Baptism - Is it essential for Salvation?

Baptism.

Is it essential for Salvation? 

Let’s talk about it.

There are many Christians who believe we are saved by Faith alone.  Some believe Baptism is an outward show of Faith after they have been saved.  A symbolic gesture to seal the deal - so to speak.   

I, myself, see Baptism as a spiritual act of putting your old life (sins) to death and being reborn into the Holy Spirit as a Child of God.  I see Baptism as not only a cleansing of sins and repentance but a beautiful example of commitment and obedience. Just like our Lord laid down his life to rise again to save us eternally, I think its important to lie back fully immersed into the water to rise out of that water into a new life with Christ.  Even Jesus himself was Baptized by John the Baptist to show the importance of it.  Jesus was sinless.  He was Baptized in my opinion to be an example to us all.  This is what he requires us to do as Followers of Christ.  Just like when he washed the Apostles feet.  Jesus showed humility so we may know and understand we gain absolutely nothing by being prideful.  

The Christians who believe we are saved by Faith alone often refer to the Thief on the cross.  He wasn’t Baptized but his belief in Jesus was enough to send him to Paradise that very same day.

However, I heard a Christian bring up a very good point about the Thief on the cross.  Jesus was STILL alive when he confessed his belief and faith.  An interesting thought indeed.  Baptism symbolizes putting the old life to death.  So, in this case, yes, the Thief was saved by Faith alone because Jesus was still alive.  Jesus has all the authority in Heaven and on earth.  The Thief was humbled and asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into his Kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”.  

For many years I have heard opinions about Baptism.  For example, the person that somehow lives on a deserted island and has never read the bible. What happens to him come judgement day?  Who knows. I just know the Lord is the judge and he will decide.  Who I am to judge how someone sees their own salvation?   If someone believes the blood sacrifice of Jesus is enough to cover anyone who believes in him, I will not take that away from them. I would only suggest they study the bible more often and really think about.

Are we doing everything the Lord has asked of us according to the scriptures?

There are many verses that do point out Baptism is very important for salvation. Not only did the Apostles preach it, but Jesus himself said it. 

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 16:16 - Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 1:9-11  "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"

Romans 6:3-4  "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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."

Colossians 2:12  "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead."

Acts 2:38. "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

John 3:5  "Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"

In my humble opinion, we must repent, confess and be fully immersed into Baptism in order to be saved. 

If you have done so already and have fallen away, repent and come back Brother. 

Your Lord is a loving and forgiving God.  He pleads you to come back.  You are never too far gone.  Confess and turn away from your sins.  You can come back.  Pray on it and God Bless.

The Parable of the Lost Son – LUKE 15: 31-32.

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”