One of the major distinctions between brethren and the religious world relates to how we understand baptism. We teach that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21), is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and is our entrance into the Lord’s kingdom (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Many others teach that baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace (that we are saved before and without baptism) and that it is for membership in a local church or denominational body.
Of course, there are no passages in the New Testament that teach baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace or that we are baptized to gain membership into a local church (and certainly not into a denomination since the New Testament does not speak about them at all). Instead of trying to twist passages in order to provide positive support for these ideas, denominationalists will generally will try to make arguments against the necessity of baptism. They quibble about various passages to try to attack the truth about baptism. Let us notice some passages that people try to use in arguing that baptism is not essential for salvation.
Misused Passages
“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
Jesus was very clear in His statement. Who will be saved? He said the one who believes and is baptized will be saved. But some dispute this simple truth by pointing out that baptism is not mentioned in the second phrase. It merely says that the one who does not believe will be condemned. Therefore, their argument is that not being baptized will not cause one to be lost. But there is a reason why Jesus did not mention baptism in the second phrase – He did not need to. One who does not believe will not obey (which they must do to be saved). If one does not believe, naturally they will not be baptized.
“And he [the thief on the cross, as] was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise’” (Luke 23:42-43).
This is a popular example for those who try to teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation. They say the thief on the cross was saved without being baptized. However, the Bible does not say this man was not baptized. In fact, there are certain details contained in the context that suggest it was very possible that he was baptized. But regardless of whether this man was baptized or not, his situation is different from ours. Jesus was on the earth so He could grant forgiveness to anyone on any basis (Matthew 9:6). This was also before Jesus died, so His new covenant – which includes the message of baptism – was not yet in force (Hebrews 9:17). The way the thief on the cross was saved is not parallel to how we are saved.
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Like Jesus’ statement in Mark 16:16, Peter’s statement here is fairly simple. What must we do to obtain forgiveness of our sins? We must repent and be baptized. But this does not fit the denominational idea that we are saved and then later we may choose to be baptized. So another explanation of this passage had to be found. Some argue that the Greek word translated for means because of. So they argue that Peter said we are baptized because we have already been forgiven. There is a problem with this interpretation. Jesus used the exact same words in instituting the Lord’s Supper when He said His blood would be “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Did Jesus die to bring forgiveness, or because we already had forgiveness? Obviously it was to bring forgiveness. In the same way, we are baptized to obtain forgiveness, not because we have already been forgiven.
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles” (Acts 10:44-45).
When Peter and the Jews who were with him came to the house of Cornelius, no Gentiles had been taught or had responded to the gospel. Some believe that when the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and the others, they were saved at that point. But the text indicates that the Holy Spirit fell upon them as a sign to the Jews that God was welcoming the Gentiles for salvation (Acts 10:47; 11:13-18). Nowhere in the New Testament is the baptism of the Holy Spirit connected with salvation. This is why Peter ordered them to be baptized even though the Holy Spirit had already come upon them (Acts 10:48).
“And after he brought them out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household’” (Acts 16:30-31).
This verse is often used to defend the idea that one only needs to believe to be saved. One could easily get this impression from the passage if we ignore the verses around it. This man likely did not even know what he had to believe. This is why Paul preached to him (Acts 16:32). The next verse said that he was baptized (Acts 16:33). Notice the immediacy of his baptism – “that very hour… immediately” (Acts 16:33). This indicates the importance of baptism. Paul did not wait until the church assembled. He did not put it off until a special baptismal service. He did not even wait until the morning. This man was baptized the same hour of the night.
“Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
This verse is used to defend the idea of one praying a “sinner’s prayer” in order to be saved. After all, we just need to call on His name and we will be saved. This passage certainly does teach that one who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But we must see how the New Testament defines this phrase rather than accepting the religious world’s definition. In recounting his conversion, Paul said he was told, “Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). How does one call on the name of the Lord? By responding in faithful obedience to the gospel (i.e. baptism).
Many other passages could be mentioned that people misuse in their attempt to ignore the commands about baptism. Most of them are passages that speak of faith or belief being necessary for salvation. Many people imply or suggest that salvation is by faith only; therefore, baptism is not necessary. But James clearly said, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). Yes, faith is absolutely necessary for salvation; but not faith alone. It must be an obedient faith. If we truly have faith, then we will not quibble about the instruction to be baptized. We will simply obey.
What the Bible Teaches about Baptism
Before concluding this article in which we have examined some quibbles people make about various passages in an attempt to show that baptism is not necessary for salvation, it would be good for us to notice what the Bible teaches about baptism.
Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. This means we must be baptized in order to be forgiven. Peter told the Jews on Pentecost, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Paul was told, “Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).
Baptism puts one into Christ. Paul told the Romans, “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3). He also wrote this to the Galatians: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
Baptism puts one into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Baptism is necessary for salvation. Peter, in drawing a parallel between our salvation and the salvation of Noah and his family, wrote, “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).
Instead of arguing with or trying to explain away what the Bible says, we should simply believe it and obey it.
Clear and edifying, Andy.
Thanks, Larry.