Do You Have To Be Baptized To Be Saved? (also check out previous post)

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One of the biggest and most important debates in Christianity is whether or not baptism is a necessary part of salvation. Some churches believe you must be baptized to be saved. Others say baptism is important but it isn't a requirement of salvation. Only one viewpoint is right so which is it? The only way to settle the matter is to do what we always should do–refer to the Bible.

There are numerous verses in the Bible that state if you have faith, then you will be saved. John 3:16 is one of the most popular. It's quite clear that you must have faith/belief in order to be saved. However, you must examine all of the verses about salvation to get a complete picture. It's like following one of your favorite cake recipes. It clearly states you need flour but if you only use the one ingredient, you would never make a cake. You have to look at all of the ingredients. The Bible is the same way; the verses have to be put together to get all of the ingredients needed for salvation. 


One "ingredient" people often miss is Mark 16:16 (NLT):


"Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved..." 


The verse clearly states that to get saved you have to believe and then get baptized. Are you still doubting if you have to be baptized? Perhaps you need to look at the purpose of baptism. Let's examine Acts 2:38 (NLT):


"...Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins..."


Please don't miss the importance of the verse. Baptism is how you are forgiven of your sins. Let that sink in for a moment…no baptism, no forgiveness of sin. How can anyone tell you that you're saved if your sins aren't forgiven? Acts 2:38 also reveals that you receive a wonderful gift from God once you're baptized.


"... Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."


Baptism is critical to being saved. It’s for the forgiveness of our sins and it gives us the Holy Spirit. When you examine the Bible it makes you wonder why people teach that baptism isn't essential for salvation. The teachings of men or the Bible. I know what side I choose. 


Think about it.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 11, 2024 at 4:33 PM

    Michael, I truly enjoyed the teaching. Keep allowing the Lord to use you. Blessings and I love you all

    ReplyDelete

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