Wait, I'm confused. Why is baptism necessary?

Question

And then you say it's not neccessary?

Jesus was baptized. Sounds pretty neccessary to me.

Okay, so if you are SAVED you should get baptized. Why?

Think about it, those who say baptism is not neccessary. If it is NOT neccessary, then what is the point?

Sure I hear the argument of an "outward expression of faith". I know that water does not save you. But why is it in order to be a member of MOST churches you have to be baptized in them?

I'm Mormon, and you have to be baptized to be a member. But I also went to Millbrook Baptist Church and you have to be baptized in order to be a member.

Hm... sounds like it's a requirement of faith to me. What do you think?

Bowman, Brian, mIcros, thank you. That's exactly what I was suspicioning. lol.

I'm pretty sure I read that in the bible.

Elizabeth, that is another excellent verse, I notice how is says believe AND baptize. Thank you!

Pastor Art, read Acts 2:38.

Yes, that baptist organization did warn me about false prophets, fortunately, I found one that is not false.

What's with the thumbs down? Those people had a source and said what they believe, if only everyone could do the same...

Answer 1

Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38.

It's clear to me that baptism is 100% a requirement of faith in that passage from the bible. That's not a BoM thing, that's a christian thing.

Baptists (and some others) teach that repentance is the remission of sin, and to get baptized because you repented. Which is stupid. Peter clearly stated FOR the remission of sin, not "do this after the remission of sin". Because it's symbolic in the way that Jesus died and was reborn. I don't see how your sins can be remitted if you aren't reborn through baptism. That was the provision of Jesus.

Answer 2

1 Peter 3:20-21 says that baptism now saves us, as an appeal to God for a clear conscience. When asked by believing, remorseful Jews what must they do to be saved, Peter replied in Acts 2:37-38 that they must be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins. The word "for" there means into not because of. As you mentioned, Jesus our example was baptised. Paul also mentions in Romans 6 and Galatians 3:27 both match baptism with being buried with Christ in His death, putting Him on, and raising up again to a new life with Christ. This is a requirement of faith in order to have our mistakes wiped away, but not our work, but Gods, Colossians 2:12.

Answer 3

A Solemn Agreement

These Scriptural accounts show that Jehovah blesses those who make and keep a solemn agreement to serve him. For Christians, dedication and baptism are necessary steps that lead to Jehovah’s blessing. We are resolved to follow his ways and seek his guidance. (Psalm 48:14) Jehovah, in turn, figuratively grasps us by the hand and leads us in the way in which we should walk.—Psalm 73:23; Isaiah 30:21; 41:10, 13. The motivation for us to take these steps should be love for Jehovah and a desire to serve him.

Adequate Preparation for Baptism

Jesus instructed his disciples to teach new ones all the things he had commanded. (Matthew 28:20) So first of all, the new ones need to acquire an accurate knowledge of the truth, which in turn would enable them to develop faith in Jehovah and in his Word. (Romans 10:17; 1 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 11:6) Then, when Scriptural truth touches a person’s heart, it moves him to repent and turn around from his previous way of life. (Acts 3:19) Finally, the person reaches the point where he desires to dedicate himself to Jehovah and get baptized, as Jesus commanded.

Another important step in the progress toward baptism is that of sharing in preaching the Kingdom good news. This is the principal work that Jehovah has assigned his people during these last days. (Matthew 24:14) Unbaptized publishers can thus have the joy of speaking about their faith to others. Sharing in this work also equips them for regular and zealous participation in the field ministry after baptism.—Romans 10:9, 10, 14, 15.

Answer 4

Baptism is an act of obedience.

Its a public profession of your faith.

However Baptism is never stated in the Bible as a requirement for salvation.

The thief who repented while on the cross next to Jesus' cross was saved, but he wasn't baptized.

There is no passage in the Bible which says that Baptism is a requirement.

However most churches require that to become a voting member of their local church you must be baptized.

Although not necessarily in that church.

I was sprinkled as a baby, in a church which called it baptism, but it wasn't.

I was baptized, after I became a Christian, at the Full Gospel Church of San Diego, located at the corner of 48th and U.

However I never joined that church.

I later joined a church in Normal, Illinois. And they accepted the fact that I had been baptized previously in San Diego.

They would not have accepted being sprinkled as an infant.

Pastor Art

PS: I'm sorry you left the Baptist church to join the Mormon cult. Didn't the folks at Millbrook warn you about false cults?

Don't you know that the Mormon Jesus is not the Jesus of the Bible?

Answer 5

We get baptizes, to show our new found faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus had John baptize Him as an example. The question is do you love Christ enough to show publicly that you are His follower? Remember, baptism is a example of what Jesus did for our sins, and it is also an example of a new life in Him. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus. It also is a symbolization of your old life being gone and your new life beginning. So, why should we be baptized? The answerer is simple, Jesus did it, and we are as believers, are to try to do as He did.

Answer 6

You ask a good question. We are to imitate Jesus.

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Answer 7

Yes it is an outward expression of your faith, but more importantly it signifies your willingness to "kill off" your current wicked ways and fleshly living and become a new person who follows the ways of the spirit.

Answer 8

Most religions believe if you are baptized, you are being cleansed of all the past sins (even though most are done when ur a baby and have no sins)..Most religions believe you will end up in heaven if you are baptized and they want you to turn your life over to Jesus to be a member of their church.

It is ultimately your choice as you get older.

Answer 9

Mankind gives reasons for the actions they take, but sometime loses all understand of the process to begin with.

Answer 10

Baptism is an application of faith. Application oriented faith saves. How otherwise would others know your faith is genuine?