Why have the vast majority verses say that whoever believes will be saved, and only a few verses that say whoever believes and is baptized. Supporters of salvation by baptism often use argument by omission to support their claims, but notice that many verses like romans 10:9 say whoever believes WILL be saved, not can be or might be. Either all who believe are saved, or the verses contradict each other. Someone who neither believes nor is baptized certainly isn't saved, but there isn't a single verse that states believers who aren't baptized aren't saved. Faith and baptism are mentioned together in some verses since new converts in those times were usually baptized immediately, and why would a new convert refuse to be baptized unless they never had true faith? If verses and passages from the bible are taken in isolation, they can be used to back up almost anything. Do passages like Matthew 19 mean that whoever doesn't give all their possessions to the poor won't be saved either.
2007-05-16 07:20:15 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1.)John 3:5 States 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.
I think the Savior was very clear on the matter... You cannot enter the kingdom of God without baptism.
2.)Even the Savior was baptized, to fulfill all righteousness. Matt 3:13-17.
If we are supposed to follow the savior, then we must be baptized too.
3.) For those who can't be baptized in this mortal life there is baptism for the dead... 1 Cor 15:29
To answer your question about why it's so confusing: There was a Great Apostasy. When all the apostles were killed or died, there were no longer ordained apostles/prophets on earth. Plain and precious things have been lost in repeated translation and some things have just plain been removed.
There has to be a restoration of Christs... any reformation is not enough... it's taking a dead branch off of a dead tree and trying to return the tree to it's original by planting that dead branch. The Lord must replant the seed and restore the gospel.
All it takes is 1 drop of oil to pollute about one thousand gallons of water and that is what Satan has done through the hands of evil men. He polluted the word of God and men are led by false teachers and ministers.
I don't see room for negotiating on this, even the bible is very clear.
2007-05-16 07:55:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been a lot of good posts answering this question. Baptism is NOT a requirement for salvation. The post that talked about the two thieves crucified with Christ is probably the most clear. Luke 23: 39-43. Baptism IS an act of obedience and symbolic of a new believer's new life in Christ: dead to their old sinful lives, risen again with Christ. Baptism does not affect your standing with God in any way, shape or form.
Check out also Romans 10:9-10 "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." (NKJV). This is not talking about simple knowledge of who Christ is, but refers to the condition of your heart, being convicted of your sins and having repented of them and putting your faith in Christ alone.
For Free2b: Where did you get that quote of 1 Cor 15:29? My Bible doesn't say that at all. It reads (from the NKJV) "Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?" This verse is NOT talking about baptism for the dead. Paul is discussing the effects of denying the resurrection of Christ. He is saying that if Christ was not raised from the dead, we have no hope and what is the point of being baptized in the name of someone who died. Because if Christ was not raised, then He would not have been able to pay the penalty for our sins. Why would people come to follow Christ if there was no resurrection and no hope for life after death? I hope this clarifies that passage.
Anyway, most denominations (not just Catholicism) that claim baptism is a requirement of salvation are not standing on the Truth of God's Word and are teaching false doctrine.
2007-05-16 08:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by D-Rock 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any serious Bible student cannot avoid running into the vital parts explaining these things. It is made somewhat difficult so that only those searching for God's righteousness and not their own will have the veil that veils the unbelievers removed.
The exercise of faith is a must for salvation. Baptism is part of that exercise of faith and enters the faithful person into the symbolic Noah's ark.
(Scripture provided upon request)
See: Not Owing to Works & Faith; Christian Good Works; Once Saved, Always Saved?
Links: http://bythebible.page.tl/
http://bythebible.page.tl/Christian-Good-Works.htm
http://bythebible.page.tl/Works-%26-Faith.htm
2007-05-16 07:39:47 · answer #3 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not saved through baptism. New believers are usually baptized in obedience to the Lord soon after they are saved. Salvation is through Jesus alone. Baptism is a public affirmation of your faith. Baptism is required as an act of obedience for all Christians, but you are not "unsaved" or "going to hell" without it.
2007-05-16 07:24:50 · answer #4 · answered by Char 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In John 3:5, Jesus says that a guy or woman would desire to be born returned with water and spirit (which means baptism) to pass into the dominion of God. the dominion of God is a central authority meant for people who believe and function faith in Jesus Christ and His Father YHWH. the main purpose of this government is to grant eternal or on no account-ending existence in the international to human beings. study John 3:sixteen
2016-11-04 03:11:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the people answering your question are correct; Jesus brought up the fact of being born again to Nicodemus. It has also been mentioned several times in the New Testament as well as the OT.
Baptism is NOT a requirement of salvation. It is merely a confession of one's faith in Christ contrary to what Catholic priests would tell you.
2007-05-16 07:32:05 · answer #6 · answered by chrstnwrtr 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Baptism is a personal choice. Salvation is by faith and action towards that faith.
2007-05-16 07:23:45 · answer #7 · answered by Rick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is not a requirement for Salvation!
Period! end of story no matter what anyone says they are a bunch of liars. Period end of Story.
Proof, ask Jesus.
On the Cross in between two thieves. One denied Christ and blasphemed him, the other stated the he Believed that Jesus was the Son of God and spoke it with his mouth, and what did Jesus say... "You shall surely be in heaven with me this night." Did that thief jump down off the cross and get baptised? no!!! He died right there! Problem Solved. Jesus said it. There is your proof, now deal with the answer People, that is all that is required, period. Belief in your heart, and speaking with your mouth. Period that is it, yes it is that simple. Period!
2007-05-16 07:30:06 · answer #8 · answered by Kythrol 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Among our Lord's last words to his disciples was the charge to preach the saving gospel to all men. In Matthew Chapter 28,verse 19, he said, "Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost".
2007-05-16 07:26:08 · answer #9 · answered by Spell Bound 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Water baptism is not required for salavation but it is a good ideal to show your faith in Jesus Christ by being baptised.
What is meant in those scripture verses is being baptised
into Jesus Christ through faith "Not water baptisum".
God bless
2007-05-16 07:31:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