If baptism is not necessary for salvation why is it still necessary?
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Asked September 26 2013
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Sajid Masih
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Pastor Shaun Bridgens
Baptism is not an "option" but a command! Matthew 28:19 is clear. 1. First instruction is to "GO"! - meaning to go out into the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. Secondly we must "TEACH" which is another command ...not from Paul or Peter but From Jesus Christ Himself. 3. Then lastly we must "BAPTISE". Jesus came to earth and took on the form of man himself and became "OBEDIENT" even unto death. Baptism is the symbol of laying off of the old man and being adorned and clothed with the new, 2 Corinthian 5:17
Kelli Trujillo
Supporter
It is my opinion that as our ultimate example, Jesus was baptized by John to set an example for us to follow. This was considered a type of "commissioning" for Jesus, and right after His baptism he began His formal public ministry. Matthew 3:13-15 says, "13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” "15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented." Baptism is also a public declaration that a person is making a decision to follow Christ. People have a tendency to be wishy-washy, but God does not and He wants us to take our decision to follow Him seriously. This passage in Eph. 4 says, "14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." Under the Old Covenant, the only way to "fulfill righteousness" was to have the designated priest make sacrifices for the sins of the people. Jesus was the first to set this new standard for righteousness in the New Covenant, which was to commit to putting our "old man" to death in Christ and to embrace our new identity as people that are growing in relationship with Jesus under the instruction of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol of that process; the old man goes under the water, signifying that he is being put to death, and the new man comes up out of the water, ready to embrace a new life in Christ. To undergo baptism is a matter of obedience to Jesus. He set the example for us, intending us to imitate Him. However, baptism is not the qualifying factor for salvation. Acts 2:21 says, "And everyone who calls on the name of The Lord will be saved." Also Eph. 2:8-9, "8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast."
Heather Willcockson
Baptism itself does not save you. What baptism does is it shows publicly that there is an inward change taking place. Baptism is not necessary to be saved, however it is the first step of obedience to God after your salvation. You are not subject to that command until after you've prayed to God, confessed your sin, and asked for forgiveness.
Jim New
James Bryant may have the closest answer. Here's another twist to find the Biblically correct answer.
The main question in question is the word "baptized or baptize," is it meant for spiritual or water baptism?
Below may shed some light to the Biblically correct answer.
There is no record of Paul ever being WATER baptized. There are only two passages in the entire New Testament that mention Paul being baptized. But which baptism did he receive?
Acts 9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
We must keep in mind that the same Greek word is used for both baptism with water and baptism in the Holy Spirit throughout the New Testament including by such individuals as John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, and Paul. So, we cannot simply assume that the word "baptism" in verse 18 refers to water baptism. And we have also established that the phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit" would have been synonymous with "baptism in the Holy Spirit." Therefore, from this chapter itself, we find strong evidence that the baptism Paul received was baptism in the Holy Spirit, not water baptism.
Notice that in verse 17, Ananias states there are two things he has been sent to do. First, he has been for Paul to receive his sight. Second, Ananias says he has been sent so Paul would be filled with the Holy Spirit, which unequivocally is a reference to baptism in the Holy Spirit. Then, immediately following that statement, verse 18 records that scales fall from Paul's eyes and he gets up and is baptized. The logical assumption is that 18 is recording the occurrence of both items Ananias was sent to accomplish. And there is no reason from the context to assume otherwise. So, judging from just this passage in chapter 9, we would assume Paul's baptism was not with water, but with the Holy Spirit.
Later in Acts 22, Paul himself recounts these events to a crowd.
Acts 22:11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.12 "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'
The only change in this account of Paul's baptism from the account in chapter 9 is the inclusion of the phrase "wash your sins away." The presumption is that by mentioning the idea of "washing," Ananias must have been referring to a baptism utilizing water.
However, with only one simple step, we can clearly disprove this presumption. Does "washing" indicate water baptism over baptism in the Holy Spirit? The answer is no.
