S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Acts 2:38, "And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches by first filtering it through what we know the Bible teaches on the subject at hand. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation. For more information, please visit our webpage on "Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?"

 Why, then, do some come to the conclusion that we must be baptized in order to be saved? Often, the discussion of whether or not this passage teaches baptism is required for salvation centers around the Greek word eis that is translated "for" in this passage. Those who hold to the belief that baptism is required for salvation are quick to point to this verse and the fact that it says "be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins," assuming that the word translated "for" in this verse means "in order to get." However, in both Greek and English, there are many possible usages of the word "for."

 As an example, when one says "Take two aspirin for your headache," it is obvious to everybody that it does not mean "take two aspirin in order to get your headache," but instead to "take two aspirin because you already have a headache." There are three possible meanings of the word "for" that might fit the context of Acts 2:38: 1--"in order to be, become, get, have, keep, etc.," 2-"because of, as the result of," or 3-"with regard to." Since any one of the three meanings could fit the context of this passage, additional study is required in order to determine which one is correct.

 We need to start by looking back to the original language and the meaning of the Greek word eis. This is a common Greek word (it is used 1774 times in the New Testament) that is translated many different ways. Like the English word "for" it can have several different meanings. So, again, we see at least two or three possible meanings of the passage, one that would seem to support that baptism is required for salvation and others that would not. While both the meanings of the Greek word eis are seen in different passages of Scripture, such noted Greek scholars as A.T. Robertson and J.R. Mantey have maintained that the Greek preposition eis in Acts 2:38 should be translated "because of" or "in view of," and not "in order to," or "for the purpose of."

 One example of how this preposition is used in other Scriptures is seen in Matthew 12:41 where the word eis communicates the "result" of an action. In this case it is said that the people of Nineveh "repented at the preaching of Jonah" (the word translated "at" is the same Greek word eis). Clearly, the meaning of this passage is that they repented "because of'" or "as the result of" Jonah's preaching. In the same way, it would be possible that Acts 2:38 is indeed communicating the fact that they were to be baptized "as the result of" or "because" they already had believed and in doing so had already received forgiveness of their sins (John 1:12; John 3:14-18; John 5:24; John 11:25-26; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:39; Acts 16:31; Acts 26:18; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 1:12-14). This interpretation of the passage is also consistent with the message recorded in Peter's next two sermons to unbelievers where he associates the forgiveness of sins with the act of repentance and faith in Christ without even mentioning baptism (Acts 3:17-26; Acts 4:8-12).

 In addition to Acts 2:38, there are three other verses where the Greek word eis is used in conjunction with the word "baptize" or "baptism." The first of these is Matthew 3:11, "baptize you with water for repentance." Clearly the Greek word eis cannot mean "in order to get" in this passage. They were not baptized "in order to get repentance," but were "baptized because they had repented." The second passage is Romans 6:3 where we have the phrase "baptized into (eis) His death." This again fits with the meaning "because of" or in "regard to." The third and final passage is 1 Corinthians 10:2 and the phrase "baptized into (eis) Moses in the cloud and in the sea." Again, eis cannot mean "in order to get" in this passage because the Israelites were not baptized in order to get Moses to be their leader, but because he was their leader and had led them out of Egypt. If one is consistent with the way the preposition eis is used in conjunction with baptism, we must conclude that Acts 2:38 is indeed referring to their being baptized "because" they had received forgiveness of their sins. Some other verses where the Greek preposition eis does not mean "in order to obtain" are Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 19:3; 1 Corinthians 1:15; and 12:13.

 The grammatical evidence surrounding this verse and the preposition eis are clear that while both views on this verse are well within the context and the range of possible meanings of the passage, the majority of the evidence is in favor that the best possible definition of the word "for" in this context is either "because of" or "in regard to" and not "in order to get." Therefore, Acts 2:38, when interpreted correctly, does not teach that baptism is required for salvation.

