Does one need to be baptized in order to be saved?
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no, it is a picture of what did happen when you get saved .
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Belief is required for salvation. We humans have tagged on a lot of other requirements in the last three centuries.Sadly, we require for salvation things that belief brings about. Physical baptism falls into that category.
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Baptism is not required for salvation. The thief on the cross wasnât baptized but still went to paradise to be with Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 says, âIf you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.â And Ephesians 2:8-9 says, âFor by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.â Iâm pretty sure that baptism falls into the category of âworks.â Thatâs why I believe baptism doesnât save.
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If you have not been baptised can you still be a Christian? Go to Heaven?
You decideâŚ
Acts 10:47-48
Authorized (King James) Version
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 22:16
Authorized (King James) Version
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
The 1st message to Jesusâ New Testament Church-
Acts 2:38
Authorized (King James) Version
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mark 16:16
Authorized (King James) Version
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Every verse you just dropped is a mic drop on the âbaptism optionalâ crowd. Notice: commanded, for the remission of sins, wash away thy sins, shall be saved. Thatâs not symbolic fluffâthatâs soul-saving substance.
You donât argue with orders from the Kingâyou obey them.
No baptism, no obedience. No obedience? You do the math.
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Sincere Seeker- you are a great encourager !! I think we really agree on more than we disagreeâŚMay the Lord Jesus continue to richly bless you
BrotherDavidâthank you for the kind words. Iron sharpens iron, and I thank God for fellow soldiers like you who stand on the Word. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to strengthen you, guide you, and pour out His grace on your walk and witness. Stay bold, stay blessed.
I want to argue with you. <3
Just kidding. I really mean âhave dialogueâ.
L&R,
F
Ha! Well, Iâll gladly take âdialogueâ over drive-by theology any day. 
Iron sharpens iron, and if weâre swinging Scripture instead of egos, Iâm all in. Letâs reason togetherâbut letâs do it with open Bibles, not open loopholes. 
Love and respect right back at you,
â S.S. 
Haha, Iâm not sure that I know what âdrive by theologyâ is comprised of, but Iâve got an idea and I donât think thatâs the cabin Iâm camping in.
The way I see it is something like this: I love and value you because you are a human being. I love and value you because you are (assuming you are a gentleman) my brother. I love and value you because of the spark of divinity in you. Itâs also in me. And I know where it came from. And lastly, I love and value you because your perspective is different from mine and because of that, you know much that I do not. You hold the key to many doors Iâve never opened. Whatâs rad is that the same is true in reverse, at least insofar as the perspective is concerned.
God thinks you matter. And I happen to trust That Guyâs opinion and respect Him enough not to doubt his view. So I think you matter too.
Maybe you SHOULD challenge my perspective. Not in a harsh or unkind way, but because of those keys on your ring that arenât on mine. Maybe I need to peek through your frame of reference to be able to understand the piece properly.
But even if I donât understand the work, I still want to understand you. And learn from you.
So thatâs the Hemingway version of âargueâ or âhave dialogueâ.
And thereâs also the fact that my margins of my Bible are loaded with questions, observations and delights. Iâm brand new in this arena, still wet behind my Raised Atheist ears. I donât want to be met with Constantine. I want to be met with Jesus.
And, to conclude, the tiny feral human in my lap INSISTS that I include his wisdom which I will here impart you with:
âParallelogram + 7 = Yogurt.â
Powerful stuff.
L&R,
F
(And Tiny Feral Human)
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FantasticFaeryn (and Tiny Feral Humanâ˘),
Okay, now weâre really talking. That wasnât a replyâthat was a warm-hearted theological hug wrapped in poetry and served with a side of math-sorcery. I receive it gratefully.
Let me say this straight up: your posture? Thatâs gold. Humility meets hungerâthatâs where real growth happens. I donât need anyone to agree with me right away. I just want to see folks dust off the Word and dare to wrestle with it. The Bereans werenât blessed because they noddedâthey were blessed because they searched (Acts 17:11). Sounds like youâve got their spiritâand thatâs rarer than we admit.
