Must I Be Baptized In Order To Be Saved?
Most of the churches of men teach that it is not necessary for one to be baptized in order to be saved from their sins. Some teach that ‘faith only’ will save, some that faith and repentance are all that’s essential, while others teach their followers to “simply call on the Lord Jesus and accept Him as your personal Savior.” But one man’s (or church’s) teaching is just as good (or bad) as another’s. In fact, they are without value. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:23). What truly matters is what the Bible, the word of God, says.
Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved...” (Mark 16:16). His apostle Peter commanded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is “for,” or in order to receive, remission of sins. Peter later wrote that “there is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism...” (1 Peter 3:21).
Another of Jesus’ apostles, Paul, taught that baptism is necessary for salvation. He himself had been told, while still a Jew, to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). He later wrote that baptism puts one “into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and it is “in Christ” that “every spiritual blessing” is found (Ephesians 1:3). Yes, baptism is necessary in order for one to be saved. Both Jesus and His apostles taught so.
Some say that to require anyone to do anything (i.e., “works”) nullifies the grace of God. Well, it is true that we are “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:9,10); but if the Lord required nothing of man in order to receive the benefits of His grace, making salvation unconditional, then all would be saved (which is certainly not the case, Matthew 7:13).
Beloved, ‘faith only’ will not save, for the Bible teaches “that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Some have argued that they “want to be saved like the thief on the cross” (i.e., without baptism). But the Bible records that salvation was bestowed on the penitent thief before Jesus died on the cross (Luke 23:39-46), before His New Testament came into effect (Hebrews 9:16-17). After Jesus’ death, under the testament we now live under, Jesus and His apostles taught the necessity of baptism.
Do you believe in Jesus? Have you been baptized into Christ, in order that your sins might be washed away by His blood? (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5). If not, we plead with you to obey the divine command.
--Mike Noble
Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved...” (Mark 16:16). His apostle Peter commanded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is “for,” or in order to receive, remission of sins. Peter later wrote that “there is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism...” (1 Peter 3:21).
Another of Jesus’ apostles, Paul, taught that baptism is necessary for salvation. He himself had been told, while still a Jew, to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). He later wrote that baptism puts one “into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and it is “in Christ” that “every spiritual blessing” is found (Ephesians 1:3). Yes, baptism is necessary in order for one to be saved. Both Jesus and His apostles taught so.
Some say that to require anyone to do anything (i.e., “works”) nullifies the grace of God. Well, it is true that we are “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:9,10); but if the Lord required nothing of man in order to receive the benefits of His grace, making salvation unconditional, then all would be saved (which is certainly not the case, Matthew 7:13).
Beloved, ‘faith only’ will not save, for the Bible teaches “that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Some have argued that they “want to be saved like the thief on the cross” (i.e., without baptism). But the Bible records that salvation was bestowed on the penitent thief before Jesus died on the cross (Luke 23:39-46), before His New Testament came into effect (Hebrews 9:16-17). After Jesus’ death, under the testament we now live under, Jesus and His apostles taught the necessity of baptism.
Do you believe in Jesus? Have you been baptized into Christ, in order that your sins might be washed away by His blood? (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5). If not, we plead with you to obey the divine command.
--Mike Noble