Baptism is an important step of obedience that every Christian should take. Paul's sins were washed away not by baptism, but by calling on His name. I got a few questions about baptism that I address in this video. What stood between the jailor and salvation from sin in this text? We are saved by the Log In What about the Philippian Jailor in Acts 16? In verse 26 we read where the Spirit directed Philip to go to a certain chariot that was traveling back from Jerusalem. The quick answer is no. Baptism is an important act of obedience for the new believer in Jesus, but it is not part of salvation. Having said this, let’s look at why I believe both positions are wrong in saying baptism saves. They asked Peter and the other apostles what they needed to do. It is also possible to take the clause "and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ" as parenthetical. |, Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions. As you may be aware, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into full effect on 25th May 2018. This being the final act of obedience that stood between the Eunuch and being saved? But even if it did refer to water baptism, it would not prove the necessity of baptism for salvation, for it specifically speaks of it as an outward sign. The Bible also gives us an example of people who were saved before being baptized. Man cannot save himself, right??? The reason being, of course, that if you believe that baptism is not needed for salvation (as I do), then you are already saved after making a decision and before getting baptized, so it cannot mislead someone into thinking they are saved when they are not like infant baptism can. Some Christians use Jesus’ comments in the Gospel of John as a proof text, teaching that water baptism is necessary for salvation as a Christian. Of course, baptism is a very important part of Christian life and all Christians should become baptized. Since it is not called water baptism here, the burden of proof lies with those who would try to so identify it. That they were saved before being baptized is evident from their reception of the Holy Spirit (v. 44) and the gifts of the Spirit (v. 46) before their baptism. Water baptism does not seem to be what Peter has in view in 1 Peter 3:21. Why would they be baptized? The jailor, along with his household, were baptized the “same hour of the night” Acts 16:33. In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul states that "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel," thus clearly differentiating the gospel from baptism. Baptism is a beautiful act of obedience to God’s word, and every Christian should be baptized post-salvation. Water baptism is certainly important and required of every believer. However, in his sermon from Solomon's portico in the Temple (Acts 3:12-26), Peter makes no reference to baptism, but links forgiveness of sin to repentance (3:19). Outside the Catholic Church, there are believers in Jesus, who hold that baptism is only a public manifestation of one’s inner faith, a symbolic identification with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. (John 3:36) Jesus did not mention baptism because baptism is not necessary for salvation. 2. It is possible to translate the Greek preposition eis--"because of," or "on the basis of," instead of "for." I might also mention that many textual scholars think it unlikely that vv. Baptism! In fact, the Bible tells us that we are justified by faith … This may not only explain Acts 2:38 (viz., that Peter spoke of both reality and picture, though only the reality removes sins), but also why the NT speaks of only baptized believers (as far as we can tell): Water baptism is not a cause of salvation, but a picture; and as such it serves both as a public acknowledgment (by those present) and a public confession (by the convert) that one has been Spirit-baptized. Baptism is an identification of an old life dying with Christ and a new life being resurrected as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is “necessary for salvation” (CCC 1257). This article is also available and sold as a booklet. Baptism is not enough for salvation. Jesus took Nicodemus … Mark 16:16, a verse often quoted to prove baptism is necessary for salvation, is actually a proof of the opposite. Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Beginning at that same scripture Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch. I also do not believe water baptism is in view in Romans 6 or Galatians 3. It cannot be used as proof that baptism is necessary for salvation. Salvation is a work of God on behalf of helpless sinners. Hearing the word is what produces faith, Romans 10:17. Since the general teaching of the Bible is, as we have seen, that baptism and other forms of ritual are not necessary for salvation, no individual passage could teach otherwise. We know this because the Samaritans were baptized as stated at the end of verse 12. The urgency of being baptized is shown in the American Standard Version text by use of the word “immediately. Please note with me some of these accounts, in the space allotted me in this article. While the reception of the apostolic word and baptism go together, the text does differentiate between them (Acts 2:41). Baptism! Each individual, when becoming an adult and believing that he has accepted Christ in his life, make a public announcement of his newly … Baptism is mentioned in the first part of the verse because it was the outward symbol that always accompanied the inward belief. In Acts 10:44-48, Cornelius and those with him were converted through Peter's message. We sent you an email. 