Now, about those âkeysââyes, Iâve got a few. But so do you. Weâre not rivals in a sword fight; weâre travelers comparing maps, each one tattered from a different storm. If youâre chasing Jesus and carrying a Bible, youâre already ahead of most seminaries.
And donât worryâIâm not bringing Constantine. Iâm not here for empire theology. Iâm here for Kingdom clarity. Jesus didnât die to create a religionâHe died to redeem rebels and raise up disciples. So no robes, no thronesâjust a cross, a crown, and a call to obedience.
As for âParallelogram + 7 = Yogurtâ? Look, Iâve read Ezekiel. That math checks out.
L&R right back at you,
âS.S.
(Still grinning)
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We were under the Old testament until Christ breathed his last breath. Therefore New Testament mode of baptism wasnât introduced yet.
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Acts 2:38 KJV
âThen Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.â
There are verses in Scripture that sing softly, like a gentle psalm in the night. Then there are verses that thunder through timeâverses that split history in two and shake the heavens with divine authority. Acts 2:38 is one of those verses. Itâs not just a call to actionâitâs the command that opened the doors to the Kingdom. It is not merely a suggestion for spiritual lifeâit is the blueprint for entrance into the Kingdom of the Living God.
And let me say this from the outset: this verse is not a denominational badge. It is not Pentecostal traditionâit is apostolic revelation. It is not manâs idea of religious ritualâit is Heavenâs response to the cry, âMen and brethren, what shall we do?â
Peter didnât preach this on a random Sunday morning. No, this was not a Bible study in a quiet upper room. This was the inaugural sermon of the Church, given not in weakness, but in power. Not in theory, but in demonstration. The wind had already blown. Tongues of fire had already sat. The Spirit had already fallen. And nowâGodâs man stood in the boldness of the Holy Ghost to declare the keys of the Kingdom.
It was in response to conviction. Not entertainment. Not excitement. Conviction pierced their hearts. The Word had gone forth. The prophecy of Joel is being fulfilled. The reality of Calvary had sunk in. And when conviction hits the soul, religion wonât satisfy. Philosophy wonât ease the burden. They didnât want more knowledgeâthey wanted a way out. They didnât ask, âTell us more theology.â They cried, âWhat must we do?â
Thatâs when Peter, full of the same Spirit that had just been poured out, opened his mouth and thundered three eternally essential elements:
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Repent.
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Be baptized in Jesusâ name.
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Receive the Holy Ghost.
This is not three optionsâitâs one command in three parts. This is not a spiritual buffetâitâs the divine order of salvation. And today, in a world thatâs trying to customize Christianity and modernize the message, God is calling us back to the original altar, the original water, and the original fire.
If you want the power of Pentecostâyou must walk through the door of Acts 2:38. And itâs still open. Still saving. Still washing. Still filling.
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Peace to all,
In thinking forward, there are two becomings from created failed from the spirit through the created souls of all for the flesh, the Body in both natures, spirit and life, to become again in One Holy Spirit Family One God in being, rationally.
In all generalization, From death to life in the flesh is through the spirit for the soul in the Body from two natures, spirit and life, God and Temple becoming to resurrection life in the flesh from the living waters of Baptism.
Death to life through the Holy Spirit is from Sacrifice through Penance, forgiven to be able to become again glorified and transfigured, in all generalization.
John the Baptist logically is Born Baptism and born sanctified from the spirit through his soul for his flesh to be able to become again from conception, leaping in the womb with Cousin Jesus before birth, becoming brothers and sister to all mankind through the Christ from the cross and John the Baptist is the greatest born of man yet least in the kingdom because he has yet to become again from Baptism through death for resurrection becoming again glorified and transfigured as The Christ becoming again in One Holy Family in One Holy Family One God in being. And we know now He is in heaven glorified and transfigured with The Christ in the New Heaven and Earth, Heaven fulfilled through both natures, Spirit and life, in One God in being.
