I don't really see why baptism is neccessary for the Christian faith. Didn't the sacrifice of Jesus accomplish

Question

the same thing as a baptism, but across the board?

Answer 1

I'm concerned at the way so many answers refer to baptism as 'only' this, or that, as if it were an optional extra! It isn't. Jesus commanded baptism for those who responded positively to the gospel message, then the new converts were to be taught (catechised). Jesus submitted to water baptism, he who was without sin. How much moreso should his sinful followers!

Jesus' sacrifice accomplished much more than baptism ever could because baptism does not save anyone. However, it's a vital step for the new believer because he or she is publicly nailing their Christian colors to the mast. Nobody finds that easy. They are identifying themselves publicly with the crucified and resurrected Christ. It is a form of testimony. Only those who are ashamed of Christ would deliberately avoid baptism (I'm not including those who are physically unable to get baptised, like the thief on the cross or severely impaired people.) A professed convert who side-steps baptism may not actually be converted at all.

Answer 2

I guess the question I would have to ask is, are you talking about baptism with water or baptism of / with the Holy Sprit?

If you are talking about being baptized with water that would be a church ritual being symbolic of washing away our past sins and the acceptance of Christ as your Lord and Savior.

The baptism of the holy sprit however is a very personal and spiritual thing. For when one truly accepts Christ as Lord and Savior there will be a “baptism” of your soul happen that only you will feel. People will start seeing changes. Maybe not over night but as one starts following the simple, yet complex, rule Jesus gave to us, “Do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” In time you will not need to tell anyone you are a True Christian they will be able to just see it in you without you saying a word.

However, in this world, unfortunately, even many churches seem to worry more about the physical / tangible aspects of the faith and not the spiritual side.

I think the reason so many people have a problem with Christianity and the church in general is that they often confuse the teachings of Our Creator with the practices and misquotes of the people which claim to be christians.

A friend of mine puts it another way, never confuse the practices of the people with church, never confuse the church with religion, and NEVER confuse religion with The Father, Son and Holy Sprit.

However for a short answer:
Baptism by water not necessary except as required by some churches (to make people happy).
Baptism by Holy Sprit if you TRULY deep in your heart accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior it will happen. No other person can stop it or make it happen except you.

Hope this helps,
May our Creator watch over and Bless you and your family.

Answer 3

The Christian practice of baptism predates the church (John the Baptist and others) but derives from Peter's injunction in Acts 2 to 'repent and be baptised' and the fact that Jesus Himself was baptized.

Most (but not all) Protestants would say that baptism is not mandatory in that it does not confer forgiveness and salvation, but that it is a public demonstration and afirmation of a personal spiritual event. In this, it recognizes the unity of the believing community's experience: the convert is born again into that community / family / the Church.

As to 'across the board', only Universalists believe this. The orthodox position is that salvation is made available universally, but it is up to the individual whether or not she/he receives it.

Answer 4

If we believe in Jesus Christ then we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. An anti-Christ spirit has gotten a hold of some of the church world that wants to remove parts or sections of the Holy Bible because they don't understand or don't want to follow what the scripture tells us.

We are saved by believeing on the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are obedient by being baptized.

James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Jesus was our example. Jesus was baptized.

Jesus told us to be baptized.

Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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

NOTICE WE MUST BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED.
NOT BELIEVEING AND BEING BAPTIZED DOES NOT SAVE YOU.

1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.


We must believe and be baptized.


James 2:20-26
20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

If we didn't need to be baptized Jesus would not have been baptized or told us to be baptized. Baptism is the completeion of our faith. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD

Answer 5

How do you and other Christians know that you believe? True faith is an applied faith. Jesus commanded baptism. So if you accept Jesus as your Lord you should be willing to do what he said - like get baptized - among other things.


Lu 6:46 "But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?

Answer 6

Baptism is the means by which we receive the salvation earned for us by Jesus Christ.
The thief repented, and was granted forgiveness. He earned what we term 'Baptism of Desire', as he apparently desired what was necessary to be saved. Thus people who do not know of Baptism, cannot receive Baptism, or have not been taught correctly about Baptism, can still be saved. There is also the 'Baptism of Blood', which is martyrdom for the faith.
Jesus clearly showed the importance of Baptism when He Himself submitted to be baptized by St. John the Baptist, and when He instructed his disciples to baptize.

Answer 7

Most of these answers take one of two sides: faith is important, baptism is not, and is therefore optional; and faith is important, but baptism is a commandment of Christ, and we must do it in order to be saved.

I just got done re-reading "An allegory intended to illustrate Covenant Theology's view of history, the relationship of water baptism to circumcision, and the reason we baptize infants." by Robin Griffin. You can find it at:

http://www.reformed.org/sacramentology/index.html

4th article down.

Kind of lengthy reading but it'll give you a better perspective of baptism as applied to covenant theology and baptism of infants, which should answer your question very well.

Answer 8

all teachings in the bible that Jesus told for the christians are necessary,are good and for our own sake.Its just that the pastor uve heard is ignorant in the bible.Jesus told the apostles that "teach ALL what I teaches u and ill be with you till the end of times" and one of those teachings he left for the christians is the baptism,"unless a man be born again he cant enter the heaven",being born again happens during baptism when u accept all the teachings of God from the bible.
If u arew a christian you will listen and do ALL Jesus want us to do,and He said that "Baptize all nation in the name of the Father and the Son and holy spirit"

Answer 9

Baptism is just the open declaration of your becoming a Christian, that's all. It's telling the world (or at least everyone in the room) that you are now a Christian, it's symbolic of being "reborn".

Answer 10

It is not needed for salvation. Baptism is an outward confession of an inward faith that is done in obedience to Christ's example. It has no bearing on if you are saved or not, it is a symbolic act to show what has taken place inside your heart.