— Introduction
How does water baptism relate to the Gospel message of “salvation through faith alone” and what significance should it be given?
In some cases, a minister may be reluctant to baptize a person because they don’t want to give a false assurance of salvation. Such a minister might say, “Just because you’re baptized, it doesn’t mean you are saved.” This perspective views baptism as an unnecessary declaration of salvation.
But other ministers are perhaps too eager to baptize someone considering baptism a seal unto their future salvation… These might say, “because you’re baptized, you will be saved.” This perspective would hold baptism as the required means to salvation.
The debates about baptism often develop around these two extremes, and influence how churches practice baptism in every context. What is the significance of baptism in relation to eternal life? All forms of Christian baptism are related to this question.
Without getting tangled up in all of the commentaries and histories available to read on this subject, this writing is my attempt at an explanation of baptism and salvation based on what is found in Scripture. My original purpose was to describe my own position, but it became a more lengthy study because I want my own position to align with truth, and to continue prayerfully checking my explanations against Scripture.
— Is Baptism Required for Salvation?
Mark 16:15-20 is referenced as supporting the requirement of baptism. Presumably, this is because of how the word “and” connects baptism with believing.
– Mark 16:16
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned.”
This verse is worded differently than other similar examples from the Bible. And it’s worth mentioning that, according to comments in ESV Bibles, this verse in Mark doesn’t appear in the oldest manuscripts available to scholars.
Even so, in considering Mark 16, the believing still precedes baptism. That much remains consistent with the rest of Scripture. Baptism is an action which follows after belief, a visible declaration of the invisible reality, as recorded throughout Acts.
– Acts 8:12
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”– Acts 2:41
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”– Acts 8:37
“And 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.”– Acts 10:47
“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”– Acts 18:8
“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”– Acts 16:30-33
“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”
We also note how Mark 16:16 goes on to say he that “believeth NOT” shall be damned. It doesn’t say anything about those who aren’t “baptized” being damned. The defining point of salvation rests upon belief, not baptism, even in Mark.
What Mark 16 does show us is the “outcome” of each… They who believe are baptized, but they who don’t believe are damned. This is what becomes of them based upon their believing. And so, water baptism becomes a way in which believers act upon their repentance toward God, and faith toward Jesus Christ… because faith is given by God to a person upon their repentance (faith without works is dead). Of course, baptism isn’t self-administered; even the action of baptism is “received” by the baptized (reflecting how we’re to come to God for salvation).
Also important is Luke 23:43 — an example of someone saved without the opportunity for water baptism.
– Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be
with me in paradise.”
In discussing baptism, it’s easy to get stuck on the water. But remember, water wasn’t the only baptism; believers were to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. John 4:2 says “Jesus baptized not, but His disciples.” Mark 1:8 says Jesus will baptize, not with water, but with the Holy Ghost (as it was at Pentecost).
– Mark 1:8 “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”
– Matthew 3:11
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”– Luke 3:16
“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose:
he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”– John 1:33
“And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”
After John was put in Prison, Mark records that Jesus begins preaching, “repent and believe.” It isn’t exactly what John preached (repent and be baptized), now “the gospel of the kingdom of God” is preached with the call to believe it.
– Mark 1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”– Acts 1:5
“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”– John 3:15
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Even when Jesus describes “being born again” in John 3, “believing” is the central point that’s repeated. The mention of water in 3:5 might suggest baptism, but the context is directed at being “born of the Spirit” and instead of returning to the subject of water, continues to the subject of believing.
Knowing that Scripture never contradicts itself, where then must we look for assurance of salvation? Believing on Jesus Christ is the consistent requirement. And that must be kept in perspective, no matter what significance is given to water baptism. Jesus said “come unto me” because He IS the way.
Is water baptism necessary for salvation? Perhaps it could be argued as being “necessary,” but we shouldn’t look to baptism for assurance, or equate it laterally with salvation. And we know that justification isn’t by baptism. Jesus seemed to always be directing attention to the spiritual, and the “gift” of eternal life. Water baptism didn’t seem prioritized in the way some might prioritize it today.
– Galatians 3:8
“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”
In conclusion, if you are someone professing faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life, but you’re still debating baptism…. Don’t let baptism become an ongoing problem or doubt for you. If you are indeed a Christian, but haven’t yet been baptized… Why not? Baptism is a fitting step for the Christian, and isn’t anything to avoid. For many Christians, their motive for being baptized mattered as much as the method. Even people who were baptized as children are sometimes baptized again, after they have believed on Jesus as Savior. The significance of water baptism is tied to what it represents for people, and that which baptism represents precedes the baptism. Repent, and be baptized. Believe, and be baptized.
Baptized, unto what?
— The Gift of Promise (baptism of the Spirit?)
“….and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
– Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”– Acts 2:41
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”– Acts 8:12-13
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
They believed, and then were baptized. Does this mean water baptism is the means to spiritual baptism?
Notice that in Acts 10, Peter preached the Gospel in the house of Cornelius, and “while Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” They weren’t yet baptized and still received the Holy Spirit.
– Acts 10:44
“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them
which heard the word.”– Acts 10:47
“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”
Peter later recounts the events in Chapter 11 to the apostles, and connects these happenings to Jesus saying “ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.”
– Acts 11:15-18
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
Where the Holy Spirit is concerned, we are to “receive” the “gift” from Jesus, by faith, in believing. We’re told that eternal life is a gift (cannot be earned) and like our physical birth which wasn’t by our own works, our being “born again” isn’t in our power.
