possible should we? Certainly, necessary no. Should those baptized in another denomination (I.E. Catholic, Church of Christ, Baptist) be required to be REBaptized, no. How so? As it is a outward sign of an inward decision, and the parents dedicating their children ( as with Catholics) to GOD, through infant and Child, They are outwardly stating they are going to raise their child in the ways of GOD and Christ.
The manner of Baptism is not as big an issue as some would like to make it and I believe these issues were put in place to separate GODs people from enjoying the communion of each other and to drive a wedge between us, a wedge that should not be there for we are all one people in Christ Jesus.
Personally, I was taught and strongly agree that when I got baptist it is a commitment between GOD and me…it is my way of saying I will pick up my cross and follow you!…meaning I will die to my old self which are ways of the world and live to be Christ like That’s it!!…simple as that…to be baptized does not mean that it is my salvation..it is my commitment to GOD!
In the book of act 8:13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now is Simon saved? I say NO! Why? act 8:18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. We have to be CHRIST like.(rom 8: 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.). Also you have to have a one on one relation ship with the Savior JESUS. Peter told Simon to pray for forgivness and he would not but ask Peter to pray for him. THAT WILL NOT WORK. NO ONE CAN PRAY YOU INTO SALVATION. It is your choise alone. And baptism will not get you thier either sa Simon shows.
If one is baptized in his teens, believes, but lives in sin throughout much of his life then later in life begins living as Christ would have wanted and finally confesses his sins of youth and repents is a second baptism needed?
I have not seen any examples from any of you where “Baptism in WATER” is commanded. Baptism in the “Holy Spirit”, “Holy Ghost”, and of “Repentance”, but not in Water.
Jesus said be born of water and spirit. Didnt say Be “Baptised”in water.
Baptised in the name of “Father, Son, the Holy Ghost” is not baptised in WATER. It baptised in the name or spirit.
The baptism statementsI have seen in the Bible is of a spiritual nature, Not of WATER.
Jesus was baptised by John. Does it say he was baptised in water?
HELP
I have a question, I am trying figure out where does it say in bible when you should get baptized, I mean i was baptized after i had asked the lord into my heart. My wife had asked me do i want my daughter baptized and i said no she is only 2months old and she needs to ask the lord into her heart and understand what she is doing it for. Now my question is was I right to say that, or does it matter when?
I am in complete agreement with you. Baptism is for repentance of sin so that we, who believe that the blood of Christ saves us, that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, will be forgiven of all sins from our past and can one day be with God. We are washed clean by baptism and those sins are as though they never occurred. God won’t be “re-visiting” those sins with us again when we get to Heaven. We may have some other things to answer to.. but not those! Now, with that said, what sins does an infant have? A day will come when she understands and is ready to be buried with Christ in baptism. Understands her sins and the need for forgiveness…Knows the way to heaven. Because of the blood (Christ shed), with the Holy Spirit in her heart, and forgiveness of her sins through Baptism. That’s my perspective. Hope it helps.
In Acts 8, Philip is led by the Spirit to go and preach to an Ethiopian man…”and preached unto him Jesus.”
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
According to v37, if one believes with all their heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God then there’s nothing that can hinder them from being baptized.
Now the immediate and sensible reaction would be that a child (in this case a 2 month old) would not be able to acknowledge whether they believe in their heart that Jesus is the Son of God so they shouldn’t be baptized until they do know. However, a question does arise in my mind which I’ve yet to seek an answer in the bible…would the sanctification of a child through their parent’s faith qualify the child to be baptized? God bless your family!
Seth-
i was Christened (sprinkled) as a baby. This was a sign of my parents’ commitment to raise me in a Chrsitian home. At 2 months old you are not capable of asking Jesus Christ into your heart. I believe baptism is an act of obedience that should be done after surrendering one’s life to Christ. so i agree with you.
Where in the bible does it say to ask Jesus in your heart? Where does it say to say a sinner’s prayer as well?
Why don’t you look at Acts 2:38
Firstly I would like to say that to use baptism as an outward sign of the total to surrender to Jesus is a valid means of an expression of faith, but not the only one. I am not baptised by water and yet I have no doubt as to my salvation. I have outwardly acknowleged Jesus as my saviour and have dedicated my life to his service.
I look at the whole of Jesus ministry and the way it focused on a REAL and non-ritualistic road to salvation, and how he always focused on the heart behind the works.(just look at the widows mites) and I start to see that we are doing it all over again.
