Article - Is Baptism Essential to Salvation?
Many in our religious world would answer this with a “NO”. It is good to do. It definitely should be done. Can I go to Heaven without doing it? Yes. For just a few moments I want to ask you to put aside in preconceived thoughts or ideas you may have about baptism. I ask you to simply take the Bible for what it says and examine with me this very important subject.
Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved, he that does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). In this verse Jesus gives us two requirements that must be met to receive salvation. What are they? Belief and baptism are the two requirements that are essential to salvation.
Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Peter’s statement is in response to the Jews questions, “Men and brothers what shall we do”? (Acts 2:37). The Jews had just realized they crucified their own Messiah. When they realized their sin, they asked what we must do to receive the forgiveness of this sin. Peter gave a clear response to their question. He said they had to repent and be baptized to be forgiven of their sin! Thus, repentance and baptism are essential to be forgiven of sin.
Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus that baptism was essential to get to Heaven. Nicodemus came to Jesus to flatter Him, but Jesus got right to the point. He said to Nicodemus, “…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Jesus plainly taught that a person could not go to Heaven without being baptized.
From the Apostle Paul’s conversion we also learn that baptism is essential to salvation. At Paul’s conversion Ananias told him, “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the Lord’s name” (Acts 22:16). How did Paul get his sins washed away? How did he call on the Lord’s name? By getting up and being baptized. Thus, baptism is essential to have your sins forgiven.
Friend, can you honestly come to passages like these and many others and say that baptism is not essential to salvation. Did you know that most modern religions say that exact thing? Why not just take Jesus at His word and obey Him? If you would like to study more about God’s plan of salvation we would love to help you. May God help each of us to conform our will to the Gospel of Christ!
This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.