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Faith & Works FAQ

Question:

The Bible doesn't teach baptism is necessary to salvation, does it?

Answer:

It most certainly does! Note Acts 2:38 : "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Baptism is, according to Peter, "for the remission of sins." Can we be saved without our sins being remitted? Note Acts 22:16: 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'" This is what Paul was told to do to be saved. He was not told to pray the sinner's prayer, ask Jesus into his heart, etc. Instead, he was told to "wash away his sins" in baptism. Can you be saved without your sins being washed away? Galatians 3:27 even says: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Can you be saved outside of Christ? Then baptism must be necessary to salvation because Paul says it is when we put on Christ. Lest there be any further debate about this note 1 Peter 3:21: "There is also an antitype which now saves us; baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Peter says it, as he compares the water salvation of Noah to our salvation that baptism "now saves us." What more do we need?