When we look up the Greek word for "wash" here, we find it occurs only one other place in the entire New Testament. The word for wash is "apolouo" and it is defined as follows.
628 apolouo {ap-ol-oo'-o}
from 575 and 3068; TDNT - 4:295,538; v
AV - wash away 1, wash 1; 2
1) to wash off or away
Here is the only other occurrence of this word in the New Testament. Notice how it completely reverses the presumption concerning which baptism would be indicated by the phrase "wash your sins away."
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed,but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
I Corinthians clearly states that we are washed by the Spirit. And in the phrase "by the Spirit," the Greek word for "by" is "en." It is defined as follows.
1722 en {en}
a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); TDNT - 2:537,233; prep
AV - in 1902, by 163, with 140, among 117, at 113, on 62, through 39, misc 264; 2800
1) in, by, with etc.
Compare the use of "en" in the following passages where it is also used with "the Spirit." Notice that all six of these occurrences are in the very verse where both John the Baptist and Jesus distinguish between the two baptisms.
Matthew 3:11 he shall baptize you with [1722] the Holy Ghost,and with fire:
Mark 1:8 he shall baptize you with [1722] the Holy Ghost.
Luke 3:16 he shall baptize you with [1722] the Holy Ghost and with fire:
John 1:33 he which baptizeth with [1722] the Holy Ghost.
Acts 1:5 but ye shall be baptized with [1722] the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by [1722] one Spirit are we all baptized [907] into one body...
All six of these passages exactly parallel I Corinthians 6:11 in the Greek. So, in reality, I Corinthians 6:11 directly states that we are "washed...with the Spirit of our God." It is unequivocally a reference to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And this is the only other occurrence of this Greek word for "wash" in the entire New Testament. So, we can only conclude based on the two items Ananias was sent to accomplish and the use of this Greek word "wash" that the baptism Paul received in Acts 9 was baptism in the Holy Spirit, not baptism with water.
The point of this short exercise is only to prove that we have no evidence that the apostles, the rest of the 120, Apollos, or Paul were ever baptized with water in the name of Jesus. These facts present a compelling case that baptism in water in Jesus' name was not considered necessary for salvation.
Jonathan Wayne
Baptism is symbolic: We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4). In Christian baptism, the action of being immersed in the water symbolizes dying and being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection. Read more: What is importance of Christian baptism? The next question is, "If it is symbolic, why do it?" According to the Bible, Christian baptism is important because it is a step of obedience—publicly declaring faith in Christ and commitment to Him—an identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Please note that one can STILL be CHRISTIAN, and NOT be baptized (hopefully YET).
Vincent Mercado
Supporter
Baptism is not a symbol. Instead, water is the symbol for baptism, which now saves you also. C.f. 1 Peter 3: 21 You will not read from the Bible that "baptism is necessary". However, the Bible says that baptism saves. After a person is baptized, he is "born again", Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:5. The person becomes a new person, he is now a Christian, a disciple of Christ.
