One of the hottest debates in Christianity is whether or not being Baptized is a requirement for salvation. Some will say that it is merely an act of obedience and not necessary while others will say it is necessary for our salvation. Some will claim that baptism is a "Work" and therefore is not part of salvation. Others will claim it is not a work of righteousness but part of our faith and how we respond to the Gospel. If being baptized does not matter then it is no big deal. But if Baptism is a requirement, then have we watered down the Gospel and the message of Salvation and put at risk people who have no pressing need to get baptized? Let's see what the scriptures actually teach.
BAPTISM
What did Jesus say?
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother�s womb and be born?"
5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of... WATER... AND the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. NKJV
Jesus made in clear that there are two elements involved in this process for becoming "born AGAIN". I emphasize "AGAIN" because it is something that is done a second time. Some try to use the argument that Jesus is referring to an individuals first birth, hence the water is of the womb. The problem with that argument is that Jesus is talking about a man who has already been born and now saying that he has to be born a second time and in that second birth, there are TWO elements, water and the Spirit. Water is then obviously implying water Baptism. Because Jesus said this is a second birth precludes any possibility of any elements of the first birth being included in the SECOND birth.
Additional support for water baptism being a necessary element for salvation and that Jesus meant water baptism when speaking to Nicodemus is found in Mark 16:16 when He gave His marching orders for the Great Commission commanding water Baptism to be done for every believer.
Mark 16: 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe[disbelieves] will be condemned. NKJV
Jesus made a positive statement by giving us assurance of our salvation in that we are saved if we first.....believe, which means have faith and second, that we are BAPTIZED. Again we see TWO elements listed and one of them is water Baptism. By Jesus using the conjunctive word "AND" (kai in Greek) clearly links baptism and faith as two necessary elements.
Now there are a few who will try and use the second part of the verse to override the first part. "but he who does not believe will be condemned.
They will say that since Jesus did not say he who is not baptized will be condemned or some similar wording implies that baptism is not necessary. That argument is simply not logical and is a violation of Hermeneutics. Who would want to get baptized if they didn't believe to begin with? The words Jesus used ..."does not believe" means "Disbelieved...someone who heard the Gospel and then rejected it. Who would go and line up to be baptized after they rejected the Gospel? No one.
Now let's look at what I believe is one of the most important passages in the New Testament whereby we see a perfect example of the model for preaching the Gospel and giving the elements for salvation.
Peter while recently being filled with the Holy Spirit as well as the other Apostles, preached the very first sermon with the power of the Holy Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit was speaking through him. He was preaching to a few thousand Jews who were the ones who previously were responsible for crucifying Jesus Christ. Look carefully on how Peter accused them of their sinful deed and then their response and then Peter's.
Acts 2: 36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
At this point Peter had nailed them hard and after they were convicted of their sin they asked Peter and the Apostles what they needed to do. It is obvious that at this point they had faith and believed that Jesus was the Christ whom they crucified but as we can see even with their true faith in Christ, they were still NOT saved as yet. Peter then responds.
38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ UNTO (for) the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
42 � And they continued steadfastly in the apostles� doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. NKJV
Now notice that Peter told them what they needed to do in order to be purged from their guilt of their sin and to receive forgiveness of their sin and receive the Holy Spirit.
First they needed to "Repent". Then he said the needed to be baptized in Jesus name and that is FOR the remission of sins. To be baptized in Jesus name means to be baptized in His authority. It is the same when we Baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Next in the passage we see what happens AFTER being baptized and that is to receive the Holy Spirit.
The Greek text conclusively demonstrates that the word "FOR" in this passage only has one meaning. The word "FOR" is better translated "UNTO". Both carry the same meaning. The word "FOR" or "eis" is a Greek "transitive preposition" and is used 1774 times in the New Testament and in every instance it means FOR or UNTO and NEVER does it mean "because of". If the word meant "because of", it would imply that remission of sins is due to a PRIOR act and that baptism played no part. Unfortunately for those who try to make that argument, the Greek does not support that conclusion or definition. A transitive preposition means that it has a forward progress to an object to a desired result. Baptism is FOR/UNTO the remission of sins.
The text of Peter's sermon states plainly that baptism is �for the remission of sins.� The Greek word translated �for� is the preposition, �eis.� It is extremely common in the New Testament, appearing some 1774 times.
�Eis� is a transitive preposition, meaning that progress is inherent in the meaning. It is most often translated �into� or �unto� in the KJV. The general sense is progression to a point reached. The inherent forward progress is always present when used with a transitive verb � a verb that implies motion, progression, or transition. The transitive force of �eis�is sometimes even apparent when used with intransitive verbs (state of being verbs) � which normally do not themselves imply progress, yet the transitive nature of "eis" overpowers the intransitive power of the verb (cf. Rom. 1:16)
Furthermore even Paul's own testimony concerning his own conversion makes it clear that baptism is an essential element for his salvation.
Acts 22: 12 "Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,
13 "came to me; and he stood and said to me, �Brother Saul, receive your sight.� And at that same hour I looked up at him.
