Bible Question:
Greetings Walterpp22! Baptism is definitely commanded, but what about all of the other commands in Scripture? By the reasoning you have advanced, obedience to every single command would be necessary for salvation. In which case, we are back to being saved by works, which Scripture specifically says can't be done. :-) It is important when discussing this topic that we distinguish what one means by 'necessary'. If by 'necessary', one means 'required for salvation', then one is contradicting Eph. 2:8-10. If by 'necessary', one means 'a command which ought to be obeyed because one is already saved', then I would agree that baptism is necessary! :-) p.s. - Your quote is from James! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: I have been baptized, and I have heard it said that a Christian must be baptized. Yet I can find nothing in the word that says such. If one is to advance beyond simple salvation and grow spiritually, one must be baptized. To receive the Holy Spirit, one must be baptized. Yet "Salvation" requires nothing more than to believe in Jesus Christ; that He died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins; confess our sins, to forsake them and live for him... Baptism is a symbol and a display of ones faith. It is not a requirement for salvation. Salvation is a gift by Grace... Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. It was not said "through faith and baptism." I find 59 verses in the KJV with a form of the word "baptize." Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mar 16:16 is the closest verse I can find that could be construed as to mean that to be saved, one must be baptized. Yet, even this verse does not make this statement. Neither does it say "but he that (is baptized) not shall be damned." The blood of Jesus Christ has provided salvation for all who believe, for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom 10:10 George |