D W
Supporter
Thank You, Jim N. We must not confuse Jewish ritual washings, John's ritual washings, and our Spiritual "baptism" (Holy Spirit union with our Savior). The first two represent being ritually washed in water, the third the only applicable Truth. Our Spiritual baptism occurred when each one of us, individually, professed Jesus as Savior, Romans 10:8-13. The Jewish ritual washing in water occurred WHEN AND IF the Nation, the leadership, the Hebrew hierarchy, professed Jesus as the Promised Jewish Messiah, with the people then intending to follow Him in the Covenants. Alas, the nation and the people didn't do that. [Dynamic Equivalent Translations follow -- Compare any available translation, as well.] 1. Romans 6:3-6 For surely you know that when we were united with Jesus we were united in His death. Through that union, then, we were buried with Him (Spiritually), sharing in His death in order that just as He was raised from death by the unlimited power of the Father, we are enabled to live a new (Spiritual) life. Because we have become One with Him in dying as He did, in the same manner we shall be One with Him by being raised to life as He was. We know for certain that our old earthly existence was put to death with Him on the Cross, thereby eliminating the power of the sinful nature, so that we are no longer the slaves of sin. 2. Colossians 2:12 Because you were united (with Him, Spiritually), you were buried with Him (Spiritually), and in that union you were also raised with Him through your faith in the unlimited power of God, who raised Jesus from the dead. 3. Now John 3:22-23..... Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea where He remained for some time with them where they ritually bathed people in water. John was also ritually bathing people in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him and were being washed (by immersion). The first two references have nothing to do with water. They have everything to do with Spiritual union with Jesus. We are united with Him Spiritually, and then walk in newness of life. The third reference has everything to do with water. The people of Israel, the Hebrew Nation, were ritually bathed in water in preparation for the arrival of their Messiah, their Promised One, who would then and there establish His Kingdom of God on earth. This ritual was for the Jews in that day, 2,000 years ago. It is not for us today. If you want to be immersed in water, then by all means, do so, symbolically. Just don't think that you or a loved one who has professed Jesus as Savior is going to hell because they weren't immersed in water. One comes to a conclusion like that when one fails to rightly divide scripture intended for Jews from that intended for Christians. Merging the two leads to erroneous interpretation and application of scripture.
A Lamb
With all these comments that I have read that the water baptism is required to be saved I am thinking of all the people who came to accept Jesus as their Lord on their death beds but never got baptized will end up not being saved. Let us look at one of the most read scriptures John 3:16 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. (KJV) I believe in baptism. That is you first believe in Jesus as your Lord and savior and then you get baptized. No task is required by us to be saved. We believe and proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior and thats it. It is all by the Grace of God. To me the water baptism is a proclamation of our love for our Lord where we want to follow his commandments and leave our old self behind to make way for the new self in Jesus Christ. This is part of our journey of sanctification. Many of us if not all, cannot change overnight but it's a process. That is where our comforter, advocate and guide the Holy Spirit helps us. Shalom.
Elder Ashe
Is baptism required for salvation? Updated and expanded by Elder S. D. Ashe Does being baptized (in the name of Jesus Christ) save you? Is it really necessary and commanded and part of God plan of salvation for the New Testament? Anyone who states that baptism does not save you are causers of confusion. No matter how they try to explain or justify their teaching that it is not required. Baptism is salvation! After that it is up to you to live according to the rest of God’s Word in order to stay saved! Jesus Himself said in Mark 16:16 (KJV) 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. After it states the beginning of ‘works’ as Saints then James 2:17 (KJV) 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. This verse refers to faith without works, so of course you cannot have one without the other. Acts 2:38 (KJV) 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. Here God’s Word says that ‘repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (for the remission of sins is also required to be saved. Actually there are three keys (or steps) mentioned here which are the keys given to Peter by Jesus Christ Himself in Matthew 16:19. Works alone do not save you, repenting is the beginning of the salvation process then followed by baptism in Jesus name then step or key #3 is to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the immediate first evidence of speaking in other tongues. People hearing that baptism does not save causes them to choose not to be baptized, yet they still do the works... think about that long and hard before you start claiming that baptism does not save you (NOTE: Baptism by itself cannot save anyone it has to be part of the complete three step process). Because if you are doing the works of the Kingdom yet do not have the Holy Ghost and have not been properly baptized (in the name of Jesus Christ), you are not saved and will not enter into Heaven. You cannot pick and choose (like a smorgasbord) which part of the Bible you are going to live by, it’s all or nothing! The verses below are literal statement from Jesus Himself mandating literal action - - - John 3:3 (KJV) 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:5 (KJV) 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. John 3:7 (KJV) 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Forgiveness of sins is for the purpose of receiving redemption from Christ. The baptism in His name is the basis of full Biblical Salvation as is commanded by Jesus Himself to His believers. It is essential