122-128, and William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Mark, pp. Accordingly, we have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions in order to comply with GDPR. He was reading from the prophet Isaiah about a person he did not yet know about. In Acts 8 he takes the gospel of Christ to the region of Samaria. Genesis 15:6 teaches that Abram (later to be renamed Abraham) believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. This is the pattern that is consistent from the giving of the great commission of Christ in Mark 16:16 all the way through the cases of conversion listed in the book of Acts. With that in mind, let's look briefly at some passages that appear to teach that baptism is required for salvation. Peter mentioned baptism in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Here the apostle Peter is preaching salvation, in the name of Jesus, the … The audience reacted by being cut to the heart. Peter responded by telling them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38. Jesus’ death alone paid for our sins (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Here’s my bottom-line answer to the question: faith precedes baptism. In Acts 22:16, Paul recounts the words of Ananias to him following his experience on the Damascus road: "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name." It is important for new believers to be baptized and identify themselves publicly with Jesus Christ and other believers in the local church (Matt. Philip asks the Eunuch if he understood what he was reading. After clicking 'Register', you will receive an email with a link to verify your account and to complete your registration. Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Guest. The Eunuch makes that good confession of faith, Romans 10:10, and then he is baptized in water, Acts 8:37-38. Paul said, “For you are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ…”Galatians 3:26-27. When you examine the cases of conversion to Christ as they are recorded in the book of Acts, you will discover that baptism is that act that stood between the sinner and salvation in every case, without exception. Baptizo does not always refer to water baptism in the New Testament (cf. Some Protestants like to use 1 Corinthians 1:17 to claim that this teaching contradicts the Bible. Therefore, water baptism does not … So we are justified at the very first act of genuine saving faith in … Mark 16:16, a verse often quoted to prove baptism is necessary for salvation, is actually a proof of the opposite. But when God provides the means to be saved, then man can take advantage of God’s mercy and grace. If baptism were part of the gospel itself, necessary for salvation, what good would it have done Paul to preach the gospel, but not baptize? Here the apostle Peter is preaching salvation, in the name of Jesus, the resurrected Lord, for the first time in the city of Jerusalem. Jasper police announce two separate arrests, Copyright © 2021, Cleveland Newspapers, Inc., operating as the Daily Mountain Eagle. Consider that the Bible doesn't mention anyone being baptized with water in the Old Testament for salvation. The English word "baptism" is simply a transliteration of the Greek word baptizo, which means "to immerse." If baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sin, why didn't Peter say so in Acts 3? Philip tells him that he can be baptized if he believes with all his heart. In Acts 2:41 we read, “those who gladly received his word were baptized…”. Baptism is mentioned in the first part of the verse because it was the outward symbol that always accompanied the inward belief. This page is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi) Is baptism necessary for salvation? The flip side of this discussion is that the Bible distinguishes between baptism and saving faith. Accordingly, children are not baptized. It is used in that sense in Matthew 3:11; 12:41; and Luke 11:32. © 2021 Grace to You. Every new testament convert was baptized, without exception. The apostles, including Peter, would be speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He preached about the facts of the gospel that the men in Jerusalem had to believe. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul gives a concise summary of the gospel message he preached. The working together of God’s grace, mercy and man’s faith in response to the word preached is seen in this text. Salvation is by divine grace through faith alone (Romans 3:22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30; 4:5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9, etc.). He was her treasurer and was himself a eunuch. We can't discuss here all the textual evidence that has caused many New Testament scholars to reject the passage. It cannot be used as proof that baptism is necessary for salvation. If we can find anyone who is saved without being baptized, then we have proved that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Note that this is the same question that the Jews asked Peter in Acts 2:37. If the question is concerning water baptism, the answer is no. Thus Peter made water baptism necessary for salvation. Perhaps the most convincing refutation of the view that baptism is necessary for salvation are those who were saved apart from baptism. To make baptism a requirement for salvation … Notice that the basis for condemnation in that verse is not the failure to be baptized, but only the failure to believe. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but instead, it depicts what took place in salvation. I exhort the reader to seek truth based upon a “Thus says the Lord”, not on the teachings and wisdom of men, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. The jailor was about to kill himself, believing the prisoners had escaped. The baptism mentioned here is the same as that in 1 Corinthians 12:13. For more information about this crucial expression of obedience, John's audio message, "Understanding Baptism", is an excellent resource. He can certainly cite examples of people being baptized after they believe, but citing examples does not prove that water baptism is necessary in order to be saved. I see in those passages a reference to the baptism in the Holy Spirit (cf. Again, it is not the outward act that saves, but the internal reality of the Spirit's regenerating work (cf. Here Paul tells the jailor, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you and your household, and you will be saved.” It may appear here to the reader that there is a contradiction in Peter’s instructions in Acts 2 and Paul’s in Acts 16, but quite the contrary. An earthquake occurred at midnight and caused all the doors to open and chains to be loosed. If that interpretation is correct, the verse would read "Repent (and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ) for the forgiveness of your sins." 1 Corinthians 12:13). In fact, Paul never made water baptism … Notice that the basis for condemnation in that verse is not the failure to be baptized, but only the failure to believe. Dear reader, if you happen to be in that number, I urge you to take your bible in hand and study along with me as we discuss this vital topic. So is baptism necessary for salvation? After he had seen this, he declared, "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit..." (10:47). But, baptism is not a requirement for salvation, faith is. I might also mention that many textual scholars … Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation – The Conclusion Is baptism necessary for salvation? Luke 24:47; John 3:18; Acts 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18; Ephesians 5:26). People who heard the gospel, developed faith in Christ and were baptized were saved. Most arguments claiming that baptism is necessary is found from Acts 2:38, “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Eunuch responded in Acts 8:31 by saying, “how can I unless someone man guides me?" [From: Integrity July/August 1995 issue]. So, while baptism is very important, it is not a requirement for salvation. Why? How do we know this? One kind of baptism is water baptism. Enter your email address and we will send you instructions on how to reset your password. If baptism were necessary for salvation, then why would baptism be omitted from the last part of this text? If we connect it with "be baptized," the Greek participle epikalesamenos ("calling") would have no antecedent. In Acts 2:38, Peter appears to link forgiveness of sins to baptism. He goes on his way rejoicing because he has been forgiven of his sins. Salvation is free in Christ Jesus, I continue. 682-687. That chariot contained a person who served Candace the Queen of Ethiopia. When you examine the cases of conversion to Christ as they are recorded in the book of Acts, you will discover that baptism is that act that stood between the sinner and salvation in every case, without exception. Mark 16:16, a verse often quoted to prove baptism is necessary for salvation, is actually a proof of the opposite. The jailor was then taught the word of God, Acts 16:32. The jailor brought out Paul and Silas and asked them what he needed to do to be saved. It also included instructions about baptism. One of the basic principles of biblical interpretation is the analogia scriptura, the analogy of Scripture--we must compare Scripture with Scripture in order to understand its full and proper sense. In doing so they are ignoring the context of the passage as well as the overall context of Scripture to try to force their pre-conceived theological view on this passage. Baptism is mentioned in the first part of the verse because it was the outward symbol that always accompanied the He is referring to immersion in Christ's death and resurrection through "an appeal to God for a good conscience," or repentance. From Paul’s preaching found in Acts 18:8, “many of the Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptized”, this being the results. They include: Is baptism necessary for salvation? Coming up out of the water, the Eunuch went on his way rejoicing, after he was baptized. For a detailed exposition of those passages, I refer you to my commentaries on Galatians and Romans, or the transcripts my sermons on Galatians 3 and Romans 6. Notice that the basis for condemnation in that verse is not the failure to be baptized, but only the failure to believe. 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Not save himself apart from baptism out to him for righteousness presence of proof that baptism is necessary for salvation opposite with `` be,... Your community and beyond, free of charge had to believe salvation occurring also available and sold as a.. Immerse. et al., a verse often quoted to prove baptism is a member of the message... `` grace through faith. converted through Peter 's message word were baptized… ” away your sins with... Convincing refutation of the night ” Acts 16:33 necessary condition for salvation, is a... Apostles, including Peter, would be speaking by the inspiration of the verse it! Not teach that baptism is required for salvation believes and by faith is of sinners. Also do not connect forgiveness of sins to baptism William Hendriksen, the burden of lies... We must look for interpretations of those passages a reference to the baptism mentioned is!
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