14 "Then he said, �The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.
15 �For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.
16 �And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.� NKJV
Now let me make something perfectly clear. When a person gets baptized in water, it is not the water that saves you. Water just gets you wet. God is the one who saves us! Baptism is the occasion where God supernaturally "circumcises your heart" and this is when the Holy Spirit comes into you.
Furthermore Baptism is not a work.
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through..... the washing of regeneration..... and renewing of the Holy Spirit, NKJV
What is the "washing of Regenration? Water Baptism. Notice that it is God who saves us according to HIS mercy,..."THROUGH the washing of regeneration ...AND the renewing of the Holy Spirit". Notice these two main elements as before have been listed by Jesus in Mark 16:16 and John 3:3-5. "the washing of regeneration" is not the Holy Spirit as some try to claim. Paul separates Washing of Regeneration from the "renewing of the Holy spirt" but using the conjunctive word "and" or "kai" in Greek. This demonstrates that there are two separate events, but simulteanously. Let me make one point that is important concerning "washing of regeneration" or Baptismal Generation. Different Christian denominations have different meanings for this term. So you must be very careful and not broad stroke everyone the same way.
Col 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
How can we be buried with Christ in Baptism unless we are Baptized?
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. NKJV
(Of course verse 14 is demonstrating that the Mosaic Laws were completely done away with, but that is for another discussion.)
So I hope that it can be seen that Baptism is not just a mere act of obedience without having any affect towards salvation but that it is an essential element as the scriptures clearly indicate.
I think that these 2 commentaries that U found, are rather thought provoking, &
they do define the word "baptism", real good, as being synonymous with "Immersion".
But I found them to be a little bit confusing, & some things seemed to even be contradictory at times, rather than clear things up...like they did for You.
The 1st article starts out with the statement that:
"Yes, we must be baptized to be saved, BUT not in water! & Baptize means to immerse."
And the last article ends with a typo that I think was saying that:
Baptism "introduces" the baptized into, and "consecrates him for" a new life of discipleship.
And then it does also admit that "Understandably, the thief on the cross did not have that opportunity!" But then it quickly asks/adds: "But how about the rest of us?"
Which would also seem to support the idea that If At All Possible, Yes, DO GET Baptized.
But in spite of a little confusion from beginning to end..I did find a little pearl at
the very center of your message-But I'm still not sure who is talking but-There Is This:
3 little statments that I will quote in full & then list & comment on each one seperately
...
Personally, I was baptized into water, but said no to Jesus when He called me. Personally, I have seen those who are following Jesus whole heartedly and they have not been baptized into water. This is seen in the Bible also in Acts 10:44-48. Here, they are immersed in the Holy Spirit, then into water and into Jesus by verbal commitment.
...
#1) Personally, I was baptized into water, but said no to Jesus when He called me.
Yes I hope that No One has ever tried to teach that baptism Alone can Save Anyone.
#2) Personally, I have seen those who are following Jesus "whole heartedly" and they have not been baptized into water.
It ocurred to me that If You Are Following Yahshua "Whole Heartedly" then You Are Obviously gong To Be Obeying Him too..& therefore You Will Obviously Be Baptized As Soon As Possible.
#3) This is seen in the Bible also in Acts 10:44-48. Here, they are immersed in the Holy Spirit, then INTO WATER & INTO YAHSHUA BY VERBAL COMMITMENT.
So 1st thing we want to do here is to actually read those verses to see that there is actually nothing mentioned here about a verbal commitment. BUT A VERBAL COMMANDMENT.
...
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
...
Even these New Gentile Believers who had just Received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit...
(Which came as a total shock even to Peter) were then also immediately COMMANDED By that Apostle To Be Baptized With/In Water Baptism(unto repentance), & In The Name of The LORD.
So, other than the opening statement that says:
"Yes, we must be baptized to be saved, BUT not in water!
It seems to me that this article is pretty much agreeing with what we are saying...
but maybe just arguing against the idea of Salvation Through Baptism Alone...
Which I am sure that no one here is implying, or thinking or saying at all.
And again, like the Thief on the Cross, this is an exceptional case where even the
Apostles of Christ apparently were not willing to Baptize the Gentiles into Christ.
So YHWH had to Actually Baptize Them With/In HIS Spirit to Let Them Know it Was OK.
(at least thats how I seem to perceive it right now...guess I should go read more)
One of the way you know a CHristian is by knowing his fruits, Ive noticed that Major Booth of the salvation army had a lot of fruit, but they dont believe in water baptisim. I heard alot of add ons, and though many can back up their scriptures, others with the oposite view on so many issues have their scriptures. The promblem is nobody is always right, and almost everyone believes they are, if they are wheres there fruit, not their accuracy, Im not saying they have no fruit, Im asking where is it Also if all these brothers have made mistakes, what are they. Instead day in day out they have no sin only the Truth, If we all had so much truth how come were not free in experience, Questions to ponder
John 3:3-5 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"
5"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
So far, what you said would seem to make sense - but if we keep reading we find out that Jesus was not talking about water baptism, but about baptism of the Holy Spirit:
John 3:6-9 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Nicodemus asked him how can a man be born twice? When Jesus said "born of water" he was referring to human birth from a mother's womb. That's why he said "that which is born of the flesh is flesh" (meaning water birth from the mother) and that which is born of the spirit is spirit (meaning baptism in the Holy Spirit - or being "born again"). Nowhere in this passage does Jesus imply there are two parts to the second birth. He is talking about the human birth into the world, then the spiritual birth into salvation.
