Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
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Introduction
Introduction
1 Peter 3:18-22
There is a lot of confusion about baptism in some circles.
For example, the Roman Catholic church teaches that water baptism is necessary for salvation. Protestant Cambellites (Church of Christ or Disciples of Christ) teach that water baptism by immersion is necessary for salvation also.
It’s just like the devil to take a wonderful ordinance given by Christ and corrupt it into something evil.
The answer to the question in our title is a resounding No. Water baptism is NOT necessary for salvation.
Part of my extended family went to a Cambellite church that taught Baptismal Regeneration. I had to decide for myself if salvation was by grace through faith in Christ alone or if human works played a role. Through the preaching of God’s Word and personal Bible study, I was convinced that baptism was not necessary for salvation.
Our text verses deal with the role of baptism.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
1 pet 3 18-
Notice that the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are mentioned in these verses. Further, it is explained that the ark was a type of Christ. Noah and his family were saved because they were in the ark. The flood (water) elevated the family and showed that they were in the ark while others (outside the ark) were lost.
Verse 21 says:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Water baptism after salvation has the same role as the water in the flood. Believer’s baptism separates those who have been baptized from those who have not. Water Baptism shows that one has been born again.
If there is any doubt, verse 21 specifically states, “(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh.” Baptism doesn’t wash away sin! It can’t save the soul! It has no part in salvation!
However, it does save us from a defiled conscience. Is there anyone so low down as one who believes in Christ in their heart, but will not profess Him with their life? Baptism gives us a good conscience toward God. You can take heart in the fact that you have openly accepted Him.
If the Bible is so clear about the role of Baptism, why is there so much confusion. Here are 3 Reasons for the dismay.
The Bible Does not Teach that Baptism is necessary for Salvation.
The Bible Does not Teach that Baptism is necessary for Salvation.
Why then do some believe this false doctrine?
If the Bible is so clear about the role of Baptism, why is there so much confusion. Here are 3 Reasons for the dismay.
1. A Failure to Rightly Divide the Word.
1. A Failure to Rightly Divide the Word.
The Word of God is perfectly consistent in doctrine when handled properly.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It is important to allow the Scripture to speak rather than wrestle it to say what you want.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Also, Scripture must be compared with Scripture. No verse is an island. No Scripture is of private interpretation.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
1. A Misunderstanding of Bible terms.
1. A Misunderstanding of Bible terms.
Different kinds of baptism in the Bible.
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Failure to understand this simple concept will confuse your theology quickly!
Here are 3 types of baptism:
Here are 3 types of baptism:
a. Baptism of Repentance
a. Baptism of Repentance
John’s Baptism was not the same as believer’s baptism.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Those believers who were baptized by John were rebaptized after salvation.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Repentance
b. Baptism of the Spirit
b. Baptism of the Spirit
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
acts 11
Those who are saved are spiritually baptized into the body of Christ.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
c. Believer’s Baptism by Water Immersion
c. Believer’s Baptism by Water Immersion
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
mat 28
Not the same as believer’s baptism.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:
35-
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
In this passage we see:
The timing of baptism - after salvation.
The mode of baptism - water.
The method of baptism - immersion.
2. A Misinterpretation of Bible Verses
2. A Misinterpretation of Bible Verses
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
This verse does not say he that “is baptized not shall be damned.”
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Without a doubt, the impetus of salvation is the word “believeth” in this verse. Salvation hinges on believing not on baptism.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This verse is not as difficult to decipher as some claim. Repent is synanmous with “believe on Jesus” as found in other verses. The phrase “be baptized… for the remission of sin” does not mean that baptism is necessary for salvation.
Look up the word “for” in your dictionary. One of the definitions is “because of” or “pointing to.” When you compare Scripture with Scripture, baptism is an outward action that points to the faith in the heart. We don’t get baptized as part of salvation. We get baptized pointing to the fact that we have been saved!
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
In this verse we see an emphasis on baptism. Not because baptism saves, but because in order to be baptized one must get saved. Notice that “wash away thy sins” by “calling on the name of the Lord. If one can be saved by water baptism, why not simply say, “arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins?” Why? Because you get born again by calling on Christ by faith, not by water baptism.
If water Baptism were necessary for salvation, so many of the beloved verses in the Bible are worthless!
Is John- 3:16 incomplete?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Are Romans- 10:9-10, 13 insufficient?
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Did God forget to add Baptism to His definition of the Gospel?
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
3. A Misconception of Baptism’s Importance
3. A Misconception of Baptism’s Importance
The Apostle Paul plainly states that baptism was not as important as preaching the Gospel.
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
What a blow to those who believe salvation is accomplished through Baptism.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Baptism is not necessary for salvation.
It is necessary for a Christian to have a good conscience of obedience before God.