This pharisaic emphasis on the ritual and how it is performed is still causing so much division in our churches and we are judging others for their convictions even while the bible clearly states that God will be the judge.
I struggle with the concept that water baptism is necessary for salvation, and even for obedience. But I do beleive that we must be born again through the spirit. and the reason I struggle with it is because I beleive that it is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ which saves us.
Every example of salvation in Acts contains baptism. Show me one that contains the modern “sinner’s prayer” approach, aight?
I believe that the sinners prayer isn’t what saves you. It is actually asking Christ into your heart that saves someone. However, the sinners prayer is what shows your repentance, which is a part of Christianity. I hope I could be of some help?
Romans 10: 9-13, 1 Cor 15: 1-4 simply says if you believe that Jesus died for your sins, He was buried, and rose from the dead, You are saved! Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord! That’s so simple, but the question is why do we revert back to Acts 2:38? You have to realize that Jesus came for the jews, and several have talked about what Jesus has commanded and we should do what He says. Jesus gave the instructions to the jews and jews only. Matthew 10:5, look it up, dont take my word; He says go not into the way of the gentile, only to the lost sheep of Isreal. Until you see that the jews still lived under the law, even when Jesus was gone. Paul came and you will find nowhere in his writings that he tells us we are to repent and be baptized for salvation. That’s the beauty of Grace! We are ALL baptized by the Holy Spirit; 1 Cor 12:13. We as gentiles are part of the Body of Christ and the jews of the early church are part of the kingdom on earth Christ will come back and reign over after the tribulation. Look it up in Matthew 19: 27-30, Peter asks Christ what’s in it for us by following you? He tells them they will sit on the 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Isreal. These things have nothing to do with the gentile. The jews are still looking for heaven on earth, while our citizenship is in heaven, that Paul teaches. Peter and the 11 went only to the jew. read Acts 11:19. It plainly says that they went only to the jews. I know it’s hard for some to accept, but that’s what the Word says, not me. Eph 1:13 breaks it down so simply and if you follow that verse all the way through, there is no repent and be baptized, it’s FAITH + NOTHING! Once you are saved, you will desire to follow Christ and do His will. I know there are many scriptures you can pull from and try to make a case for baptism, but if you don’t separate what Jesus told the jews from what Jesus gave Paul who gave to us; Eph 3: 1-9. If you are a gentile, you need to be following Pauls teachings. Then the other scriptures will make sense if they are left where they are suppose to be left. 2 Tim 2:15 says to RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH. When we do that, then the Bible makes sense; when we don’t it’s confusing and contradicting. God makes no contradictions! The dispensation Peter and the 11 lived under was Law, We are under Grace. Two totally different plans. I hope that makes some sense. God Bless!
Why pick apart the new testament on faith only, when we are all under the new law (new testament and its commandments). If your going to use faith only for salvation you might as well throw out the the majority of the new testament as well. Everyone harps on either faith saves or baptism saves, well neither one without the other will save. You can’t say the that the gospel is faith only or the gospel is baptism is the gospel only. The gospel is the word of God, the whole word not just bits and pieces. Christ tells us that we must hear the word first (How can one be saved if they never even have heard the gospel) Romans 10:17, Mathew 7:24-27, Believe (Heb. 11:6, Mark 16:15-16, James 2:24) Repent- (Acts 2:38, 17:30, Luke 13:3) Confess-(Math.10:32-33, Acts 8:36) Baptism-(Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3-5) Remain Faithful- (Rev. 2:10, Romans 6:16, 1John 2:4 5:3) So why ignore the teachings of Christ unless your looking for an easy way out because one doesn’t want to change their lifestyle. It doesn’t matter if God said it once or a thousands times why ignore a commandment of God? No one is without excuse of knowing the scriptures that is everyone in the deepest, darkest jungles or in America God gave us his word to follow. It’s not God’s fault if people choose to ignore it.