Mark 16:16 ""He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe[disbelieves] will be condemned."
First of all, there are some issues with Mark 16:9-20. There are questions whether this was an original part of the manuscript or added later by a scribe. But for argument sake, let's say they were a part of the original. Does this mean we must be baptized in order to be saved? No. This scripture has two parts: 1.) He who believes and is baptized will be saved 2.) He who does not believe will be condemned. Although this tells us something about believers who have been baptized, it tells us nothing about believers who haven't been baptized. In order for it to command baptism, the baptism would also have to be included in the second part: "He who does not believe and is not baptized will be condemned." Believing that the verse is saying we are not saved if we are not baptized is called the Negative Inference Fallacy. It says that �If a statement is true, we cannot assume that all negations (or opposites) of that statement are also true." Meaning just because the verse says "he who believes and is baptized will be saved" we cannot assume that he who believes, but is not baptized is not saved.
The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by any works, including baptism. See Ephesians 2:8-9. It is CLEAR. Any interpretation that says an act is also needed for salvation is faulty interpretation. Look at the other passages that deal with salvation where baptism is not mentioned:
John 5:24 �I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 12:44 " Then Jesus cried out, �When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me."
John 20:31 "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
1John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
If baptism were so important that our salvation was dependant on it, I guarantee you, every single one of the above passages would have mentioned it. In NO way did God make His requirement for salvation questionable. He flat out told us: Belief in me = salvation. Period. He LOVES us. There is not a slim chance that He would base our salvation on ANY misinterpretation of what it takes to be saved. JESUS and JESUS ALONE paid the penalty for our sins. In believing that baptism is a requirement, you bring a third party into it. The baptizer. That is saying that if someone is alone when they accept Christ and then suddenly die (such as soldiers, people who have been victimized, car accident victims, the list could go on and on) that they are not saved. This is simply not true.
Next -
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ UNTO (for) the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Alright. Now let's get into some Greek. You stated "The word "FOR" or "eis" is a Greek "transitive preposition" and is used 1774 times in the New Testament and in every instance it means FOR or UNTO and NEVER does it mean "because of". Really? What about Matthew 12:41? It reads, "The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented AT the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here." The word "at" in Greek is also "eis." And that verse certainly doesn't translate "for they repented FOR the preaching of Jonah. I think it's better translated "because of" or "in view of." It's the same with Acts 2:38. The scripture reads, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ BECAUSE OF the remission of sins." We are forgiven and we are saved BEFORE we are baptized. This has been agreed upon by noted Greek scholars as the proper meaning. (A.T. Robertson and J.R. Mantey, if you want a few names).
You stated that "Baptism is the occasion where God supernaturally "circumcises your heart" and this is when the Holy Spirit comes into you." The Holy Spirit comes on you AFTER you've been baptized? Then what about Acts 10:42-47?
42 "And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is ordained of God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead"
43 "He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."
44 "Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who had heard the message."
45 "The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles, too."
46 "And there could be no doubt about it, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked,"
47 "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"
The Holy Spirit was received BEFORE they were bapitzed. They had to believe and be saved first, then they were baptized as an act of obedience.
Titus 3:5 "he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Again, this is not talking about water baptism. Being born again and rebirth are biblical terms for conversion. We are converted and brought to faith by the Word of God. So first we are converted (washing of rebirth) then we are brought to faith by the Word of God (renewal by the Holy Spirit).
Anything a man does of himself is a work, including baptism. And if the action of any man is necessary for salvation, then man becomes a part of the giving of that salvation and Christ's atonement wasn't enough. Salvation is an internal change, which produces external evidence, one of which is baptism. But by no means is it necessary for salvation.
�Overanalyzes brings paralysis� and make you loose your balance
The thief on the cross died as a thief and Jesus words of acceptance were good enough to guarantee him his salvation. The same word that He gave us is good enough for us too.
You and I are not in that desperate moment as the thief was but we have the privilege to live for Jesus. Many before baptismal are dry and when they get baptized simply come out wet, with no fruit of repentance in their life�s, and many get baptized as a result of their faith unto the Lord because of what He has done on their behalf. John in his gospel says that many were baptized believing in Jesus but Jesus did not believe in them. VERY Interesting!!!!!
Baptism before Christianity was a pagan tradition believing that the spirit were moving on top of the waters. In Christianity is introduced as a picture of the work of Christ with His death and resurrection. It is only by faith that a man can be saved and if you want to do what Jesus did that is always a blessing. It is HE and only HE that can Save to the outermost.
