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NASB | 1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood], baptism [which is an expression of a believer's new life in Christ] now saves you, not by removing dirt from the body, but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience, [demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, |
Bible Question: Do you have to be baptized to be saved? |
Bible Answer: YES. There are nine examples of conversions in the book of Acts of the Apostles and in every one of them baptism is mentioned. They are as follows 1. Pentecost Acts 2:37-41 2. Samaritans Acts 8:5-13 3. Ethiopian treasurer Acts 8:26-39 4. Cornelius (and household) Acts 10:48(see11:14) 5. Lydia (and household) Acts 16:11-15 6. Philippian Jailor(and household)Acts 16:30-34 7. Corinthians Acts 18:8 8. Ephesians Acts 19:1-7 9. Saul of Tarsus (Paul the apostle) Acts 9:1-9; note verse 18; Acts 22:6-16 In many of these examples nothing is specifically mentioned about them believing or repenting, but both were equally necessary to be saved. In the above examples we will learn that to be saved it was necessary for them to HEAR the gospel, BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ etc, to REPENT of their sins, and be BAPTISED. Jesus commissioned his apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone, make disciples of them and baptise them, read Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; cp Luke 24:47. Note the question from those at Pentecost, Acts 2:37; and Saul (Paul) Acts 22:10. "What must we (I) do?". God has done everything possible for our salvation through Jesus, but to accept His gift of salvation man has to do his part. Saul was told to go into the city of DAmascus to hear what he had to do. Ananias told him to arise and be baptised, and wash away your sins, calling on His name, Acts 22:16. The gospel needs to be obeyed if we are to be saved, see 2 Thess 1:5-10, nb verse 8. 1 Peter 4:17-19 "What will be the out come of those who for those who DO NOT OBEY the gospel of God" In his book "The Normal Christian Birth", David Pawson makes this statement about Act 2:38. "Peter believes that water baptism will effect the cleansing. For him, as for the other apostles, the washing of the body and the cleansing of the conscience were the outside and inside of the same event, the external act causing the internal change. Their understanding was 'sacramental' rather than 'symbolic'. To put it quite starkly, Peter would have been surprised if someone had asked if they could have forgiveness of sins without being baptised; he would probably have questioned the sincerity of their profession of repentance and faith" It never ceases to amaze me that a person is willing to believe in Jesus, repent of their sins, confess Him before others, yet find baptism some how unacceptable. Read again the words of Jesus in Mark 16:16. "He who has believed AND has been baptised SHALL be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned" Notice that Jesus links believing and being baptised together before they are saved. In the second part of the verse we learn the obvious, that those who do not believe will be condemned. We need to believe in order to be saved,but faith only will not justify (or save0 us on its own, repentance and baptism are just as necessary, see James 2:26 "that a man is justified by works and NOT by Faith Alone". Peter on the day of Pentecost in answer to the question of the those who now believed that Jesus was "both Lord and Christ" Acts 2;37 told them to "Repent, AND each of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ FOR the forgiveness of your sins ..." v38 They were already believers, but it was necessary thst they repent, and are baptised to receive (they had not yet obtained it) forgiveness of sins I hope this study of this question will help us see the need to be baptised, before we can lay hold of the gift of eternal life. |