You are here

Water-Baptism is Essential

Water-Baptism is Essential

 

     An alarming number of scholars, from various churches, have concluded the Bible teaches salvation can be obtained without water baptism. This is perplexing indeed; since the same scholars claim the Bible is their guide, and because the Bible clearly teaches otherwise. There are many passages which teach baptism is essential. For brevity’s sake, we will only observe two.
    
      Initially, we reference Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15-16. Verse 16 says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.” A casual reading reveals that Jesus gives two conditions to be met before salvation is granted.
    
     A parallel example will illustrate how easy it is to understand Mark 16:16. Suppose a radio station broadcasts, “He who calls in and answers question X correctly will receive $100, but he who does not call in will not receive $100.” We easily understand that two conditions must be met to receive the money. This is precisely the clarity Jesus used in Mark 16:16, regarding salvation from sin. Because Mark 16:16 is so clear, some try to argue against baptism’s essentiality by casting doubt on the genuineness of Mark 16:9-20. A thorough study, however, reveals it is genuine Scripture (http://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=704).
    
    Secondly, in Acts 2:22-36, Peter preached a powerful sermon, which convinced the crowd that Jesus is the Son of God. Struck with the realization that they were guilty of killing Jesus, those Jews asked about forgiveness (37). Peter’s response is quite relevant. He said, “...Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....” Now, if baptism has nothing to do with salvation, why did Peter even mention it at their request for forgiveness? The fact is: water baptism does have something to do with salvation, and is essential to forgiveness from sin. Paul knew and practiced this (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4); and Peter did too (1 Peter 3:21).
    
    The Bible has much to say about baptism for the forgiveness of sins. One good way to study this subject is to read a debate on the subject. I recommend The Warren-Ballard Debate, which can be obtained, among other places, at: http://www.apologeticspress.org/store/Product.aspx?pid=265. It is an excellent resource.