let’s talk about baptism and whether it is necessary to be saved.
The clearest answer on what it takes to be saved is in Romans 10.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Baptism isn’t mentioned. I look at the thief on the cross beside Jesus. The thief who had faith in Him and His coming kingdom. Jesus confirmed that the thief would be with Him and that thief wasn’t baptized. So my answer is no. baptism isn’t a necessary ingredient to be saved.
That said, everyone should be baptized because it’s something God has commanded for His people. It’s one of many outward expressions that says, “Jesus is Lord” and a witness of our faith. There are situations where it’s impossible to get baptized and the Lord knows it’s impossible, but that doesn’t negate His salvation. It’s not what we do, but what we believe and what we believe will find it’s outlet in what we do.
I was baptized as an act of obedience when being obedient was a struggle. It was by immersion as is done in the Bible. I really knew little about it other than reading about it. I’m glad I did. It was a wonderful experience, but it wasn’t being baptized that saved me. It was only the outward expression of what had already taken place in my heart.
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Water baptism (immersion) was for Israel. Many practiced infant baptism because they think it make their babies Christian. Some believe in adult baptism as it is seen as a testimony.
Paul (the apostle to the gentiles) tells us there is one baptism for believers. It is the “baptism” (immersion) into the body of Christ of the believer by the Holy Spirit.
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I’m not sure why you would say baptism by immersion is only for Israel. Many Gentiles were baptized in the New Testament, and I’m thinking of the book of Acts. It was immersion for all of them. That’s not to say that’s its only by immersion because God looks at the heart.
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That isn’t required before but someone wanting to make their decision to confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior to ask such a thing would be declaring they need to come to a better under standing of what it is to become a child of God! I would think one should understand that obedience to His will is not selective! One should understand that we want to be like Him and be obedient to ALL His will for us. He word say this in several places, why call me Lord Lord and do not what I say, he who keeps my commandments is the one who loves me, and others like these, I could have told u where these are but I will tell u how to easily find them, just put in your search the exact words in each of the verses and ask the question you want an answer for like this: where can I find in the bible this verse that says why call me Lord Lord and do not what I say, he who keeps my commandments is the one who loves me. Try this and you will see that any question on any subject that is all u have to do. enjoy it.
As I sit, watch, and wait. Is it coming? The loopydo debated over this topic? I believe it is by faith alone (Sola Fide) and that baptism is an outward sign of an inward change—a “public wedding ring” for a spiritual marriage. Why?
The Thief on the Cross: In Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the dying thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” despite the man having no opportunity to be baptized.
Salvation by Grace through Faith: Passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 are used to argue that if baptism were a requirement, salvation would technically be a “work.”
The Household of Cornelius: In Acts 10:44-48, the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his family before they are baptized, which many interpret as proof that they were already saved by faith.
Now, some will argue it is necessary for salvation. They will use passages like these.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
I think this clearly reads, Believes and is saved, then baptized. Yet who does not believe is condemned. Not whoever does not get baptized.
" And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
Repent first. It does not save being baptized to wash away your sins.
They will say this verse explicitly states,
" And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21
The verse itself admits it’s not the “removal of dirt,” or physical washing, that does the work. The real question is whether you see the “response to God.” The condition upon which God grants salvation.The result of a salvation that has already occurred through faith.
“Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born of ‘water and the Spirit’ to enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
Nicodemus was already born. Born of water, a natural birth. However, even though he was born, and following the law, he is not saved. He must be born again. In the Spirit.
Peter
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