for life and economical for power given by the Spirit to the believers and is the all-inclusive blessing of living by God’s full Gospel… You are not saved if you are not baptized in Jesus name. Neither are you if you do not have the gift of the Holy Ghost, if you have not received it since being baptized, do not stop seeking it, but realize there maybe something in your life that you much give up for God first. The sheer amount of research and theology I find that says Baptism is not a requirement for salvation is insulting and is condemning millions to Hell. It is a Biblical commandment and if you choose to live contradictory to ANY Scripture in the Bible you are not saved! Ephesians 4:5-6 (KJV) 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. John 14:15 (KJV) 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Matthew 7:24-25 (KJV) 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. If a person is not baptized then they will never be able to stand before God with a good conscience and that will not end well for them. 1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) 21 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: Don’t end up like these: Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Because they build their house on sand: Matthew 7:26-27 (KJV) 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Gene Fowler
In my humble opinion, this debate often arises from the inability of some to see with their "spiritual" eyes, choosing instead to view things though their worldly eyes. A ritual bath called a "Mikvah" is an ancient Jewish practice that still goes on today. (www.chabad.org) It symbolizes virtually the same thing we Christians recognize it to now: a cleansing. (Although we take it a step further and attribute also the picture of the death and resurrection of the individual participating.) The word "baptism" is from the Greek word "Baptizo"(G907), which means to submerge, immerse, or overwhelm. This brings me to my point: why would John highlight the difference between his baptism (with water) and the baptism of Jesus (with fire and The Holy Spirit?) (Mark 1:8) The very next verse shows us Jesus being baptized by John. Now, did Jesus really need to put the old man to death and to be cleansed from sin? Absolutely not, but He did it to provide us with a minor type and to reflect obedience to The Father. If you look at this, you will see my point: That the command to be baptized and repent was an order to put the old man to death (spiritually), and to submerge oneself in the "living water" of Jesus Christ. Now obviously, since Jesus, who needed no cleansing, was baptized, then one who calls himself His follower should do likewise. Will not being dunked, sprinkled, or any other mode of baptism keep you from The Kingdom of God...no. The thief on the cross was proof of this. Will not putting to death the old self and submerging (baptizo) yourself in the Love of Jesus Christ keep you from The Kingdom...absolutely. In short, I am certain that any true follower of our Savior would want to mimic His every action, so undoubtedly anyone who calls themselves a Christian will be led by The Holy Spirit to participate in the symbolic sacrament of baptism. Should we follow The Holy Spirit? We all know the answer to that. Should we debate with our brothers and sisters about this subject and therefore be stumbling blocks to them and everyone around us? Is it worth appearing divisive to the Church and nonbelievers as well, and therefore giving a foothold to satan? I am led to share these two scriptures: "Remind others about these things, and warn them before God not to argue over words. Arguing does not do any good but only destroys who are listening." (2 Tim 2:14 ISV) & "...continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil 2:12) But I also have to be objective and concede the fact to the brothers on here that seem so militantly adhered to the sacrament of water baptism that if one is TRULY saved, he or she will have a natural desire to be obedient to Almighty God in all things. ***GOD BLESS YOU ALL, I LOVE YOU, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, and SHALOM!!!***
Emanuel khangale
Yes the baptism is necessary for salvation as the bible says in the book of (Mar 16:16) whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. And (Mat 28:19) Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Now the question is which baptism is he referring to because the bible speak of two baptisms (Mar 1:8) I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.(acts 1:5) for john baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with the holy spirit. (Act 19:3) "Well, then, what kind of baptism did you receive?" Paul asked. "The baptism of John," they answered. 4 Paul said, "The baptism of John was for those what turned from their sins; and he told the people of Israel to believe in the one who was coming after him---that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Its quiet clear that the above scripture speak of two baptisms which is Water and Holy Spirit. This is important because (Eph 4:5) which is specifically speaking to Christians, says there is only one baptism. The question we must now answer is; which one of two baptisms Jesus spoke of, which relevant to us today as Christians For vast of majority of Christians, the term “baptism” and “water” are virtually inseparable. It is ironic therefore, that throughout the centuries they have fought among themselves about this issue. The word baptism is misconception always referring it as a baptism in water The Greek word “baptizo” simply means “to dip” or “to immerse” the word itself has absolutely nothing to do with the element into which something or someone is immersed in other words, it is possible to be baptized into things other than water To me it’s clear that (mark 16:16) is speaking about the baptism of the Holy spirit because believing is the process of holy spirit baptism Act 19:4 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. (Act 19:5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. If you can read careful through the bible when ever speaks of this two baptism it makes it clear which baptism it is referring to. If its saying John baptism or water baptism then it means water baptism, but when it refers to Holy Spirit baptism it says believe and were/is/was baptism.
