Are we saved at baptism or when we pray?

Question

I tried to ask earlier this but aparently was misunderstood.

Many say we're forgiven when we ask for it or when we believe in Jesus. Is there any Biblical support for this?

If you check out Acts 9 and 22 Paul, for instance, obeyed Jesus, fasted, repented, and even prayed. But he still wasn't forgiven because Ananias then said "Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' " (Acts 22:16).

I'm not trying to say that we are forgiven BECAUSE we are baptized but based on the examples from the Bible it certainly seems that baptism is the time in which God chooses to forgive our sins which is when we're saved.

In Acts people are consistantly baptized "for the forgiveness of sins." And historically this was practiced for most of church history. But now there is this relatively modern idea that we can say a prayer and be forgiven.

So where is this in the scriptures? And how do you deal with the fact that this idea of "praying" for forgiveness is new?

Just to clarify, I'm not overly interested in personal opinions here. If you think we're saved when you say a prayer that's fine, just give me a biblical reason as to why I should actually believe that. Thanks

BTW, if you could respond to scriptures such as

Acts 22:16 ("And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' )

Acts 2:38 ("Peter replied, "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.")

Another note based on some responses...

The thief on the cross died under the old covenant so there's no contradiction. Baptism is a participation in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Obviously, since the thief died before the resurrection he couldn't have received the same baptism as in Acts.

Answer 1

Another answer pointed to the verse “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” To call on his name, means to rely on his authority. According to the authority (instructions) of Christ, Belief + Baptism = Saved (Mark 16:16) Note Saul was told “be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord”. Obviously this calling was more than saying His name or praying since he had been praying for 3 days. “Calling on the name of the Lord” is relying on his authority and doing what he instructs. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matt 7:21)

In 1 Peter 3, it talks about the salvation of Noah from the flood. The flood washed away the wickedness in the world and allowed those in the ark to begin a new life in a new world. Verse 21 says, “And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of filth of the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

We are saved by the blood of Christ that was shed at His death (Romans 5:9-10). In baptism, we are “baptized into his death”, therefore, that is when we come into contact with His saving blood and we “rise to walk in newness of life”, or we are “born again”. (Romans 6:3-13) You must be born again to be saved.

Salvation is not by belief only. The devils believe, but are not saved. (James 2:19) Some in Jesus’ time believed, but would not confess (John 12:42-43). Jesus must not only be acknowledged, but he must be lord of our life. We must be willing to do what he says.

One more point, EVERY example of conversion in Acts specifically mentions baptism. None of these converts ate, drank or slept until they were baptized. It was always immediate. Saul had been fasting for 3 days (Acts 9:9). He was baptized and then took food (Acts 9:18-19). The jailer was baptized about midnight (Acts 16:25, 33). In Acts 2, about 3000 were baptized “that day” (verse 41). Surely it would have been more convenient to schedule this many baptisms over a period of time, but this shows the importance (urgency) of baptism.

Belief, confession, repentance, and baptism are all important! If any one of these is omitted, the plan of salvation is incomplete.

Baptism:

Saves
Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21

For remission of sins
Acts 2:38

Puts one "into Christ"
Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27

Puts one into contact with his death/saving blood
Romans 6:3-13, Col. 2:12

Washes away sins
Acts 22:16

Is by Christ's authority
Mark 16:16, Matt 28:19, Acts 19:1-5

Answer 2

If you are saved at baptism, you would have trouble with the thief on the cross. What is baptism? Well, Jesus said it is an act of righteousness. Did He need saving or sins forgiven? No. He was being an example. Baptism is a "type" or model of us dying to ourselves and our old life (going into the water) and rising again in new life (coming out of the water). It is our first public witness of what God has done for us inside. So yes, it is a very important part of our witness, but salvation comes when we ask Jesus to forgive us.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Answer 3

