IS BAPTISM ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION?
This question has been asked by literally millions of good and honest folks. In fact, most folks who have
considered the subject of baptism have in one form or another, asked this very question. In order to answer the
question, we must look to the Word of God--it matters not what men may say, for they cannot offer salvation. That comes only from God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Before we answer the question, we need to understand what is meant by the word “baptism.” By baptism the
Bible means completely immersed into and under water (consider Acts 8:26-40). Paul makes it clear that
baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12). Sprinkling or pouring does not constitute a burial. Sprinkling was
introduced as a religious act many, many years after God revealed His will in the New Testament. Thus, we can
safely conclude that sprinkling or pouring is not of God, but rather it is from the minds of men.
Is baptism essential to salvation? Absolutely! Jesus made it very clear that one must be baptized in order to
be saved (Mark 16:16; John 3:5). On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter preached the first gospel sermon and
in that sermon he proclaimed to the Jews that they had crucified the Son of God. Realizing their sinful
condition, they asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37). They wanted
to know how they could have salvation. Peter told them that in order to have their sins forgiven they must
“Repent...and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The New Testament tells us that they that received his
word were baptized, these were about three thousand souls. However, there were thousands of others who were
not baptized on that day and they were left without obtaining eternal salvation. All because they refused to be
baptized for the remission of their sins. Peter made it clear that repentance and baptism are both essential to
salvation.
To further show the necessity of baptism we ask this question: “Is the blood of Christ essential to
salvation?” All who respect the Bible will admit that it is. Paul wrote, “In whom we have our redemption
through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7). One comes into
contact with the blood of Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4)--when we are baptized into His death. Yes, it is by
means of baptism that we contact the blood of Christ. And that is why baptism is essential to salvation.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: What our nation needs is not only better judges, but better judgment!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
considered the subject of baptism have in one form or another, asked this very question. In order to answer the
question, we must look to the Word of God--it matters not what men may say, for they cannot offer salvation. That comes only from God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Before we answer the question, we need to understand what is meant by the word “baptism.” By baptism the
Bible means completely immersed into and under water (consider Acts 8:26-40). Paul makes it clear that
baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12). Sprinkling or pouring does not constitute a burial. Sprinkling was
introduced as a religious act many, many years after God revealed His will in the New Testament. Thus, we can
safely conclude that sprinkling or pouring is not of God, but rather it is from the minds of men.
Is baptism essential to salvation? Absolutely! Jesus made it very clear that one must be baptized in order to
be saved (Mark 16:16; John 3:5). On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter preached the first gospel sermon and
in that sermon he proclaimed to the Jews that they had crucified the Son of God. Realizing their sinful
condition, they asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37). They wanted
to know how they could have salvation. Peter told them that in order to have their sins forgiven they must
“Repent...and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The New Testament tells us that they that received his
word were baptized, these were about three thousand souls. However, there were thousands of others who were
not baptized on that day and they were left without obtaining eternal salvation. All because they refused to be
baptized for the remission of their sins. Peter made it clear that repentance and baptism are both essential to
salvation.
To further show the necessity of baptism we ask this question: “Is the blood of Christ essential to
salvation?” All who respect the Bible will admit that it is. Paul wrote, “In whom we have our redemption
through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7). One comes into
contact with the blood of Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4)--when we are baptized into His death. Yes, it is by
means of baptism that we contact the blood of Christ. And that is why baptism is essential to salvation.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: What our nation needs is not only better judges, but better judgment!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
Comments
Post a Comment