Unfortunately, in the world of religion, baptism is a controversial subject. Some believe it's necessary for salvation; some believe it's not. Some believe it's an immersion in water; some believe it's sprinkling on the head. Some believe infants should be baptized; some believe we should wait until we make the choice for ourself. Why are we so divided on this topic? In order to effectively read this, you'll need three things: an open mind, an open heart, and an open Bible. Don't ever take someone's word (including mine) for what the Bible says without checking it for yourself.
With that being said, the New Testament is filled with examples of new converts being baptized for the remission of sins, in order to be saved. So why does most of the world say baptism is not necessary? I really can't answer that question. What I can do is show you scriptures and New Testament examples that show why I believe baptism is in fact essential to salvation. As I mentioned, the book of Acts is filled with examples of baptism, so we're going to look at several of them below.
In Acts 2:36-40, we see where Peter was speaking to the people on Pentecost, and they asked him, "What shall we do?" Peter answered them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." It's important to note that this baptism was for the forgiveness of their sins. They didn't pray for forgiveness and stop there; they were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. How can we be IN Christ Jesus if we haven't been forgiven? In verse 41 we're told that 3,000 souls were added to the church that day. Notice it said that day, not three weeks from now at the special baptism service, but that same day. Do you think it was easy and convenient to baptize 3,000 people in one day? I would say no, so why did they do it? Why not split them up into small groups and do it on different days? I believe it was because those people understood that in order to be saved from my sins, and become a Christian, I need to be baptized right now. This is a powerful example to us.
In Acts 8:9-13, we read about Samaritans and Simon believing and then being baptized. It's important to note that baptism is not the only "step" required. First we must hear the word, believe, confess, repent and then be baptized. Acts 8:26-39 tells one of my favorite baptism stories, and that is the one of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip preached the good news of Jesus to this man and obviously taught him about baptism, because as they were travelling down the road, the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?" We also see here that Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and then came out of it. This shows us that baptism is an immersion and not a sprinkling or pouring. The eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake ("queen of the Ethiopians"), would have been a very busy man, but that didn't stop him from being baptized as soon as he believed. He knew the importance of his salvation after Peter had taught him.
Skip over a couple chapters to Acts 10, and we read about Cornelius the centurion. Peter went to this man's house and taught him and others about Jesus. In verse 47, Peter says, "Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water." Cornelius and the others were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. In Acts 16:13-15 we read about a woman from Thyatira named Lydia. She believed the teachings of Paul, Silas and Timothy, and she along with the members of her household were baptized.
Paul and Silas were in prison toward the end of Acts 16, and in verses 30-33, the jailer asked them, "Sirs what must I do to be saved?" They spoke the word of the Lord to him and his household, and the jailer washed their wounds. Immediately, he and his household were baptized. This took place in the middle of the night. I'm sure they were all tired and ready for bed, so why did it have to take place right then? After all, most people believe you are saved first and then later can be baptized if you wish. I believe they were baptized right then because they understood the urgency to be saved, and they knew baptism was a necessary part of this. Later in Acts 18:8, we read about many Corinithians who also believed and were baptized.
In Acts 22 beginning in verse 6 through the end of the chapter, we can read the story of Paul on the road to Damascus. Here he was converted to a Christian. Ananias came to him and taught him the gospel. Paul was then baptized for the forgiveness of his sins. We know that Paul had been a very sinful man, persecuting and killing followers of Jesus. This shows us that anyone, no matter how bad his past, can be saved. God loves us all and is willing to forgive us.
All of these examples along with many other verses and commands to be baptized show me that it is necessary for my salvation. So why do so many people say it's not? We don't question God's authority on other things, so why do we question it on this? It's spelled out for us in the Bible, but still there are so many differences in beliefs on this topic. I've had this conversation with so many people over the years, and they usually tell me in order to be saved, I need to say the sinners prayer and ask Jesus into my heart. I can't find an example or command for me to do this in the Bible. God has all authority, and we are not to add or take away from his word, so it's really hard for me to believe anything other than what I see and read in the New Testament. Just because you've been taught something your whole life or just because this is what your church believes, does not make it right. I ask you to open up your Bible and test and question everything you believe. There should be proof for it all. As a sidenote, if you want to read the true story of a man questioning and testing everything he had been taught his whole life, do yourself a favor and buy a copy of Muscle and a Shovel by Michael Shank. You will not be disappointed.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15
I hope you have found that I have wrote this with gentleness and respect and out of love. Salvation is very serious. I hope that we can all open our hearts, minds, and Bibles and do our best to serve God every day.
