Bible Question: I hear so much debate about baptism. Is it a work? Is it a requirement for salvation? Are we saved before baptism? On, and on, and on... My question is, with so much that is said about baptism in the bible, the examples of conversion, the answers Peter and Paul give to the questions, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" and "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37, 16:30 respectively) can someone explain to me scripturally whether baptism is necessary or not for salvation? If it is, why? If it is not, why? |
Bible Answer: It is written, GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION-1 Cor 14:33. There are many religions and traditions that contradict God’s Word. It was the same in the days of Jesus. Do not place your hope in a religion, but place it in the Bible. Do not follow stories that some people tell, which may cause you to err from the truth. Some say that you do not have to be baptized, because the prisoner that hung on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. We note the command to be baptized, given in Mk 16:16 and Acts 2:38 and others, came after Jesus rose from the dead. The prisoner died before Jesus rose from the grave. How could he have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus, when Jesus had not yet been buried or risen from the dead? He also died before the Holy Ghost was given. It is written: THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN-Jn 7:39; ref 20:22. Some say that Paul was not sent to baptize, and this is true; but his followers did the baptizing. Some might say because Mk 16:16 does not repeat the word baptize in the second part of the verse that it means it is not mandatory. Let’s read Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Some have asked why Jesus did not say, "He that believeth not and is baptized not?" The answer is, because we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus. You cannot be baptized into One in whom you do not believe. Thus, to say HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT, "and is baptized not" would be incorrect. For if you do not believe on Jesus, it is not possible to be baptized into His death and resurrection. Therefore, if a person does not believe, no biblical baptism exists. Some would say that water baptism is symbolic only; thus, it is not necessary. It is far more than symbolic as the Scriptures are showing us. This is why Satan fights so hard against baptism. This is why Satan tries to cause so much confusion about water baptism and is succeeding. Some say that water baptism is not necessary as it is a form of works. Satan is a liar. Do not let him deceive you. Obey God’s Word. God bless - need more info, let me know. Blessed be the Name of our Lord. |