Peace always,
Stephen
@StephenAndrew, your way of writing English makes it very hard for me to understand what you are really saying about âOne Spirit Family One God in beingâ and how that thought is related to John the Baptist already living âin the New Heaven and Earth,â when I interpret the new universe as being yet future, according to Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21.
Isa 65:17 âFor behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
Isa 65:18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.
Isa 65:19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.
Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, âBehold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Rev 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.â
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Is Baptism Required For Salvation?
Introduction:
You might have heard the debate: Is baptism required for salvation? This is a deeply important question for many people exploring the Christian faith or seeking clarity on salvation. You might have seen differing opinions from various denominations and believers. So, what does the Bible really say? Iâm here to help clear up the confusion and offer an insight into how baptism relates to salvation from both a theological and practical perspective.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a symbolic act of faith, often associated with water immersion, that signifies a believerâs identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But is it necessary for salvation? This is the heart of the question many believers and seekers ask.
Does the Bible Require Baptism for Salvation?
The Bible contains passages that both emphasize the importance of baptism and provide clarity on the role it plays in salvation.
**Mark 16:16 says, *Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.â This verse suggests that belief is central, and baptism follows as a step of obedience.
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Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith, âFor it is by grace you have been saved, through faithâand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godânot by works, so that no one can boast.â This passage stresses that itâs faith in Jesus Christ, not works, including baptism, that saves us.
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Romans 10:9 states, âIf you declare with your mouth, âJesus is Lord,â and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.â Here, salvation comes through confession and belief, not necessarily through baptism.
Why Is Baptism Important Then?
While baptism is not required for salvation, it is an essential act of obedience. It is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ and is an outward sign of an inward transformation.
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Matthew 28:19 shows that Jesus commanded baptism as part of the Great Commission, saying, âGo and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.â Baptism serves as a step of obedience, a public statement that one has chosen to follow Christ.
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Acts 2:38 explains the process of repentance and baptism: âRepent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.â Baptism here is seen as an expression of repentance and acceptance of Christâs forgiveness.
What About the Thief on the Cross?
One of the most common arguments against the necessity of baptism is the example of the thief on the cross. In Luke 23:42-43, the thief asks Jesus to remember him, and Jesus responds, âTruly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.â This man was never baptized, yet Jesus assures him of salvation, proving that baptism is not a strict requirement for salvation.
Baptism as a Symbol of New Life
Baptism symbolizes the new life that Christians receive through faith. It is a powerful visual representation of dying to the old self and being resurrected in Christ. As Romans 6:4 explains, âWe were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.â
Conclusion:
So, is baptism required for salvation? The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism, while a significant step of obedience, is not what saves usâit is the grace of God and belief in Jesus Christ that does. Baptism should be seen as a public testimony of that faith and a step of obedience in the Christian walk.
If you havenât been baptized yet and are considering it, know that itâs an important declaration of your faith in Christ, but remember that your salvation rests in Him alone. Have you been baptized yet? Or perhaps youâre still seeking understanding? Whatever your next step, I encourage you to dive deeper into your personal faith journey today.
FAQs
- Do I need to be baptized to go to heaven?
Baptism is important, but it is not the requirement for salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ is what saves you.
**What does baptism symbolize in Christianity?
Baptism symbolizes the believerâs identification with Christâs death, burial, and resurrection.
Can I be saved without baptism?
Yes, as seen in the example of the thief on the cross, faith in Jesus is the key to salvation.
Should I be baptized right away?
Baptism is a step of obedience after coming to faith in Jesus. While not required for salvation, it is an important act of declaring your faith.
- How should I prepare for baptism?
Seek guidance from your church or spiritual leader, and ensure that your heart is ready to publicly declare your faith in Christ.