 Besides the precise meaning of the preposition translated "for" in this passage, there is another grammatical aspect of this verse to carefully consider-the change between the second person and third person between the verbs and pronouns in the passage. For example, in Peter's commands to repent and be baptized the Greek verb translated "repent" is in the second person plural while the verb "be baptized," is in the third person singular. When we couple this with the fact that the pronoun "your" in the phrase "forgiveness of your sins" is also second person plural, we see an important distinction being made that helps us understand this passage. The result of this change from second person plural to third person singular and back would seem to connect the phrase "forgiveness of your sins" directly with the command to "repent." Therefore, when you take into account the change in person and plurality, essentially what you have is "You (plural) repent for the forgiveness of your (plural) sins, and let each one (singular) of you be baptized (singular)." Or, to put it in a more distinct way: "You all repent for the forgiveness of all of your sins, and let each one of you be baptized."

 Another error that is made by those who believe Acts 2:38 teaches baptism is required for salvation is what is sometimes called the Negative Inference Fallacy. Simply put, this is the idea that just because a statement is true, we cannot assume all negations (or opposites) of that statement are true. In other words, just because Acts 2:38 says "repent and be baptized….for the forgiveness of sins…and the gift of the Holy Spirit," it does not mean that if one repents and is not baptized, he will not receive forgiveness of sins or the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 There is an important difference between a condition of salvation and a requirement for salvation. The Bible is clear that belief is both a condition and a requirement, but the same cannot be said for baptism. The Bible does not say that if a man is not baptized then he will not be saved. One can add any number of conditions to faith (which is required for salvation), and the person can still be saved. For example if a person believes, is baptized, goes to church, and gives to the poor he will be saved. Where the error in thinking occurs is if one assumes all these other conditions, "baptism, going to church, giving to the poor," are required for one to be saved. While they might be the evidence of salvation, they are not a requirement for salvation. (For a more thorough explanation of this logical fallacy, please see the Question: Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is required for salvation?).

 The fact that baptism is not required to receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit should also be evident by simply reading a little farther in the book of Acts. In Acts 10:43, Peter tells Cornelius that "through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins" (please note that nothing at this point has been mentioned about being baptized, yet Peter connects believing in Christ with the act of receiving forgiveness for sins). The next thing that happens is, having believed Peter's message about Christ, the "Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message" (Acts 10:44). It is only after they had believed, and therefore received forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, that Cornelius and his household were baptized (Acts 10:47-48). The context and the passage are very clear; Cornelius and his household received both forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit before they were ever baptized. In fact, the reason Peter allowed them to be baptized was that they showed evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit "just as Peter and the Jewish believers" had.

 In conclusion, Acts 2:38 does not teach that baptism is required for salvation. While baptism is important as the sign that one has been justified by faith and as the public declaration of one's faith in Christ and membership in a local body of believers, it is not the means of remission or forgiveness of sins. The Bible is very clear that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (John 1:12; John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:21-30; Romans 4:5; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16).

See http://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-2-38.html

July 01 2013 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Nathan Toronga Supporter Christian Elder.

I shudder to see people spend such great energies trying to wrest Scripture.

Yes, without obeying Scripture, there's no salvation.

The bible clearly and directly teaches that without baptism, and the general obedience that follows hearing the Word, there is no salvation.

Mark 16:16, "He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved;" 

Acts 2:38, "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"

Eph 4:4-6, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Mat 3:15, "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."

If Jesus could travel about 40km to get to John for baptism, so that He could leave us an example, I dread to see people dice with death like this.

People fight just about every directive in the bible, yet they still want to claim its promises.

There is the case of the thief on the cross - he was saved because of two principles at work. One, he had no time to be baptised, but you and I have. Two, God is Sovereign, He's not answerable to man or to any being, animate or inanimate. And He exercised that Sovereignty in the case of the thief.

He has also commanded that we baptise all who believe - that's the bible's teaching. Matt 28:18-19

There's no single case in the bible where anyone accepted the teaching of the apostles, then went without being baptised as a saved person. None whatsoever. EVERYONE who believed was baptised - by full immersion in water.

A. Acts 8:38, "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."

B. Acts 10:46-48, "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord."

C. Acts 2:41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:"

D. Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."

E. Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
(Paul himself was baptised, after Jesus was resurrected).

I could go on and on. Yet there's no single incident where anyone was accepted into the faith any other way other than through baptism.

