One of the most nagging questions in Christianity is whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. The answer is a simple, "No, water baptism is not necessary for salvation." But you might ask, "If the answer is no, then why are there verses that say things like '...baptism that now saves you...' (1 Pet. 3:21) and '...Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...' (Acts 2:38)?" These are good questions and they deserve a good answer, so we will look at these verses later. But for now, the reason baptism is not necessary for salvation is because we are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8), not by faith and a ceremony (Rom. 4:1-11). You see, a religious ceremony is a set of activities or forms peformed by someone. In the Bible circumcision was a ceremony where one person performed a religious rite on another person. Likewise, baptism is also a ceremony where one person performs a religious rite on another person. But, we are saved by faith alone and anything else we do, including ceremonies, will not help. (Click here for complete Bible study by Matt Slick - CARM) Thursday, February 25, 2010
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
One of the most nagging questions in Christianity is whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. The answer is a simple, "No, water baptism is not necessary for salvation." But you might ask, "If the answer is no, then why are there verses that say things like '...baptism that now saves you...' (1 Pet. 3:21) and '...Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...' (Acts 2:38)?" These are good questions and they deserve a good answer, so we will look at these verses later. But for now, the reason baptism is not necessary for salvation is because we are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8), not by faith and a ceremony (Rom. 4:1-11). You see, a religious ceremony is a set of activities or forms peformed by someone. In the Bible circumcision was a ceremony where one person performed a religious rite on another person. Likewise, baptism is also a ceremony where one person performs a religious rite on another person. But, we are saved by faith alone and anything else we do, including ceremonies, will not help. (Click here for complete Bible study by Matt Slick - CARM) 
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6 comments:
With a "Hot Topic" as whether baptism is necessary for your salvation, I have decided to let Matt Slick from the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM) answers it.
I believe that Matt Slick covers all of the scriptures relating to baptism and that he does a much better job of explaining God's Truths then I could. As you read through this Bible study meditate on each verse and allow the Spirit of God direct you to the truth. May God bless, Lloyd
Yes what a hot topic, but necessary to think about!!!
kim
Excellent answer Lloyd. I'm looking through your other postings and enjoying them too.
Thank you Kim and Sheila for your visit and comments. Sometimes it is hard for us sinners to understand that only by FAITH we are saved and not by works.... God bless, Lloyd
I agree with this. Only Our Lord knows what is truly in our hearts and HE knows if we are sincere in our Faith in him. I know that Jesus died for my sins but sometimes I feel so ashamed as I am not always worthy and sometimes feel he died in vain. It just means I must work harder at doing what is right in His Eyes.
Praises Be for He is Truly The Most High
Thanks for the comments big sister. Don't be too hard on yourself. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. The only thing that saves us is the blood of Christ.
It is such a blessing to know that we don’t have to do anything (works) to earn our salvation because it is a free gift from God.
We don't deserve it, but God loves us and wants everyone to come to Him. All we have to do is accept Jesus as our Lord and savior.
The Bible tells us, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9). Baptism is not mentioned because it is not required for salvation. If we want to be obedient to Jesus, then we get baptized.
Jesus said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9) Nothing mentioned about baptism because it is not required for salvation.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Noting mentioned about baptism because it is not required for salvation.
Thanks again for your comments. God bless, Lloyd
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