Is baptism essential for salvation according to Romans 6:3-5?
Romans 6:3 - 5
ESV - 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Clarify (2)
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked October 02 2013
•
Bruce Woolmer
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
John Affleck
Romans 6 v 3-5 does not suggest that baptism is essential for salvation but from other passages it can be proved that it is an expected proof of salvation. Foe example, Romans 10 v 9 states that if you shall confess Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. Therefore anyone who is saved has acknowledged Jesus as Lord. Now. Turn to Mark's gospel chapter 16 v 16 where Jesus says ' He who believes (the gospel) and is baptised will be saved' this proves that Jesus expected everyone who accepted him as Lord to be baptised. But he goes further in the verse and says' But he who does not believe will be condemned' he did not say ' he who does not believe and is not baptised shall be damned' thus proving that baptism is not essential to salvation. I trust this comment will be helpful
Jennifer Rothnie
Supporter
No, as the thief on the cross demonstrates, physical baptism is not essential to salvation. It is not the 'physical aspect' of baptism that saves, but our heart of repentance and giving our lives to Christ. Baptism is simply a symbol for that. (I Peter 3:20-21) However, baptism is an outward testimony of one's conversion. It also brings unity to the church. (1 Cor 12:13, Eph 4:4-6). As the first act of a believer, most believers will be baptized given the opportunity, as it is outward display of our repentance. Interestingly enough, baptism in the early church was carried out immediately after conversion (for those who could), even for young children. It did not have the gap of weeks or even years that some churches practice today as they wait for the believer to better understand the faith. It was the first act of a believer, paralleling the inward death to self and resurrection with Christ. (Acts 18:8, Romans 6:3, Acts 19:4-5, Acts 8:12, Acts 2:41, Acts 16:30-33) There is an argument to be made that making someone to wait to be baptized if they have repented and confessed Christ is very wrong, detrimental not only to their own faith, but also to the edification of the body of Christ. (Acts 10:47, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 8:35-38)
Don Pollock
Baptism IS “essential for salvation according to Romans 6:3-5.” 1) Being “baptized into Christ”, according to Scripture, most certainly includes WATER BAPTISM in the name OF Jesus (John 3:1-5; Acts 2:37-39; Acts 8:34-38; & Spirit Baptism (Receiving the Holy Ghost/ Holy Spirit/ Spirit of Truth/ Comforter/ Spirit of Holiness/ ETC) (ESV)Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (Jesus is referring to being “born again” in Joh 3:3 “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.” Act 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act_8:36 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? Act 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. 2) It’s clear in these verses of Romans that baptism is essential, but what does “baptized” mean here? Scripture is NOT referring to Holy Spirit baptism when in Scripture the words (or principal) of “death” and “burial” are associated with the act. The HOLY SPIRIT/ Holy Ghost is always associated with LIFE & RESURRECTION, never is it associated with death. The Holy Spirit is the “newness of life” we receive apart from our death and burial (repentance & water baptism). (See Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 10, Acts 19) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit IS NOT and can NEVER be DEATH nor BURIAL. 3) Water baptism and Spirit baptism are 2 individual parts of a full salvation. (John 3:1-5; Acts 2:38, Also see it in Acts 8, 10, 19.) 4) The GOSPEL is defined as the death, burial, & resurrection of Jesus Christ in Cor. 15:1-3. We “obey the gospel” (2Thes. 1:8 & 1Pet. 4:17) in death and burial by repenting and being water baptized in JESUS name. When we receive the separate and distinct experience of Spirit baptism (receiving the Holy Spirit/ Holy Ghost) we are receiving the Spirit of Resurrection/ “newness of life”, NOT death or burial.(Rom 8:11) 5) Much like seed or piece of grain, we must have a death & burial that accompanies our life, resurrection and fruit, or else there will be NO LIFE, RESURRECTION, OR FRUIT. (Jn 4:24) There is much more scripture to support this scriptural truth, but this should suffice. Hope it helps. God bless you richly! p.s. The thief on the cross transpire before the Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. The thief could not yet follow Jesus by obeying "the gospel" in death, burial, and resurrection because is was not yet available to him. Christ had to be the "first fruits" first.:)
David Sutton
He who believes and is baptized shall be saved. This statement says what we must do in order to be saved . Now the rest says he who believes not will be damned. Ok let's think just for a moment. If I don't believe my parachute will open I'm not going to jump out of the plane. So if I don't believe I'm not going to follow through with baptism. Jesus knew we were smart enough to figure this one out . The sentence would even sound stupid if you said it that way . Really the same hold true for the thief on the cross . If Jesus tells you something he means it. No one in the bible after Jesus ascended was save or is saved until they are baptized. Jesus put that in place before he left this earth. Matt 28:19 go ye into all the world and preach the gospel baptizing them in the name of the father the son and the Holy Spirit . Teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. You see Jesus taught that there were things we must do to be saved. You can't just sit on your fist and lean back on your thumb and just believe . Even the devil believed. Once you study God's word stop listening to man's doctrines. Listen to God, he will show you all truth. You will never look back once you know the truth and see all the lies and false teaching that is out there. The biggest thing wrong with Christianity today is religion and false doctrine . But I'm not shocked by it God said it would be like this . Only a few with remain faithful. I challenge anyone to try to email any of these SoCal tv preachers. Try to talk to any of them you'll see that there goal is get your money . But if you push the send money your flooded with email. Wolves in sheep clothing. God inspired the written word that we have to go by . He also put Jesus in charge because that is what he said he did in the bible . Now just as soon as the Holy Spirit started telling people what to wright, he had them pen these words in both Matt. And Mark. I call that first order of business . In Matt 28:19 he told them to go and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the father the son and the Holy Ghost. Then again at the end of Mark he stated it again . Go and preach the gospel to every creature. Now the gospel is the death the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ . If you believe that then he said baptize you . If you don't believe what was preached then what would be the point of being baptized. The argument that only belief will save you is contrary to this teaching . The devil believed I don't think he will be saved. Nothing alone will save anyone.