In the final analysis, we have the power to choose God's way or ours. And the consequences follow our choices.

For those who will enter unto the Kingdom, please follow the example of Jesus. It costs you nothing.

And obey the Word.


Bless.

March 20 2014 • 26 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy Swarm Supporter

The key thing to note is the question that Peter was answering. The people had asked him what they Should do, Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NKJV)

But when they jailer asked what Must I do to be saved, Paul and Silas answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 NKJV)

The Book of Acts in these examples says you should be baptized, but believing on the name of The Lord Jesus is all you must do to be saved. 

Jesus backs this up when asked what one must do to work the works of God saying, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29 NKJV)

September 02 2014 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Mary McDonald Supporter

It is my viewpoint and belief we are saved by Faith alone as the WORD of God states... and that all the "works"... baptism, charity, loving your neighbor, etc. That are being claimed and stated as "necessary" for salvation are SIMPLY and ONLY the outward signs of the inward change when one is TRULY BORN AGAIN! 

When one truly begins a relationship with The Lord, these "works" are not work or performed out of requirement (law), they are willing and joyous acts of Love and Adoration for the one we love! We have been freed from the legalism of works necessary for Salvation by Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection.

One must personally consider that NO outward signs of, ("works" or "fruit of the Spirit") choosing to be baptized; serving others and the Church; remaining in the Word; proclaiming Christ and His salvation; etc., etc. May SIMPLY be evidence that there was ACTUALLY no true conviction of sin, repentance, acceptance of salvation, and no real faith in Christ either... therefore there may not have been Spiritual re-birth in the first place. (See the parable of the sower and the seed.)

However, we are not to judge who is saved, and claim by what proof and "works" they are saved by, that is for God alone as only HE knows the conviction of our hearts. 

One too must always remember... like all newly born babies, all learn in Christ at different speeds with different degrees of growth, ability, knowledge, and wisdom. We are not all Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul, etc. Nor are we necessarily called to that level of Service and Leadership. As such, we will not all have the same "fruit" but we are still "all" called for His Purpose and Glory as part of His Body... as He provides!

Finally, on a personal note, as a child I was raised in a religion and family that had many requirements and rules for everything... and I was taught to obey out of guilt and fear of mortal and eternal punishment. I knew how to follow "rules" but I never felt or believe I was loved, wanted, accepted, cared for, or worth anything, nor did I learn to trust or what TRUE LOVE even looked like... until through the Grace of God, I was Born Again. That began my many years of healing; re-learning the truth; accepting God's love; and understanding, much less believing, how much He loves and cares for me. Being able to show the "works" listed above as necessary for salvation were not immediate... some of those took years to even know what doing them looked like, yet I knew I was saved!

What I am saying is life IN Christ is a journey, a deep and meaningful learning experience that grows with our walk with Him. We are saved by our faith and then willingly turning our lives to follow Him. In our journey we learn, grow, fall, get up, and mature in His Ways and as we do, we desire more deeply to do as He asks SIMPLY out of LOVE... NOT out of guilt, requirement, or command. Everyone can obey under the right force... but forced obedience is not LOVE or RELATIONSHIP, and isn't that what God really wants to share with us?

August 07 2014 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Angel Echevarria Supporter

This is simple to understand. If you receive Jesus as your savior and you are capable of going through baptism than go for it. If you receive the lord Jesus Christ as your savior and there's no way you can be submerge underwater or you are in your last breath of air in this earth, do not worry cause you receive the lord you will be saved. It's by his grace and the blood he shed on the cross for you that you are saved. God is good and great. Be blessed

April 09 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ron Graham Supporter

Acts 2:38 says that one must be baptised "for the forgiveness of sins" whereas Matthew 26:28 says that Jesus shed his blood "for the forgiveness of sins". We understand that Jesus made a sacrifice by which forgiveness of sins is merited on our behalf. Since that has been accomplished, we understand that baptism is "for the forgiveness of sins" in a different sense.

The perfect and all-sufficient sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross of Calvary is the only "work" by which we can merit salvation. Salvation is a gift. It is not something that we can earn or merit by anything that we do (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-10).

