Bible Question: This is in response to the question about baptism. Your conclusion is that baptism is not a necessity. I want you to look at these scriptures. John 3:1-7: We must be born again of water and the spirit. Jesus taught that this was necessary by his use of the word "MUST" (v. 7). Acts 2:36-38: Peter says we must repent and be baptized. And Romans 6:3-4: The Bible never says that we don't have to be baptized to be saved. But Jesus said we must be born again of water and the spirit to enter the kingdom of God.   Bible Answer: There are four points to consider:     First. We need to honestly ask ourselves the following question. Why, if baptism is the key difference between eternal life with God or eternal life in hell why does it ONLY show up in four places in the New Testament "as a condition of salvation?" There are also two other questions on this topic. That is a serious question since there are at least 25 other times baptism is never mentioned as a condition of salvation.     Second. There are two key passages we need to look at. Luke 7:50 is the first passage. Here Jesus has just turned to a woman who had washed His feet and says,     And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (NASB) Hebrews 10:16-18   Notice He did not say that her faith and baptism saved her. He said that her faith saved her. That is all!     The second passage is the most significant. We find the apostle Peter speaking,     Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. (NASB) Acts 10:43 While Peter was still speaking . . . the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message and all . . . who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also . . . Then Peter answered, "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" (NASB) Acts 10:44-47   God tells us in Acts 10:43 that Cornelius and his family were saved by faith without being baptized. Notice the Holy Spirit comes upon these new believers and Peter is surprised. Not until verse 47 does Peter say there is no reason not to let them be baptized. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is proof Cornelius and his family were Christians (1 Cor. 12:13), not baptism by water. Water baptism did not save them. Baptism is only a symbol of an inward reality. Baptism is commanded in scripture as an act of obedience - as a statement that Jesus is our Savior. (Rom 6:3-4).       < Back   Next >
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