Baptism necessary for salvation?

Question

if the criminal crucified next to Jesus was told he would be with Jesus in paradise that day - how could baptism be required

yes it is a very important thing to do - it is to show a public commitment to follow Jesus but it doesn't get you into Heaven

I understand the pope isn't so sure but babies that don't get baptised to go to Heaven

Answer 1

No baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but baptism is usually a result of salvation.

Baptism is like a wedding ring. You aren't married because you have a ring, but you have a ring because you are married.

Baptism is a physical symbol of a spiritual reality.

Answer 2

Some people point to the jailer who got saved, but not baptized. What they fail to do is read further down. It says, "later that night he and his whole family were baptized". So basically, the only person who was not baptized was the guy on the cross who had no means of baptism. As far as babies are concerned, pleeeaseee!
They are not mature enough to know right from wrong. It's automatic heaven for them.
Bottom line....Baptism will not keep you out of heaven, but like I've heard people say, "I never felt whole, till I got baptized". I think the water washes away the sin and makes you feel like a brand new person.

Answer 3

The reason that the thief was able to go to Paradise without the Baptism because he wasn't able to. I am sure that he would, if he could. The Baptism is a direct commandment from Jesus, Himself. I would obey Jesus and not someone else's doctrine. Also the Bible says that we should be baptized in the name of Jesus for the payment of our sins. One more thing, baby baptisms don't count. It must be a personal choice.

Answer 4

You got it right, Baptism in a pool of water is not needed to be saved. I agree completely with the example you used of the criminal on the cross next to Jesus.

As far as the pope goes, who cares what he says anyway, it doesn't matter.

Last week catholics believed in purgatory/limbo and now they say they don't believe it anymore. So we know that it is not and never has been, Biblical. Just so many other teachings of the roman catholic organization. It is NOT a church because a Church is where salvation is preached and there no salvation being preached by catholics.

Answer 5

NO! according to the Bible,it is not a requirement, nor a guarantee (just like circumcision) to get you there. It is only a symbol a ceremony to show you committed your life to living right. Just think of the practical side.
Does all the people that have been baptized and kill, steal, rape etc other bad things still get into heaven? I don't think so. I guess it might be so, if you truly repent but that is only speculation

Answer 6

- I'll say yes, baptism is necessary for salvation. It's what Christians do. It is tied to it.

- Maybe when Jesus told the thief on the cross that he would be with him in paradise, he was also forgiving him for not being baptized. Or maybe the thief suffered additional misery for not being able to be baptized.

- It's whatever you want it to be, you have your definition of it and I have mine.

- Catholics have their own definition, that's why they're Catholic.

Answer 7

Baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-4 declares, “Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” The action of being immersed in the water illustrates being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection.

Anything in addition to faith in Jesus Christ as being required for salvation is a works-based salvation. To add ANYTHING to the Gospel is to say that Jesus' death on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation. To say that we must be baptized in order to be saved is to say that we must add our own good works and obedience to Christ's death in order to make it sufficient for salvation. Jesus' death alone paid for our sins (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus' payment for our sins is appropriated to our "account" by faith alone (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, baptism is an important step of obedience after salvation, but cannot be a requirement for salvation.

Answer 8

Baptism is for us that are old enough to know that we have done things that are very bad. If we want to accept the opportunity to have those things washed from our souls and histories, we can be baptized and never return to the practice of the things that were erased. If a person thinks that babies have to be baptized, it only shows their ignorance of the love of God.

Answer 9

Baptism is a wonderful thing, an outward profession of ones faith. However, it is not a requirement for salvation.
Jesus is all we need.
Praise The Holy Lamb Of God!!!!

Answer 10

Babies belong to God regardless. Jesus was baptized, and He is the perfect example. Jesus can decide this one. Follow His example if you can, but if Jesus tells you that you are going to be with Him in paradise that day, that is a solid promise. : )