Call to Action:
Are you ready to take the next step in your faith journey? If baptism is on your heart, speak to your pastor or a fellow believer, and find out how you can declare your faith publicly through this important sacrament.
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Same, its hard for me to understand what @StephenAndrew is saying.
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Baptism is a precious Means of Grace which Christ instituted, and Scripture speaks clearly of what Baptism accomplishes. Scripture clearly teaches that Baptism is salvific.
The question, however, of âIs Baptism required for salvationâ is more difficult to answer, because while Baptism absolutely is salvific and required, we cannot say that someone who isnât baptized isnât saved. This is because Scripture doesnât treat salvation as something that comes about through our doing things, salvation isnât attained when we do X, Y, and Z.
Salvation is Godâs rescue project, God comes down and saves us. That means itâs all about grace. To present Baptism as a ârequirementâ is to present Baptism not as a means of grace but as a work of obedience. Baptism is not a work of obedience, it is a gracious work of Godâthe One who is acting in Baptism isnât the passive recipient of Baptism, nor is it the one administers the Sacrament, itâs God.
Look throughout the passages of Scripture which speak of Baptism, Who is the One acting? In John 3:3-5 it is new birth from God, it is the active work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:38 it is God who forgives sins, and who gives the Holy Spirit. In Romans 6 we read that we are united to Christ, to Christâs death, we are buried with Christ, and receive Christâs life. In Galatians 3:27 we are clothed with Christ. In Colossians 2:11-13 it is God who circumcises the heart. It is always a Divine action.
Baptism is about grace alone, not our works. It is Sola Gratia stuff.
Perhaps we need to ask two questions: Is Baptism necessary? And the answer is yes, Scripture does not present Baptism as optional, it is Godâs revealed means by which He accomplishes those things which are ascribed to Baptism: new birth, forgiveness of sins, reception of the Holy Spirit, union with Christ, being brought into the Body of Christ, etc. And at the same time we should also ask: Can a person be saved apart from baptism? And the answer is still yes, and the Christian Church has always agreed and affirmed this. Throughout history there have been a litany of examples of people who died before they could be baptized, and Christians have always affirmed that God saves them because He is gracious. Theologians, wishing to talk about this, have spoken of âbaptism of desireâ and âbaptism of bloodâ as ways to describe how we cannot box God in, but that God is gracious, and baptism is not a mechanical automatic âget savedâ button.
So hereâs where it becomes a real issue. If we know what Baptism is and what it means, but refuse to be baptized, what then? It is one thing to be ignorant, because one has perhaps been raised to think that baptism is merely a symbolic gesture (something that cannot be supported by Scripture, and Scripture never says); but it is quite another to knowingly reject what God gives. And thatâs where not being baptized is a real problem, if I say I trust and believe in Godâs promises but reject those promisesâknowinglyâthen do I indeed have faith? And if I am without faith, then I truly am condemned. Because it is faith that is the key.
I am truly confident that many Christians have lived and died without receiving Baptism and yet are still among the precious and holy saints in heaven. Because they trusted in Christ. But it is not because Baptism is optional (itâs not, Baptism is necessary), but because God is gracious and kind. I am not confident, however, that if I were to know what God has said, and what Godâs word means, and reject it anyway that I would be in a good place spirituallyâit is a dangerous place to be when one is shipwrecking their faith through willful acts of unfaithfulness.
We cannot reduce salvation to a mechanism, a formula, a transaction, or merely treat salvation as reductionistâsalvation is the whole work of God to take hold of us, and indeed the whole of creation, and see it made whole in Christ. And Baptism is very firmly and clearly right in the thick of thatâbecause through baptism we are, very truly and really, united with the Crucified and Risen Jesus, are made new, and have the forgiveness of sins which happened on Mt. Calvary. âThis baptism now saves youâ St. Peter writes, not as though baptism was merely water cleaning dirt off the body, but because here in baptism is the pledge of a new and clean conscience toward God by the power of Christâs resurrection. We are made new in baptism.
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