It was not long ago that I wrote an article entitled “Baptism In Jesus Name, The Biblical Way”. That article addresses what should be said when someone is baptized. After writing that article I begin to realize that many people are not even making it the act of baptism before they start asking questings. Many people and even churches have begun to question whether or not baptism is even necessary in order for someone to be saved.
This is not a question that should be answered quickly. Emotions and personal opinions should also not be involved in how the question is answered. This is a question that ultimately directs the path of your eternal life. It requires deep consideration and study of the Bible, the only source with the power to answer a question related to salvation.
Below, you will find the reasons I have found in the Bible that cause me to believe that Baptism is required for salvation. Many may disagree with me on this and those that do are probably already about to close the page. But please continue to read and really think over the scriptures and points listed below. This article is founded solely in the scripture, no references are made to outside sources. Because the Bible is the only source that matters when evaluating any issue related to salvation.
Jesus Was Baptized
The Bible teaches that we are supposed to live a life like that of Jesus Christ. He was the example of a perfect life lived in accordance with God’s word. So when we read the Bible and see Jesus do something, such as get Baptized, we should want to be next in line. Unlike some events in the Bible, Jesus’s Baptism is not just recorded once. In fact, all four gospels record the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 3:13 (KJV)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Jesus wasn’t Baptized for the same reason as we are today. Because He had never sinned. So He had nothing to repent of or been cleansed of. However, as the example of how all Christians should live if He had not been Baptized many would try to claim that they do not need to be Baptized either. Also, it was at Jesus’s Baptism that God made it clear that He had sent Jesus to do his work on earth.
Matthew 3:16-17 (KJV)
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Disciples Baptized
While we may not have an account in the scripture of the disciples being Baptized it is easy to assume there were. Many of them were probably baptized early when following Jesus. Some were possibly even baptized by John the Baptist. Also, we have multiple accounts of the disciples baptizing other believers. Such as the account in John chapter 4 that says Jesus had even had more people baptized than John.
John 4:1-2 (KJV)
4 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Baptism didn’t stop after the resurrection either. In the book of Acts, Peter stands up and preaches a message that pricked the hearts of those listening. Causing them to ask what they should do now that they understand who Jesus really was. Peter tells them all to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
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.
A few chapters later we see Philip encounter a man reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip sits down with the man and explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At one point, the man aks if anything is stopping him from being Baptized. To which Philip simply says as long as you believe in your heart you can be. The man believed and Philip baptized him on the spot.
Acts 8:38 (KJV)
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.
Those are just a few accounts of the disples baptizing and many more can be found in the scripture. But the important thing to realize is that the disciples would not have taken the time to baptize other believers if it didn’t bring any value. They only did so because they saw it as something that was required in order to receive the promised salvation. Just as they had been taught by Jesus.
Jesus Taught Baptism
So Jesus was baptized and the disciples baptized under His instruction. But what did Jesus have to say about Baptism? Well, I am glad you asked. Jesus actually taught a few times on the subject of baptism, often times in very strong terms. Most notably when speaking with a Pharisee named Nicodemus.
John 3:3-5 (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.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
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.
Notice that Jesus says you unless you are born of water you cannot see the kingdom of God. Born again of water is the act of baptism. His statement is clear, it does not provide one to say you should be baptized. Or it would be best if you are baptized. No, it says if you are not baptized you will not see the Kingdom of God.
That verse isn’t alone in its severity either. For instance, we have a similar verse in Mark that says those who believe and are baptized will be saved. Those who do not believe and ultimately are not baptized will be sentenced to hell. There is simply no other option offered by Jesus in the scripture.
Mark 16:15-16 (KJV)
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Not only did Jesus teach Baptism, but it was one of the last instructions He left the disciples with before ascending to heaven. It is like He wanted to be sure they remembered what they were called to carry on after He was gone. And the church needs to carry on the act of baptism Just as the disples did.
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Baptism is A Beautiful Thing
I hope you now see that baptism is necessary for salvation. And understand that everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ should follow His example and be baptized in water. But I want to take a moment to show you how beautiful the act of baptism is. While on the surface it seems like all you are doing is getting dunked in some water. Spiritually there is so much more at play.
Jesus sees past the facade we carry through life. He sees who we truly are broken and scared. Covered in blemishes and dirty. All marks of the sinful life each of us lived. But when we are baptized all that is washed away and we come out of the water clean and made whole. The old things are left in the water and we are then able to live a new life in Jesus Christ.
Baptism is more than a symbol or confession of faith. It is not just a way in which you can join a certain Church. Nor is portrayed as something optional in the scripture. While some scripture may make the plan of salvation seem like it is simply a belief in Jesus Christ that makes you saved. More than just a belief is required to ensure your salvation. And who does not want to experience the feeling of having all their past mistakes washed away in an instant!
Thanks For Reading
Thank you so much for reading. We hope this article has helped to shed some light on the need for baptism. If you liked it and want to support our ministry we ask that you please share this post. We are not looking for any form of monetary gain through this site. Our goal is simple. We want to expose as many people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as possible. And we cannot do that with the help of people just like you. Thank you in advance and God Bless!
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.