The New Testament teaches that those who have faith in God’s Messiah – Jesus Christ are baptized to “wash away” their sins (Acts 22:16;Titus 3:5).

As you know, baptism has been at the center of much discussion over the years. But why is this so? If we study the Scriptures that teach about being saved, we find that salvation is attributed to more than just one thing. As much as faith by itself will not save anyone; likewise baptism by itself will not either. The New Testament mentions many things that are connected to one’s salvation! Here are some of the items which are mentioned:

The Bible says that all these things are involved in our salvation. We have no more right to exclude love and repentance than we do obedience and baptism. Neither can we pull faith out of the Bible and conclude that this is all God says about Salvation! If the Bible teaches that salvation is, in some sense, conditional then the most important thing we can do is understand and accept what He says about these conditions.

If we are not saved by any one single thing, then what part does baptism play in God’s salvation? Some churches say that baptism does not effect one’s salvation but rather is for (to obtain) entrance into the “visible church.” Similarly, some churches say that baptism is an “outward sign of an inward grace.” In other words, you are already saved, but should be baptized to become a part of the local congregation.

The Bible says that baptism “saves” (1 Peter 3:21); that being baptized is “for the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38). “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). This is plain and simple language from the Lord and His apostles. Christ said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (ASV). Even though the Greek (original) language of this text makes it even plainer than the English does, the English is clear enough. The Lord’s apostles were to go to all nations of men and make disciples of them. A disciple is a learner or a follower. These men were to be followers of Christ. How were the apostles to “make” disciples? They would make disciples by “Baptizing them and teaching them”. According to this passage, two things are immediately clear: (1) There are no untaught disciples; and (2) there are no unbaptized disciples. Christ said they were both necessary to discipleship.

The conversion of Saul (Paul) of Tarsus is often discussed. Acts 9 and Acts 22 include accounts of Paul’s conversion. Those who believe that salvation is by “faith only” say that Saul was saved on the road to Damascus. Everyone would agree that Saul believed in Jesus on the Damascus road. But, the Bible says that three days later, while in Damascus (Acts 9:9), Saul was still in his sins (Acts 22:16). Since Christ came to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) it is not possible that Saul was saved while still in his “old sins” (2 Peter 1:9). Three days after Saul believed in the Lord, Ananias (God’s messenger to Saul) said to him, “And now why delay? Rise, get yourself baptized, and wash off your sins, calling upon His name.” Again, this is plain and simple New Testament teaching.

Yes, baptism is necessary to be saved. It is necessary in order to be a disciple. It is necessary to wash away our sins. It is even said to be “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). But, baptism without a “faith which works by love” (Galatians 5:6); without a repentance of our an ungodly lifestyle (Acts 26:18; Acts 14:15); and without a heart that responds to a loving God by willing confession of Jesus as the Lord of your life (Matthew 10:32) cannot save any one.

We encourage you out of a loving heart towards your God to become a Christian. For more information on this or other subjects see the “contact us” information. God bless you.