This does not mean, however, that we are saved by doing nothing, because we are told to do certain things, and we would therefore sin by refusing or neglecting to do those things. If doing nothing is a sin, you cannot be saved by doing nothing.

What are we told to do? In Paul's letter to the Romans we find six things, we must do to be saved, one of which is baptism:

1. Hearing Christ's word (Romans 10:8-17, Matthew 7:24).

2. Believing —having faith (Romans 1:16-17, John 3:16)

3. Repentance from sin (Romans 2:4-5, 6:1-2, Luke 5:31-32)

4. Confessing Christ (Romans 10:8-10, Matthew 10:32)

5. Being baptized (Romans 6:3-4, Mark 16:15-16)

6. Ongoing commitment (Romans 12:1-2, 12:11-12, Luke 9:62)

None of these can be regarded as a work of merit or a work by which God owes us salvation. Rather, these are all acts of obedience that we owe to God.

The commands to believe and repent, for example, are things which the Holy Spirit encourages us to do, even commands us to do. So we need to do them. But when we have done them, God owes us nothing. The same applies to the other commands, including baptism. 

Jesus said, "When you do everything commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves who have done only what was our duty'" (Luke 17:10).

On this basis, we see faith and repentance as necessary to salvation. Then why should we not see confession and baptism as necessary too?

For more information on baptism see simplybible.com/dthreadBaptism.htm

September 23 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dan Cartwright Supporter

I think this might have a really simple answer from the lips of Jesus:

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." John 3:18

Although the words of Jesus should be sufficient, Luke in Acts 16:31, and Paul in Romans 10:9 stated that 'believing' was the criteria for salvation and did not include being baptized in water.

Therefore, one might conclude that passages that connect both believing and being baptized to salvation cannot mean water baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation.

The interpretive principle at stake is using that which is clear inform our interpretation of what is less clear. Although I have studied this question at great length and find the arguments for 'believing' only quite compelling, the issue for me comes down to what I stated above.

April 10 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Christopher Crocker Supporter

I always approach any question of scripture with the knowledge scripture is without error or contradiction. If I come to a passage I interpret in such a way as to introduce contradiction - I know the issue is not with the scripture, but with my understand of the passage I'm reading. 

Such is the case with Acts 2:38. 

Some think this is an "order of operations" to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit - repent and then be baptized - but scripture tells us this is not the case. 

Beginning in Acts 10:44, we read of Cornelius and his band CLEARLY receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit PRIOR to being baptized. 

They received the gift of the Holy Spirit prior to baptism, meaning Acts 2:38 cannot mean what, on the surface, it appears to mean. It is up to us to study and determine the real meaning. 

Peter states in Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons. James tell us in James 1:17 God has no variation or shadow of turning. 

When Christ on the cross tells the thief "Today, you will be with me in paradise", can this mean anything other than the thief received salvation? 

In this example, the thief received salvation without baptism. In the story of Cornelius, he and his band received the gift of the Holy Spirit without baptism. 

Since God is no respecter of persons, these passages apply to all of us. It with absolute certainty cannot be stated the thief was an exception to the necessity of baptism. God does not make exceptions. If the contention is God does make exceptions, please share the passages of Scripture supporting this opinion. Otherwise, I'll depend upon the numerous passages concerning God's immutability to guarantee me what applies to the thief on the cross applies to everyone. I'll depend up on the passage related to Cornelius receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit prior to baptism and of John the Baptist and Zechariah and Elizabeth all being filled with the Holy Spirit prior to baptism (Luke 1:15, Luke 1:41, Luke 1:67) to allow me to understand Acts 2:38 does not mean baptism is a necessity for entrance of the Holy Spirit.

God has no variation. God is immutable. The Bible is without error. 

For baptism to be necessary for salvation, which of the three previous statements must be false? More importantly, if any of the statements IS false; if God does waver or change or if the Bible does have errors - why do we care about the necessity of baptism? A God not absolute or immutable in nature is a God with error or one which makes mistakes. A Bible with errors or contradictions cannot be the result of inspiration by a perfect and immutable God without error. An imperfect God or a Bible with errors or contradictions each equate to all possibilities being on the table because there are no absolutes.

