Is this a requirement for heaven?

Question

Is being baptized a requirement? Remember back up your answer with proof of the bible. I know for sure it is read John 3:2-5 and Mark 16:16 These prove baptism is essential for being saved. Jesus himself said these words. Some people believe only by confession and repentance you are saved. No where in the bible does it say that you are born again after you repent. So please prove to me where (in the bible) It states only with the mouth. Romans 10:9- 10:13 are good but they are disciples of Christ when Christ himself said be baptised.

Answer 1

Few truths are so clearly taught in the New Testament as the doctrine that in baptism we are born again as children of God.

Again and again the sacred writers tell us that it is in baptism that we are saved, buried with Christ, incorporated into his body, washed of our sins, cleansed, and regenerated (cf. Acts 2:38, 22:16; Rom. 6:1–4; 1 Cor. 6:11, 12:13; Gal. 3:26–27; Eph. 5:25-27; Col. 2:11–12; Titus 3:5; 1 Pet. 3:18–22).

Despite this wealth of biblical evidence, many Protestants regard baptism as an observance that does not cause a spiritual change but merely represents that change. Its observance may be required by obedience, but it is not necessary for salvation.

This view requires us to explain away all the New Testament passages on the nature of baptism as figurative language. Yet the language of the New Testament on this point is so uniform that no biblical evidence supports a figurative reading on baptism.

Protestant historian J. N. D. Kelly wrote, "From the beginning baptism was the universally accepted rite of admission to the Church. . . . It was always held to convey the remission of sins . . . We descend into the water ‘dead’ and come out again ‘alive’; we receive a white robe which symbolizes the Spirit . . .The Spirit is God himself dwelling in the believer, and the resulting life is a re-creation. Prior to baptism . . . our heart was the abode of demons . . . [but] baptism supplies us with the weapons for our spiritual warfare" (Early Christian Doctrines, 193–4).

Cheers,
Bruce

PS: Ticd, the robber on the cross was baptized by desire, a special allowance for those who make their peace with God but for whom baptism is not possible. That is not the same as failing to report for baptism when it is readily available.

Answer 2

For CVO~
It does not matter if Acts 8:37 is cut out of the NIV or any other versions, just read what it says in verses 36, 37 and 38 in their entirety and you will see that your point on baptism being an act is wrong. Verse 37 is not suppose to be added and then 36 and 38 taken away, read them altogether.
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Answer 3

This is amazing. Jesus gave the command to the apostles, "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, BAPTIZING THEM in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

If someone reads the book of Acts, baptism is all over the place, yet people have the audacity to say it isn't required? Do they forget that Jesus HIMSELF was baptized?

Where's the humility?

Answer 4

Well, baptism is necessary to be saved, but it's the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the seal of our redemption. (2 Corinthians 1:22) Remember when you go shopping in a supermarket (or Walmart in America), you may see some product labels that say, "Do not buy if the seal is broken"? In the same way, once God has set His seal of ownership on us and put His Spirit in our hearts as deposit, we are guaranteed to be called home with the Lord. God's seal can never be broken!

God has made it easy for us to receive salvation through Jesus. Man tends to make it difficult because our natural thinking tends to limit God. But God is supernatural, and His salvation is supernatural. We receive Jesus by faith, not by feelings or by our works.

You are right that Romans 10 is good in explaining that we are saved by confessing "Jesus is Lord" and believe in our heart God raised Him from the dead. Indeed, "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Yes, even from the deathbed, where water baptism isn't possible or practical. Yes, even for those living in drylands or dry climates. These are not excuses, but rather, God looks at the heart, and God knows if a person has repented (changed his/her mind) and believe the good news of Christ. Having said that, I personally chose to be water baptised because I wanted to, not because I had to. :)

Answer 5

You will be baptized by the holy sprite when you believe. Do you remember the thief that died next to Christ on the Cross?
Jesus said he would Join him in heaven that same day.

Furthermore, Why was Jesus Christ Baptized by John, if repentance means to turn from sin? Jesus Christ , never sinned, not once. Therefore how could he turn from his sin's since he didn't have any?
The thing is repentance means Change you mind. Not turn from your sins.
That's a Latin influence on the word. Around 4th century.
Are you a co savior along with Christ?
Repent (change your mind) and believe the gospel(good news of Christ)
Repent my friend and give all your sins to Jesus Christ, his sacrifice is enough..

Answer 6

Unless you have achieved Enlightenment (singularity, TRUE born-gain /not this plastic wishy washy 'oh I believe in Christ' so I'm saved, how lazy is that?/ whatever you want to call it) you will be counted among the living-dead. I'd say that's a requirement.

It takes an extraordinary effort on the part of the 'self' to come to know the SELF; only the self-less go to heaven. In our hearts of hearts we know that this is true.

Answer 7

Hi bboyballer112. Baptism by water is not necessary for your salvation. God speaking in Luke 3:16-17 tells us:

"John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Water baptism has nothing to do with becoming Saved. Baptism was an outward sign (ceremonial Law) that God had instituted for the local New Testament congregations. This was to show us a representation of how water (either by sprinkling or pouring on, or by being immersed in) washes away the filth of our flesh (our sins). In the eyes of God for one of us to be clean, it is He (and He alone) which applies the Water of the Gospel to us. And thus, washes away the sins of that individual. The act of water baptism has no spiritual impact on any person.

Simon the sorcerer was baptized in water but God tells us he was not baptized with the Holy Spirit. He even offered the apostles money to become baptized with the Holy Spirit, but the Apostles refused, Simon only wanted to be able to perform the miracles the apostles were performing and had no interest in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can read about him in Acts 8:9-24. I won't post it because it a long passage.

Any human being can baptize you in water, but it does not give you Salvation. Only God Almighty Himself can baptize you with the Holy Spirit and save your soul and you can become truly Born Again.

Answer 8

When you finish high school or college, do you have to go to graduation ceremony for it to take effect? I didn't.

Baptism is a ceremony that shows the world what has happened to you on the inside - how you have changed. It is a public profession that you are now living for Jesus instead of yourself.

Water baptism is very important in the Christian walk. But not mandatory for salvation. Baptism by the Holy Spirit actually replaced water baptism in significance after God sacrificed Himself to Himself.

Answer 9

Ephesians 2 (King James Version)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Baptism is works. You cannot save yourself.

Acts 8:37 is cut out of many Christian bibles. check the bible gateway for this information. NIV is one of them.

36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Answer 10

"You don't get baptized to be saved, you get baptized because you are saved!" - Rob Morris, the pastor of River Pointe Church

There are two baptisms. Baptism of the spirit and soul which is when you accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior (rebirth). Then baptism by water or 'holy water' as some may say, which is more of (in my opinion) a celebration of being reborn in Christ.