Baptism is an act of obedience to our Lord. Jesus Christ died on that cross so that the sins of all believers are forgiven when we accept Him, by faith and ask (pray) for forgiveness for for our sins. This cannot be done lightly: you must be sincere in your heart and mean what you say. If you are not sure if you are saved then pray this prayer:
Lord, Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that You died for my sins. I ask You now by faith, to come into my heart, take charge of my life and forgive my sins, in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Now, the Bible tells us to be obedient, trust the Lord and obey His commands all through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the book of Acts, all of Paul's writings, in fact the entire New Testament. Get for yourself a GOOD reference Bible and study, join a local congregation of believers who's doctrine is firmly grounded in the Word. If it is not in the Bible, do not believe it. God bless you and be with you, Jane

Answer 4

We are saved by grace through faith. There is no other way to salvation. You are very insightful. The question you ask has been debated for centuries, and there are different takes on it. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism. Yet there are passages which seem to imply that baptism is a part of salvation. Yet we know that we are saved by grace, and not by any action of our own. Still, baptism plays some role in the salvation process. It is a command of Christ himself for those who believe to be baptized. i don't think we can make a definite statement on this.

Answer 5

Poeple will deal with the newness of this belief by claiming that there is no absolute truth and that the Bible is not absolute. They will try and deny the perfection of the Bible - saying that what we read is only someone else's interpretation and that every person's salvation is different. More complex ideas will be submitted, but they will always boil down to this assumption.

If they try and discredit baptism, they are not viewing the entire scripture. Scriptures COMPLIMENT one another. If I tell you "Go to the store and buy me some milk and eggs - and I will reward you.", don't expect to be rewarded if you only go buy milk. As gsgirl posted, I will not deny, but to take ONLY those verses is not a correct interpretation.

I would point you to Mark16:16 and Acts2:38. Along with your original sources, there are plain examples of baptism being the point of salvation. The only true conclusion is that you must do BOTH.

Answer 6

Do certainly not believe salvation is ridiculous. one million- Did you feel each and every phrase you mentioned? or no less than wish to (Faith) two- Do you feel that Christ is the Son of God? three- That He died at the Cross for the arena, eventually to save lots of you from the debt of sin - wages of sin is loss of life. four- That it's by means of Faith, via Grace that you're stored, no longer by means of whatever you'll be able to do - however via The Blood of Christ. The foremost factor that are supposed to come out, is that your asking this question, which means that you care - if you happen to intended it whilst you mentioned it, and also you imply it now - then you've gotten responded your possess query. I advocate speakme to a Sunday School trainer, a pastor, or pastor's spouse even approximately this. I additionally advocate studying only a verse or 2 of scripture an afternoon, begin with the New Testament, mainly the Gospels( 1st four books -Matthew Mark Luke John - one million John one million:nine is a well promise verse. It is normal to doubt salvation, I do it usually, however it's considering we understand how humans are, and it's rough to feel there existed a person who might do that for entire strangers. Talk to God, whilst you learn the Bible - he'll talk to you, it's going to take a few meditation...however in case you have a query, seem it up...Where to uncover it In the Bible is a well booklet, as a reference consultant. Welcome to the household of God, -continuously, realize that He loves you-and you're useful to him. Peace, and God Bless you !

Answer 7

Baptism is only a sign of faith!!


All you need to do is pray to the Lord to ask forgiveness of your sins, ask him into your heart and believe he has.

Romans 6:23 for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and thou shalt Believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead; thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.


SAVED FROM HELL!!! Revelation 20: 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Answer 8

You pray to Jesus for forgiveness and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior. Baptism is obeying the Word not for salvation.

Answer 9

Salvation comes when you believe in Jesus. Remember when Jesus was on the cross, he told one of the robbers right next to him, "Today you will be wtih me in paradise." There was no baptism and yet the sin of this robber was forgiven.

Answer 10

Only through faith in Jesus Christ, knowing and BELIEVING that he was born, died for your sins, and was resurrected, are you saved. Jesus said "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE." "NO-ONE comes to the father (GOD), except through me."