Baptism is it necessary?????

Question

My mom and I are having this disagreement.......do we need to be baptised???? What is the purpose?

Answer 1

One of the most nagging questions in Christianity is whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. The answer is a simple, "No."
First, you need to understand that God works covenantally. A covenant is a pact or agreement between two or more parties. The New Testament and Old Testaments are New and Old Covenants. The word "testament" comes from the Latin testamentum which means covenant. So, the Bible is a covenant document. If you don't understand covenant you cannot understand, in totality, the issue of baptism because baptism is a covenant sign.
Second, you need to know what baptism is. It is an outward representation of an inward reality. For example, it represents the reality of the inward washing of Christ's blood upon the soul. That is why it is used in different ways. It is said to represent the death of the person (Rom. 6:3-5), the union of that person with Christ (Gal. 3:27), the cleansing of that person's sins (Acts 22:16), the identification with the one "baptized into" as when the Israelites were baptized into Moses (1 Cor. 10:2), and being united in one church (1 Cor. 12:13). Also, baptism is one of the signs and seals of the Covenant of Grace that was instituted by Jesus. It is in this sense a sacrament. A sacrament is a visible manifestation of something spoken. It is also said to be a visible sign of an inward grace. For example, the communion elements of bread and wine are called the sacrament of communion. When we take communion we are partaking of the sacrament.
The Covenant of Grace is the covenant between God and Man where God promises to Man eternal life. It is based upon the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the condition is faith in Jesus Christ. As the Communion Supper replaced Passover, baptism, in like manner, replaces circumcision. "They represent the same spiritual blessings that were symbolized by circumcision and Passover in the old dispensation" (Berkhoff, Lewis, Systematic Theology, 1988, p. 620.).

Answer 2

Of course you need to be baptized. It is tied so closely to salvation that they are often mentioned together. There is only one reason for this, and it's not just a "tie a little ribbon around it" ceremony that completes the salvation process. Repenting and being baptized would hold the same connotations as Old Testament belief and circumcision. The Jews would not have understood it any other way. Baptism is an abolishing of the Mosaic covenant, not the Abrahamic one.

Answer 3

Hello, Fem...:

Baptism is a rite of passage from one life to the other. The Bible tells us that Israel was baptized under the cloud. Also, they passed through the Red Sea on the way to the promised land.

You've already got the texts telling one to be baptized, but they don't fully answer your question, is it really necessary.

You've heard John 3:16 quoted quite a bit, that was Jesus answering Nicodemus' questions, but He previously told him: "Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (Jn 3:5).

There are two requirements here, God's part and yours. You must confess Him by being baptized, and He must impart the Holy Spirit to you.

Yes, getting in the water will not save you if your heart is not right and you will not obey Him, your new master.

Let me suggest you first read Roman's sixth chapter. It tells that as Jesus died and was raised from the tomb, likewise, when you are baptized, you symbolically die to this world and are born a new person--the Kingdom of God is within you.

There is a publication online that details exactly how God's plan of saving you and this world is accomplished. Read all five chapters of THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND, linked at http://abiblecode.tripod.com

When finished, you will have a good understanding of your question and direction you need to survive the closing events of earth's history.

Blessings, Balaam

Answer 4

Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." - this is Baptism.

Baptism removes original and personal sin, makes a person a member of teh Body of Christ, makes a person an adopted son or daughter of God the Father, unites a person with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and assures us that like Christ, we will also rise again, and gives the person baptized the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

For a more complete discussion of Baptism, you can read what the Cathechism of the Catholic Church says - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

Answer 5

You do not need to be Baptised to be saved. Baptism is an ordinance of the local church. You need to be baptised after you have repented and been saved.

Baptism is a symbol of Jesus' death, burial, and ressurection. Baptism also makes you a member of a local church.

This is the way that it should be, and this is the only way that is based on the Bible.

Answer 6

Baptism is not part of your salvation. Let em explain this before I get a bunch of nasty mail about it.

Salvation is when you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You confess Him as Lord, give your life to God, repent, believe in the death, burial, and resurection, and fully submit to Christ.

Baptism is a public act of faith. You are fully emersed in water to signify that you have died from sina nd have been crucified with Christ, and when you raise up, you are resurected with Christ, old things are passed away, and all things are become new. Baptism is simply an act of faith and obedience to show the world what you stand for as a christian and to confess Him publicly. But it is also the first step in faithful obedience we take.

Answer 7

In the christian religion it is. It's symbolic of washing away the old person you used to be, and putting on the new personality of God that you've come to be.

Jesus was baptized as a means of letting the world know that He had dedicated his life to do God's will.....so today, baptism is the doing of the will of God. 1Peter 3:21

Answer 8

baptism is the symbolic statement of your death to sin and rebirth in Christ. it shows that you are not ashamed to be God's child, and is like a promise of your willingness to live for Christ.

I'd say it's necessary for a good christian life, especially baptism of the Holy Spirit. and of course, Jesus did say "believe and be baptised"

Answer 9

we are commanded to be baptised as a symbol of accepting Christ and turning away from our sins

however, while upon the cross Jesus gave forgiveness to the thief also being crucified and told him "today you will be with me in paradise"

if someone does not have the physical opportunity to undergo the Baptism, it will not be held against him or her

Answer 10

Yes is is part of salvation

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

it is what washes away you sin that is what remission is