I Have a Question Series: Baptism

Do I need to be baptized to be saved?

Bible Passage: Luke 3:15–22

FOCUS: Baptism connects you to Christ. Christ is the one who saves us by His death and Resurrection. We are saved by grace through faith. Baptism is a means of Grace that through faith connects us to the work of Christ on the cross and empty tomb

FUNCTION: (faith goal) That my hearers are strengthened in their faith through the Biblical teaching of Baptism.

Structure: Question answered (see above)

Summary: In this passage, John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, emphasizing the significance of baptism but it also raises some questions whose answer is only in Jesus.

Application: Understanding baptism as a means of grace gives us identity and security of our salvation in Christ. It provides assurance of God's work in their lives and encourages them to share their faith with others.

Teaching:

The birth of a child is an amazing and wondrous thing. Those privileged to witness childbirth often describe it as a miracle. Seeing the first breath of an infant, the relief of the parents, and the joy that fills their faces is a memorable and emotional experience. The labor and delivery may have been difficult, but a new baby has been born. Families adopting children may experience different challenges and pains. The location of their “delivery” is likely a courtroom, but the feelings are similar. This child is part of their family. Events like these are causes for celebration. They change our lives forever.

We experience similar and even greater blessings in baptism. When we were baptized, we were reborn into the family of God and adopted into a household with many brothers and sisters. When we watch the baptism of another person, we witness the gift of new life, given by God himself. This, too, is a cause for celebration. God increases our family.

The promises associated with baptism are extraordinary. Forgiveness, life, salvation, and the Holy Spirit are all given through this means of grace. It is able to do these great things because God has instituted it and promised to work through it. The power of God working through his word and the water makes baptism effective. It is his baptism. His word, his name, and his grace make it effective. In light of the simplicity of this gift, it is strange to see that some Christians complicate baptism by ascribing its power or effectiveness to other things. This often happens when humans assign themselves a role that God does not give to us. We should take note of some of these false views and be strengthened in our commitment to the biblical teaching.

Some False Views of Baptism

Some Christians treat baptism in a mechanical way, maintaining that baptism is made effective simply by going through the right motions and saying the right words. This view is often summarized by the Latin phrase, ex opere operato, or “by the work that is worked.” In essence, this idea treats baptism as if it were magic, sorcery or witchcraft. Said another way, this treats baptism as Law and not Gospel. The focus is on our work and proper performance instead of on God and his work. It also neglects faith. An application of this view might be seen in someone who secretly baptizes another person’s child so that they would be saved, regardless of their upbringing. This might also be reflected in a parent who brings their child to be baptized, but refuses to bring him to worship or provide for his Christian instruction. Instead of these mechanistic and faithless views, we receive baptism as a gift from God, used according to his institution.

Another errant view of baptism limits its forgiveness by claiming that baptism only forgives sins committed before baptism. According to this view, when a person commits sins after they are baptized, they need to find another way to secure forgiveness. Often they are directed to penance or other human works. While it is true that God provides his grace to us in a variety of means, he does not limit baptism in this way. Certainly, a person who sins after baptism (as everyone does) will seek and receive God’s forgiveness. Yet this is not given by means of a human work, but from God’s free grace. The absolution we receive is a further application of our baptismal grace.

Yet another faulty view of baptism makes it dependent on the character or the work of human beings instead of on Christ. This may be done by claiming that baptism is based on the moral character or piety of the person who is baptizing. This heretical view, known as Donatism, makes grace dependent on the minister instead of Christ. Since we can never be completely certain that another person is pious or sincere, we could never be certain that our baptism is valid. This might also be done by insisting that the person being baptized has to lead a sinless life either before or after they are baptized. Since this is impossible (see Romans 7:14–25), we would never receive God’s grace. Still others see the forgiveness and grace as a reward that God gives to the person for their work of being baptized. This makes their work a cause of grace, not a response to it. Either way, we are making baptism and God’s grace dependent upon mere humans instead of receiving the promised grace of God.

Another significant error turns baptism into a symbol, thus removing grace from God’s gift. In this view, baptism does not grant forgiveness or any gift of God, but is only a symbol that points to Christ’s death and resurrection. This error may even sink to the level of making baptism only a symbol of the commitment that the individual has for their God. “I will show how much I love him by going through this ceremony.” In such an understanding, God is not working through baptism. It makes baptism a work in which we remember what he has done, and denies the promises of God and the very gifts that he gives.

A related error, reduces or denies the power of baptism by insisting on its repetition. If a person drifts from faith and then returns, they may want to be rebaptized. If they join a new church, they may seek to be rebaptized. If they have a significant religious experience, they may ask to be rebaptized. While such desires may arise from important events in their lives, this view again transforms baptism into a human work. It is sadly true that Christians sometimes fall from faith and then happily return later. But in such a case, God did not falter in his promises. The baptism he gave and the grace he gives are certain and continual. If baptism is his work, and if it is performed according to his institution, it does not need to be repeated in an individual life.

A final error may be a semantic issue for many people, but it is important to understand correctly. Many Christians, in speaking of their baptism, will say that they were baptized into a denomination. “I was baptized as a Lutheran” or “I was baptized as a Presbyterian.” While their baptism may have taken place in a Lutheran, Presbyterian, or other Christian church, there is no “Lutheran baptism” or “Presbyterian baptism.” There is only Christian baptism. All who are baptized into the triune name according to Christ’s institution have received Christian baptism. Consequently, most Christian denominations recognize the validity of each other’s baptism.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this context, Christ is the fulfillment of the promise of baptism, providing a deeper connection beyond the ritual. His baptism is where He picks us up in our Baptism, meaning that Jesus Himself is the vehicle and means of God’s grace in our lives.

