Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

There is an on-going debate concerning Baptism. Some suggest that it is not necessary for salvation. Rather, they say, it is just a symbolic act. An outward showing of what has already occurred inwardly. I disagree. Baptism, the New Testament scriptures clearly teaches, is required by God. Therefore, I conclude, it is necessary for salvation. When we refuse to obey God's commands, we surely can not expect salvation. Let's consider the scriptures . . .


1. Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus said ". . .Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

2. Mark 16:15-16: And he said unto them "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

3. Acts 2: 37-38, 41, 47: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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.
vs 41- "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls."
vs 47- "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

4. Ats 8:27-39- (Story of Ethiopian Eunuch) vs 35-38- "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

5. Acts 16:25-34- ( Story of the Philippian jailer) vs. 30-34- " And brought them out, and said Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thou house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

1. Although there are several types of baptisms in the Bible, every last one of the above examples is in-disputably a water baptism. (For this purpose, I deliberately did not include Galations 3:26, 27, 1 Corinthians 12: 12-14 and Romans 6:3-11).-as they are debated and unnecessary in proving the commandment of water baptism.

2. Some argue that belief is all that is required for salvation. I believe these scriptures teach otherwise. Also, please keep in mind that Satan and demons also believe and we know that they will not be saved. James 2:19, 20: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
Matthew 25:41: " . . .Depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."


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