Further, we need to make sure we're answering the question in regards to salvation. Is baptism necessary for salvation? One can see, if attempts are made to not interject contradiction into scripture, the answer to this is no. Does that mean baptism can simply be avoided?

What of church contributions? What of the Lord Supper? What of taking care of widows and orphans? Are any of these things necessary for salvation?

Of course, the answer is no. But can they be avoided by a Christian with the numerous examples of them being acts of believers in Scripture? Can baptism, while not a necessity for salvation, be avoided by a Christian with the numerous examples of it being an act of believers in Scripture?

April 11 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bryan Myers Supporter Minister of the Body of Christ

Acts 2:38 is one of several verses which indeed teach that baptism is an essential part of salvation. Whenever one looks at a verse or passage, proper context must be considered. In the case of this verse, Peter was answering the question of those observing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; "What shall we do?". (Acts 2:37) The words "for remission of sins" used by Peter, contrary to what is preached by some, do not mean "because of remission of sin". To fully understand this verse, in it's context a comparison to other similar verses should also be made. Writing in 1 Peter 3:21 uses the analogy of Noah and the ark stating,"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."

Also when considering then need for baptism look to Jesus' command in Mark 16:16, "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." In the original Greek of the New Testament, the words translated believe and confess are verbs indicating action to be taken. So one that believes in taking action upon their faith (which is a noun).

Paul, when recounting his own conversion in Jerusalem before the counsel, first states that the risen Lord Jesus commands him,"Arise and go into Damascus and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do". (Acts 22:10) When Ananias lays hands upon Paul and has his sight restored, Paul then relates that he is told,"And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized calling upon the Name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) 

When Philip meets the Ethiopian eunuch, after explaining the gospel, the eunuch states,"See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36) This was after Philip had explained the Scripture and preached Jesus unto him.

When Peter preaches the gospel unto Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit was poured and upon them Peter responds,"Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48)

Paul in writing to the church in Rome teaches, "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. (Rom 6:3-5)

Lastly, consider the command of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20: "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 always even unto the end of the world." 

The teaching of man that baptism is not a part of the salvation process is relatively new having begun approximately 150 years ago. To put baptism into perspective, the church is the bride of Christ. If you ask a woman to be your bride are you married without the ceremony? No. In like manner, a person with no obedience to Jesus' commands cannot expect to be part of His church. (Jn 14:15; Mt 7:24-27)

April 12 2015 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

David Whitley Supporter Deacon at Orange View church of Christ

Of course it does! Everything in the Bible that a believer is commanded to do to be saved must be done. Can one not love his neighbor and be saved? Can one not pray for his enemies and be saved? Can one ignore the widows and the orphans and be saved? Can on not repent and be saved? Can one not convert, confess the name of the Lord and be saved? Belief in Christ is the first step in a walk with God. If one stops there he is worse than the one who never began a walk with God. 1 Tim 5:8

May 05 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Donna Adams Supporter

Jesus dying on the cross was performed to reconcile humanity back to God because of Adam and Eve sin in the garden, however salvation is to allow a believer to repent and confess only to be saved from sin, (that alone does not qualify you for heaven) it is only the initial step of being born again, to qualify to go to heaven you must be born again of the water and the spirit to make it into the kingdom
According to John 3:5 Jesus himself made this statement 
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

April 10 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

David Willbanks Supporter physician, church elder, former missionary to Camerooon

Acts 2:38 does teach that baptism (but not baptism alone) is necessary for salvation: Acts 2:38 
38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NKJV
Some contend that the Greek word "eis" translated "for (unto, in order for)" can also mean "because of" the remission of sins. Why then do none of the translations translate "eis" as meaning "because of" in this verse?

We have a parallel passage in Matt.26:28 where the word "eis" is used.
28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Jesus did not shed His blood "because of" our sins being forgiven, but for (unto, in order for) the remission of our sins.