Big Idea: It is not the absence of Baptism that condemns a person. It’s the rejection of Christ.

THE STATEMENT OF THE QUESTION:

Do I need to be baptized to be saved?

1. First incomplete or false answer: If someone is not baptized, they can still be saved

Yes they can! Only unbelief condemns. Even before there was such a thing as Baptism, Old Testament Christians are saved by faith in Jesus (Promised Messiah). Water stories of people being saved: Noah/Ark, Red Sea/Moses, Naaman/Word in the water, Jonah/Real Big Fish. Those who believe the Gospel and yet die without Baptism are not condemned, because they “Have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23) John 1:12-13 However, faith does not despise what the Lord promises and gives in Baptism. Jesus wants you to have this special gift from Him. Why would you reject it? The unbaptized should not delay in receiving this life changing gift from God through Christ.

Luke 23:39-43 The the sinner on the cross next to Jesus was saved through the Word of Christ. So are you!

Luke 3:15-17

as example of this teaching

2. Second Incomplete or false answer: But Christ has already won full forgiveness and salvation for us, therefore I don’t need to get baptized. I don’t believe in works righteousness!

There is no question that Christ has atoned for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Through Baptism, He gives to us personally the forgiveness of sins that He got for us at the cross and empty tomb. Baptism is a gift that we call a “Means of grace” Boat/Moses/Word/Fish- gift! (Titus 3:5-7; 1 Corinthians 6:11).

It’s connecting you to the works of Christ Romans 6:3-5

Luke 3:18-20

as an example of this teaching

3. Restatement of the question with Full Gospel answer: DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED TO BE SAVED?

Let’s say the same question in a different way:

Is a Christian’s faith in Baptism or in Jesus?

This is a false alternative; Baptism and Jesus cannot be separated. The Christian’s faith is in Jesus and they accept what HE does through baptism for us. Because Jesus has put His Word of promise in the water. Faith takes hold of Christ where He has promised to be for us. To trust in what God has given you in Baptism is to trust in Christ, who saves us through the washing where He has joined you to His Word.

Luther says it is “certainly not just the water, but the word of God in and with the water [that] does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water (Mark 16:16). also see 1 Peter 3:21

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”

Through out the history of Christianity there have been several false understandings of Baptism (review some from above). People are always putting the “emphasis on the wrong syllable.” Baptism connects you to Christ (not a denomination or a magical act or a change in moral character). It is God’s pledge that He will walk with you every day of your life (even if you stray). They can take everything away from you in the world but the one thing they can never take away is the promises that God makes and keeps for you.

Maddie’s Story Romans 8:38-39 Romans 8:38–39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 3:21-22

as an example of this teaching

During the Reformation, Martin Luther emphasized that baptism is not merely a ritual but a vital means through which God's grace is imparted. In his Small Catechism, he teaches that baptism is essential for salvation because it connects you to Christ, and it's through this holy act that we are joined to Christ.

It is not the absence of baptism that condemns. Its the rejection of Christ.

Just as the prodigal son was loved by the father, dearly and unconditionally.

A young man once struggled with feelings of unworthiness after a series of poor choices. He believed that his failures excluded him from God's love. However, during a deep conversation with a pastor, he learned that baptism cleanses and God has already accepted him by grace regardless of past mistakes. It was not the act of being baptized that determined his fate but the fact that Christ has accepted this sinner in love and grace which He can see in so many ways but also in his Baptism. Sometimes you need something outside of yourself to remind you of who you are. Especially when you are feeling unworthy inside of yourself because of sin. Through his baptism, he was reminded that grace is a gift undeserved and God has not rejected him for his sins. His sins were put on Jesus who buried them in His death and in Christ’s resurrection there is new life past sin.

In your family, conversations about faith can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or division. When discussing baptism, instead of focusing on its absence, emphasize the grace of God that is offered through it. Consider hosting a family Bible study on baptism, discussing its meaning as God’s work in our lives, rather than a mere ritual. Share personal testimonies of how baptism has impacted your life and the grace you’ve experienced. This will create a supportive atmosphere where family members feel encouraged to express their beliefs and explore the depth of God’s grace.

As a young Christian in your workplace, you might encounter colleagues who think little of baptism or dismiss it altogether. If someone questions your beliefs, instead of defensively insisting on the act of baptism itself, share how it connects you to a deep relationship with Christ and His grace. You can invite your coworkers to a lunch-and-learn where you discuss faith topics, including baptism, and how it is living in a loving relationship with God, not as a ticket to heaven. Real-life stories of encountering grace can spark deeper conversations.

In your public life, you might meet peers who view baptism as irrelevant or outdated. Instead of arguing about its importance, show them the grace embodied in Christ’s love and acceptance in baptismal living. Organize an outreach event that focuses on community service, sharing stories of how Christ has changed your life. Use this opportunity to discuss your baptism, not just as an event, but as a continual experience of grace that motivates you to love and serve others, creating a relatable, approachable perspective on faith.

If you find yourself struggling with the concept of baptism at home, perhaps due to a lack of understanding among family members, take time to celebrate baptism birthday’s. Baptism birthday’s are dedicated to celebrating baptism as a means of grace. Share scriptures that teach about God’s promises. Light your baptismal candle, make it fun and show pictures and share a special treat. Encourage family members to ask challenging questions and facilitate a discussion on how baptism connects them to Christ and the whole church.