In the Bible if you read carefully you get Jesus administrated sacraments to the children therefore baptism should administrated to children too.in Acts 19 paul refused the baptism of john & rebaptised them,john4:1f th disciples of Jesus baptised what kind is it immersion or sprinkling?do not put Bible with religion
Why is this so complicated to understand. If a person truly believes that the bible is the word of God, then one must abide by it. God tells us if anybody loves me he will keep my commandments, those that say they love me and yet do not keep my commandments the truth is not in him and he is a liar. (John 14:14-22) Mark 16:16, Math. 28:19, Acts 2, Plus the many examples of conversions including Saw (Paul), The ethiopien Eunic, The book of Acts gives us many examples. Why question what God has commanded or do it another way other than what it is for. Yes the water is not what saves us, there is nothing special about the water, its our obedience and faith to do what he has commanded to do. If Christ said jump up and down and do 100 push ups then, that’s what I would do. There are also many examples of people not doing exactly what God has said and God despised them. The old Test. God told Noah to build the ark a certain way, Noah did exactly what he said and God saved him and his family everyone else was lost. Abraham did by faith exactly what God commanded by offering his son Issac, God was pleased with him. It is our Faith+Obedience till death= our salvation by doing it according to What God has left us in The Word.
Perhaps I missed it, but one verse I’m pretty sure I didn’t see mentioned is: …”That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:9 (empahsis mine)
The validity of my baptism was challenged by a certain church and my Pastor responded with this…
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Acts 22:16
Romans 6
John 3:3;23
I pet 3:21
Acts 8
Acts 16
“All seem to suggest that baptism has something to do with sins being washed away, salvation and a response to our faith in Jesus. These are words the Bible uses. I don’t really care what any church or denomination teaches but I do care what the Bible says. The Bible says we are saved by grace and I believe that. The Bible says we are saved by our faith in Jesus and I believe that and the Bible says baptism washes your sins away and saves you and I believe that. It all is completely Gods grace working through faith and Gods command to be baptized.”
I think the doctrine schism started when “someone” took verses from the Bible out of context and chose to ignore certain other scriptures in order to formulate their own doctrine. This is rather easy to do with the Bible or any other book. When one reads the whole Bible in context with itself then one can get a full doctrine of what God really wants. Everyone must come to his/her own faith and one should not blindly follow another man especially when it comes to understanding God’s beloved gift of the Word. Have you ever considered that a man could be wrong? Even one with many diplomas? Acts 17:11. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (NIV) Now if what Paul was preaching was examined, then how much more should anyone else?
I believe that the fullness of baptism is a wonderful work of God. There are many promises that are held within it that you will discover if you search for it.
my dear Christian Brothers and Sisters;
i have only read the first half of this thread due to time restraints. i find something lacking here, however.
is baptism essential for salvation? ABSOLUTELY YES! i will explain.
as someone already pointed out, the condemned in hell KNOW that Jesus is the Savior, and so do the devil and his demons. yet, they have not, and will not be saved. what is missing?
the HOLY SPIRIT, because ONLY THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN WORK FAITH IN US, and faith is necessary to be saved (knowledge alone is not sufficient for salvation). sola fide. the act of baptism confers the remission of sins upon us. thru baptism, we share in Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. baptism shows (proves) what the HOLY SPIRIT does, not anything we do to gain salvation. only thru this rebirth (water, blood, and HOLY SPIRIT) can we be saved.
insofar as the thief is concerned, i do not recall that the bible has anything to say about whether or not he had previously been baptized; perhaps he had. but even if he had not, he KNEW that Jesus was the Christ. the thief asked for salvation. Jesus, being God, granted salvation unto him. do any of you have any doubt that Jesus can do this?
as to the “Jesus had not yet died on the cross” argument, i submit to you that Jesus himself was baptized by John before Jesus died on the cross. and so were a lot of others baptized by John. and John was not the only one baptizing. yet, all of those who were baptized were still saved, and this was all done before Jesus died on the cross. Jesus IS the NEW testament; the NEW CONTRACT that God gives to us. the NEW TESTAMENT was in full force the moment Jesus was born. (the “curtain” ripping in half, the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the holy place, is what spelled the end of the OLD TESTAMENT, at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross.)
in summation:
1. baptism is necessary for salvation.
2. in baptism, the water is the outward sign of being washed clean in the blood of Christ, and washes away our sins.
3. baptism is an action by God alone, not of anything we do, “lest any man should boast”.
4. only the Holy Spirit can give us faith, and faith is necessary for salvation.
5. if you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior from all sin, death, and the power of the devil, then you WILL be baptized as Christ has commanded us.
i will check back later to follow this up. in the meantime, i ask God to bless you all most abundantly! pray to Him for the gifts of His Holy Spirit!
in His love;
doug