Everyone agrees that it is the blood of Jesus that saves us from our sins.
Question: When does the repentant sinner come in contact with Jesus' saving blood? In water baptism:
Acts 22:6-16 - Saul of Tarsus had his sins "washed away" 3 days (Acts 9:9)after he believed in Jesus.
1 Cor. 6:9-11 - The unrighteous Corinthians "were washed."
Eph.5:25-26 - Christ's church is cleansed by "the washing of water with the word."
Titus 3:5 - we are saved by "the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Heb.10:22 - "our bodies washed with pure water"
1 Pet. 3:21 - Water baptism is not taking a bath to become physically clean, but to become spiritually clean, having a good conscience by our obedience to God's plan of salvation. 1 Cor.15:1-4; Rom.6:1-6, 17-18
Rev.1:5 - Jesus "loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood"

Some say that the Gentiles in Cornelius' house were saved by faith alone because they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit after they believed and before they were baptized in water. But what does scripture say?
Acts 11:15 - The Holy Spirit fell on them as Peter "began to speak", before they had heard the gospel and became believers: 
Why did this happen? Acts 11:16-18 - So that Jewish Christians would understand that the gospel was for Gentiles as well as Jews. The Gentiles were then commanded to be baptized. Acts 10:47-48

Some say that baptism is a work and that we are not saved by works. Baptism is no more a work than faith, repentance, and confession are works. Acts 2:38-41; 18:8. Each one of these steps is necessary to be saved. It is not possible to earn our salvation (Eph.2:8-10), but obedience to the gospel is necessary to be saved. Acts 6:7; Rom.6:17-18; 2 Thess.1:5-8.

In Acts 8, Phillip was sent to teach the Ethiopian eunuch the gospel. Acts 8:35-38 -
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 
37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may."
And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him."
When Phillip preached Jesus, the eunuch wanted to be baptized immediately, because he understood that baptism is a part of salvation.

April 18 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tony Flores Supporter Tony Flores a servant of Jesus Christ

No, it does not teach that Baptism is needed for Salvation. It is Faith in Jesus Christ that offers the assurance of Salvation.

Jesus said to go to all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded the Diciples.

Jesus commanded Baptism after you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, which does the following:
1. They die with Christ to their old self.
2. They rise from the water with Christ to become a new creature.
3. They are incorporated in their new life with a living community, which looks for the coming of Jesus Christ. Rom. 6:1-11

Baptism is not an act to get us into heaven, but one of obedience to His command.

June 28 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ellie Gardner Supporter Specialty, "ancient animated landscape rock art", Christian.

This is my answer; straight from the Word. Verse 5 is a command.
John 3 New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John Testifies Again About Jesus

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

April 09 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy P Eldred Supporter

To those who contend that baptism is required for Salvation, I would ask "What about the thief on the cross? 

I would also ask " If someone were to be reading the Bible on a plane or being witnessed to by a someone and believed that Jesus died on the cross, was raised from the dead, and is the Son of God who died for their sin, asked him in prayer to forgive them of their sins, then the plane crashed and no water was available for baptism, yet he died, are you saying Jesus would not have forgiven them? 

Paul had an issue with the other Apostles putting unnecessary yokes on the gentiles who were saved. Baptism is important and I beleive every Christian should want to be baptized. But necessary for Salvation? John 3:16 says "God so LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever BELIEVES in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son to CONDEMN the world, but to save the world through him." I didn't see baptism mentioned there.

April 15 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ed Smith Supporter Retired teacher

Follow this closely: In Matt. 26:28, Jesus tells us that He shed His blood for the remission of sins. In Acts 2:38, Peter tells us to be baptized for the remission of sins. Look at Jesus' statement: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." The word "for" is used three times in this verse. But they each came from different words in the Greek. Why is this important? Because many preachers will tell you that we are baptized "because of" remission of sins. They have the wrong word "for!" These preachers would have Peter saying, "repent and be baptized 'because of' the remission of sins." If "for" means "because of" remissions of sins here, it means that Jesus' blood was shed "because of" remission of sins in Matthew twenty-six because the same "for" (meaning in order to) is used in both places. 