Don Whitley
The reasons I believe baptism is essential to salvation. 1. Because God Commands it. Acts 10:48 2. To fulfill all righteousness. Matthew 3:15 3. To be a friend of Christ. John 15:14 4. Because you love God. 1John 5:3; John 14:15 5. Lest you reject the council of God against yourself. Luke 7:30 6. To COMPLETE the “new birth.” John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5 7. To enter the kingdom. John 3.5 8. For the remission of sins. Acts 2:38 9. To receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 10. In order to be saved. Mark 16:16 11. To wash away your sins. Acts 22:13-16 12. To get into the death of Jesus where blood was shed. Romans 6:3 13. To be buried with Christ. Romans 6:4 14. To be raised with Christ. Romans 6:4; Colossians 3:1; 2:12 15. To rise to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 16. To be a child of God by faith. Galatians 3:26-27 17. To get into the body, which is the (Universal) Church. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 1:18 18. To have a good conscience. 1 Peter 3:21 19. To get INTO Christ. Galatians 3:27 20. Because “baptism doth also now save us.” 1Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16 21. To be “reconciled unto God in one body by the cross”. Ephesians 2:13-16 These are the things that we must do to acceptable to God and to be a Christian and in the order that must take place. 1. Hear the Word. If we do not hear the Word, how can we believe? This eliminates a child from being subject to the need for baptism until he reaches the age of understanding. Therefore, a baby or young child does not qualify for baptism as some believe and is not subject to being in a lost state. 2. Believe. Can't believe in something unless you've heard it or seen it or studied it. 3. Repent. The acknowledgement that one makes when he realizes he is in an unsaved condition. Requires both of the above to come to that understanding. 4. Be baptized. The physical act to demonstrate ones willingness to be a child of God. To wash away one’s sins and to become right with God. 5. To walk by Faith. With the knowledge that God will keep His promises to the faithful and that they keep His commandments.
Eldon MavBeth
Did not Jesus tell the thief on the cross "Today you will be with me in paradise." The only thing that could be attributed to him receiving salvation was his belief in Jesus. If the way to salvation for one man was simply believing that Jesus was the Christ, would it not seem fair that this should to apply to all men?
James hf Lim
Last words of the dearly departed are precious. Before Jesus' ascension he gave his great commision Matthew 28:19-20 -a) Go b) make disciples c) baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and of he Holy Spirit d) teaching them to obey ALL things I have commanded. Even if you consider baptism as a symbol, if it is not necessary for salvation why is it specifically mentioned in Jesus' last words instead of repentance, belief or confess? Since Jesus is the only one who gives the Holy Spirit (baptism of the Holy Spirit) if baptism in Matthew refers to this miraculous gift, isn't it odd to command the disciples to perform something beyond their power to give? How many who were baptised with this miraculous gift were baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Since the disciples were to teach ALL things Jesus commanded, it must include baptism found in the same sentence. Did the disciples obey as recorded in the book of Acts? Read Acts 2:38 ; 8:12 ; 8:13 ;8:37 ; 9:5 ;10:34 :16:14 ; 16:25 17:32 ; 18:8 19:1 An interesting case is the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:26-39 . He was reading from Isaiah 53. There is no mention of water or baptism in Isaiah 53. No record in Acts 8:26-35 that Philip mentioned water baptism except vs 35 "preached Jesus" . So how did the eunuch know that he has to be baptised when he saw a body of water? vs 36-39 Why did he go into the water and got his robes wet when he could have gotten Phillips to sprinkle into his face? After all he was a treasurer of a queen... vs 27 Did Philip teach ALL things Jesus commanded?
Nathan Toronga
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.
bobby Allen
John said I baptise with water. But Jesus will baptise you with the Holy Spirit. I believe this is the baptism that John Spoke of.
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."
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible