Baptism is not a requirement for salvation. It is a public statement of that internal belief and faith. Historically it was in baptism that repentance and faith in Christ were proclaimed. Recognized as the first Christian act.
To understand the interpretation of baptism and its importance in your Christian walk, you have to know the historical background of it. It did not begin with the first century church, or at the time of Jesus. Undeniably some form of water immersion was required in Judaism going back to the Levitical cleansings of the Old Testament. It was Jews, not Christians John was baptizing, prior to Jesus stepping into the water.
Jesus’ baptism may be viewed as a complement and fulfillment of John the Baptist’s work. John declared to the crowds that he baptized in water, but the Messiah to come would baptize the people in the Holy Spirit and in fire
Baptism was an integral part of the overall experience of becoming a Christian in the earliest periods of the church. It was associated with being united with Christ.
I am in my 50’s and a Christian, but have never been baptized by water. But I have complete confidence that if I passed away tonight, Jesus would welcome me home. His dying on the cross for me is sufficient. When he said “It is Finished” that is what he meant.
Baptism is essential unto salvation.
Can you show me one instance in the book of Acts where one was saved without Baptism? From the example of Christ being baptized, to the Great Commission, to the Acts of the Apostles, to the letters to Rome and Corinth and on and on... Baptism is there. It is essential.
I know what you’re thinking. Baptism is a work. And we are not saved by works. But look, Baptism is no more a “work” than is confessing or believing. In all the different teachings on salvation, there is no more item mentioned more than baptism. If you combine all the things necessary for salvation, baptism leads the list of things to do.
Do not put it off. Be truly born again “of water and the
Spirit”, and make your own personal death, burial and resurrection.
NavyCanDo wrote:
“I am in my 50’s and a Christian, but have never been baptized by water. But I have complete confidence that if I passed away tonight, Jesus would welcome me home. His dying on the cross for me is sufficient. When he said “It is Finished” that is what he meant.”
I’m sorry, but I am truly having trouble understanding your thinking. Whereas I too have complete confidence in John 19:30, “It is finished,” I also have complete confidence in Matthew 28:18ff., wherein Christ tells me that disciples are made through baptism and being taught to observe all that He commanded. Do you simply dismiss Matthew 28:18ff? Did not the same One, who alone is Lord and Savior, say both things?
Great post. All true.
For those who believe baptism is required for salvation... I’ve always wondered how the thief on the cross would be with Christ in Heaven that day if baptism were a requirement for salvation. Not a lot of time for the thief to jump down, be baptised, and hop back on his cross.
When He said, “My grace is sufficient for thee”, I’m guessing He meant it.
Also, Ephesians 2:8-9 doesn’t say “By grace and baptism and communion are ye saved...” Just grace.