– John 5:24-25
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”– Galatians 3:2-3
“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
Jesus said in John 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Perhaps Christians attribute too much credit to the baptism water, and to the individual who is baptizing. Perhaps we rest too much in those tangible credentials. Seeing it’s the Holy Spirit that is referred to as being a “seal” for believers; “…after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”
– 1 Cor. 12:13
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”– 2 Cor. 5:14-17
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”– Ephesians 1:13-14
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
This is the receiving of that eternal life which was promised. God gives us eternal life, as promised of old, in the resurrected Jesus Christ, by His Spirit. Besides the obvious connection to washing, a baptism pictures death, burial and resurrection. Whenever baptism becomes disconnected from Christ, then the resurrection is disconnected from baptism. In Acts 19, when Paul spoke of the difference between John’s baptism and being baptized in the name of Jesus, he was restoring the reality of Christ’s resurrection. They had merely the baptism of repentance (dead to sin) without the baptism of believing (raised to life in Christ).
– Romans 6:3-7
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
— Why was Jesus Baptized by John?
Knowing that Jesus was without sin, why was He baptized, if it wasn’t for repenting of sin, or for the remission of sin?
Could it have been a requirement for the Spirit “descending from heaven like a dove” after baptism? No, this isn’t a reason for the baptism. Luke 1:15 says that John was “filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.” In John 1:30 it says Jesus was preferred before John because He was before. The Son of God, one with the Father, would not have required baptism for the Spirit to come to Him.
– Matthew 3:13-15 “But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee…”
In response, Jesus said it was fitting. So, perhaps Jesus was setting a model for believers to follow? Maybe, but if the baptism wasn’t the essential part, this explanation isn’t adequate. Modern Christians aren’t baptized just because they want to follow this specific example. And the baptism wasn’t exactly the central point described… it says John was looking for the one “baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” Because John was looking for a greater baptizer than himself, someone who wouldn’t baptize with water.
– John 1:32-34
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”
This tells us that Jesus’ baptism was first a sign of confirmation given to John. Perhaps it was even a sign to others, as it directly preceded Andrew following Jesus the next day (John 1:35).
Jesus would have also been endorsing the message preached by John. Confirming before the crowds that what John had been preaching is true. After all, the Pharisees had been questioning (John 1:24). John had said there was one coming after, and he declared Jesus to be that one.
– John 3:22-36
“After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
– Matthew 3:17
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased.”– Matthew 17:5-9
“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying; Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.”– John 12:28-34
“Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?”
John the Baptist declared who Jesus is, and that through Him is everlasting life. But after John was cast into prison, he sent a question to Jesus; “Art thou he that should come?” Jesus replied with the fulfillment of Isaiah 35, that the blind see and the deaf hear. Jesus then confirmed the truth of what John preached, and referenced again what had been declared at His baptism (that Jesus is the Son of God).
– Matthew 11:1-6
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”– John 5:33-36
“Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.”
— Reasons for Baptism (Eph. 4 – one Lord, one faith, one baptism)
a) “for sin” — An act of confession and repentance, looking for mercy.
John preached and baptized in the wilderness “for the remission of sins.”
– Mark 1:4 “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
And John came preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
– Luke 3:3 “And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;”
– Acts 10:37 “That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;”
– Acts 13:24 “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”
– Mark 1:5 “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
This baptism of John was a start. And they went confessing their sins. That was all they could do, the resurrection hadn’t happened yet, nor had it been preached as it would be later. John’s baptism wasn’t sufficient, but he “prepared the way” and told people to look for the one coming with a greater baptism.
– Acts 13:25 “And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.”
Those baptized by John were to believe on the one which “should come after” – meaning Jesus.
– Acts 18:25
“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”– Acts 19:3-5
“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus.”– Acts 22:16
“And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptised, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
b) “for life” — An act of declaring faith in Jesus Christ, unto eternal life in believing.
Apart from the resurrection, we could have only been baptized into His death (repenting of sin, without any liberty from sin). But since Jesus lives, so may we. “Buried” with Christ in baptism and “raised” in new life. Raised into His life, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
– Romans 6:4
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”– Col. 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.”
The answer of a “good conscience” toward God by the resurrection of Jesus; who is gone into heaven (alive, as mediator and high priest for us) being given all authority.
– 1 Peter 3:21-22
“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: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”– Col. 2:10-15
“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Made “complete in Him” this “circumcision” (sign of the covenant) made without hands (cannot be done by man) ….buried with Him in baptism, “ye are also risen with Him” through the faith in the operation of God.
– Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:”– Gal. 3:27
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
That whosoever “believeth” should have eternal life.
– John 3:15-18
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
– Romans 1:2
“Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures.”
— Conclusion
There is significance in being baptized as a Christian, to be sure. But we ought to keep our trust, faith, assurance in Jesus Christ. Baptism is a visible, outward action that represents a spiritual reality (receiving the promise and new covenant in Christ). Nowhere in the Bible are people being baptized first, as a seal to secure salvation. And in some cases, individuals are never baptized at all, where it isn’t possible. So it becomes clear that water baptism cannot be considered an assurance of salvation in itself. It has meaning, because “meaning” points to something outside of itself….
Just as a wedding ceremony declares the covenant made between a man and a women…. a wedding simply represents the new reality of their marriage. And rings may be given as a sign of the covenant. But ceremony and ring are both only representations of the promise which established, and preserves the marriage. It’s interesting that baptisms always seem connected to the hearts of the people baptized. Baptism involves their commitment, decision or confession in a public way. And baptisms aren’t self administered, so they acknowledge another person has authority to sanction it. Christian ministers baptize in the name of Jesus. What does that tell us about baptism?
written by Benjamin Owen / updated Feb. 2024 / posted at TNmemoirs.com