The first word "for" in Jesus' statement does mean "because of." It is the Greek word, "yap." The word "for" before "remission of sins" means "in order to." It is the Greek word, "eis." Now, the same word meaning "in order to" (eis) is used by Peter in Acts 2:38. He was telling people to be baptized 'in order to" the remission of sins. Preachers should know that. But if they preached it, they would lose a lot of friends. (The middle "for," in Matt. 26:28, before the word "many," is defined as "concerning" or "as touching.") By the way, the American Standard Version of the Bible says "unto the remission of sins."

September 09 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ni Jay Supporter Researcher into human reasoning

There is a very powerful additional argument to help support the great explanation of grace given above by Rev Houdmann. That is, Salvation can come only from God for which the only requirement is true repentance of our sins. The cleansing of our soul can come only from 'within'. Baptism on the other hand is a cleansing act conducted from 'outside' us. No amount of external cleaning by any human can clean the internal sins of ours and only God can see the truthfulness of our repentance to grant us salvation through grace.

April 12 2015 • 6 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker

The book of Acts is a transition book. Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13.

Water baptism is an outward expression of faith in the finished work of Christ to pay our sin debt forever. First John 2:2 It is believing in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation.

Water baptism has nothing to do with Jesus blood sacrifice for all our sins forever. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can save sinners which we all are. 

He paid the penalty for all sin so that He could be the just and justifier of them that believe on Jesus. Romans 3:26.

January 01 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Mark Vestal Supporter Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

Water baptism was a requirement for the believing (Messianic) Hebrews, along with repentance (changing their mind) that Jesus Christ was their promised Messiah. We today are saved by God's grace through our faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and nothing of ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9).

During God's dispensation of grace today (Ephesians 3:1-2), we are baptized into the body of Christ immediately upon having faith in Jesus Christ alone being our savior (Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 4:30). Baptism occurs by the Spirit, not by man.

Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). All our sins, past, present, and future, were nailed to the cross so that we are no longer burdened with the anguish of being unable to live up to God's requirements for salvation. Jesus Christ was perfect on our behalf, and received the punishment that we deserved (Romans 5:8). God was in Christ on the cross reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). Our job is to reconcile ourselves to God through faith in Jesus Christ and what His finished cross work means for us, believing the gospel that saves today:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV:
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

When we believe this, we are sealed with the holy Spirit until the day of redemption, and thankfully not just until we sin again (Ephesians 4:30)…which we will most likely do as humans (Romans 7:22-25) KJV. Our faith in Jesus Christ makes us the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)! The Spirit can now work effectually through us as we have finally removed the focus of ourselves and our iniquities and placed our focus on Jesus Christ and the cross (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Water baptism will not get our sins forgiven. Turning from sin will not get our sins forgiven. Confessing our sins will not get our sins forgiven. Humbly asking for forgiveness will not get our sins forgiven. Crying a scalding hot bucket of tears and begging God to forgive us will not get our sins forgiven. Our sins were forgiven nearly 2,000 years ago (Colossians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 5:19), and salvation occurs at the moment of belief in this, the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13). Nothing that we ourselves do in the flesh can assist in what Christ has already completed for us (Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:10). It's literally how we accept Jesus Christ as our savior from this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).

Break the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1) and live in peace by accepting God’s free gift (Romans 5:18) through faith in what Christ accomplished on the cross for you (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). You've been blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), as believers instantly become members of the church, which is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24).

November 16 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

No, it does not. Repentance and faith are the only requirements. And repentance is so crucial nowadays, especially. I like the quote by Thomas Fuller.

"You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may be too late."

"It is unfortunate that the translation of Acts 2:38 in the King James Version suggests that people must be baptized in order to be saved, because this is not what the Bible teaches. The Greek word eis -- εἰς -- (which is translated “for” in the phrase “for the remission of sins”) can mean “on account of or “on the basis of.” In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist baptized on the basis that people had repented. Acts 2:38 should not be used to teach salvation by baptism." -- Warren Wiersbe

Geisler and Howe amplify this interpretation, saying, "the word “for” (eis) [εἰς] can mean “with a view to” or even “because of.” In this case, water baptism would be because they had been saved, not in order to be saved."

Baptism is an outward sign of the inward repentance which had already occurred.

June 01 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report