One of the most commonly asked questions out there is, "What does one have to do to go to Heaven?" There are several answers to this question. One of the most controversial topics among Christians today, is baptism. Is it essential for one's salvation? Let's take a look at the scriptures, and I think we will find the answer very clear.
The first thing that we need to realize is that receiving salvation is a process. There isn't one single step that saves us, but several steps. Those steps are as follows: 1. Hear the word (John 6:45 2. Believe (Hebrews 11:6) 3. Repent (Acts 17:30) 4. Confess (Romans 10:9,10) 5. Be Baptized (Acts 2:38) 6. Live faithfully (2 Peter 2:20). Baptism is just one step of the process, and is in no way more important than the others. It is also of no less importance than the others. If one is baptized, but doesn't believe in God, that person is obviously not going to receive salvation.
Does the bible really suggest that baptism is vital to one's salvation? Absolutely. There are several passages that tell us we are to be baptized to be saved. Jesus told his disciples in Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Who will be saved? He who believes AND is baptized. Peter told us in 1 Peter 3:21 "There is also an antitype which now saves us- baptism." Luke writes in 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 your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" We all know that if we want to receive salvation and live in eternity with God, we must die to sin. Let's look at what Paul says in Romans 6:2-4 "How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you no know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we also should walk in a newness of life." If we want to be baptized into Christ's death, we must be baptized into Christ. It is pretty simple. Throughout the New Testament, the apostles made it very clear to us that baptism is certainly a step in God's plan of salvation.
-Colton Scott
This article was very informative. It cleared a lot of things up for me... Thank you so very much for posting it. It's one thing I didn't quite understand when I joined the Church of Christ. I belive it, baptism is required! And I love that you used scripture to back this up. It's very researched, which gives me faith in your wisdom. :)
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