Tim Beeker
Baptism is a continual regeneration by the washing of the water of the Word. Baptism, as most understand it, is a symbolic act. It is a one-time occurrence. I'll take the first, over the second, as the second has no regenerating power in it at all.
Gregory Tomlinson
it is a wrongful assumption to think you do not need to be baptized Jesus made a special circumstance for the thief on the cross, because he could not be. It is true you are saved by grace and that through faith. but If you have the opportunity to be baptized and reject it, you reject Christ. The book of Acts records:Acts.1 1.[5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts.2 1.[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. 2.[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts.8 1.[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. 2.[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 3.[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 4.[36] 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? 5.[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. Acts.9 1.[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.(Paul being baptized!)Paul not only was baptized but taught it and did so when there was no one else to do it for him.1Cor.1 1.[13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 2.[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 3.[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 4.[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. To think it is not part of your walk with Christ is foolishness, and false teaching. I will leave this topic with this That which I have told you I tell you in the spirit, and that it is not me but the Holy ghost speaking thru me. Gal.3 1.[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Putting on Christ and empowerment is the difference between the two baptisms.
ronald andales
As I've read all the comments my spirit was uplift, I just wanna share this because every time I come to read the word of God, I always ask Him in the spirit motion, simply because spirit is higher than flesh, and the word of God itself is spirit and our comforter is also a spirit for us to understand and to know Him, and blessed are those who believe even they don't see Him Amen! Mark 16:16 we need to believe first before we go on baptism, because it is impossible for a true believer that has an opportunity to do so, then they won't or they don't or never been baptize by any means of baptism. Romans 10:9 almost all human beings now making confession by mouth, but how about by Heart? Being Born Again it is not about somebody or anybody, but it is between me and Him or you and Him it is a personal relationship. He sees us by heart no matter what, He is the only one can tell you that you are save no other than but only Him alone, That's why Romans 8:1 says that therefore there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Baptism is in the process of our believing in Him, thats why baptism is still important for us a thru believer in Jesus Christ. Amen! Shalom!!!
Billy P Eldred
I read a teaching once that said there were two Greek words for baptism. (I think they were Baptizmo and Baptidzo but since I don't remember right now and don't have time right now to look it up will just go to gist of teaching). The teaching said that the best example of the difference between the two was from an old Egyptian recipe for making pickles. The first meant to dip the cucumbers in hot water (hot bath for pickle makers). The second was to put the cucumbers in a vinegar solution and leave them there until they came out a pickle. They were changed and became something new. The second word was the one used in most of the new Testament. I believe this is the definition taught in the New Testament. We need to go in as sinners and come out as "pickles". (:
Marvin Reynolds
This is a witness to the world not salvation. No different then Preaching, witnessing or being a missionary in service. Hence it makes clear where you stand with God just as Jesus did under John's baptism. He sure did not need it but He did it anyway. What then should you do? Follow Jesus example or not?
Mark Vestal
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).
Ed Smith
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? Many people think we are baptized "because of" remission of sins. That's the wrong word "for!" That 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. (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 says "unto the remission of sins."
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