1 Peter 3:21 (KJV)
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:
I recently had a rather intense conversation with a man who believes baptism is essential for salvation. Generally, the most aggressive proponents of that position I know are people from the Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ. They are, however, not the only ones who believe it. Except for a few smaller movements that place so much emphasis on the baptism of the Spirit that they completely dismiss water baptism, virtually every Christian denomination besides Baptists believes in some form of baptismal regeneration. This is why they were so angry with Baptists over the subject in centuries past.
Baptists required converts from the established churches to be “re-baptized” in order to join them. Baptists did not believe those churches that had changed their doctrine and practices or united themselves with Rome had the authority to baptize. In the minds of those other groups, that meant Baptists did not believe their baptism saves.
The Puritans in the American Colonies believed Baptists were worthy of the death penalty because they refused to baptize their babies. Baptists believe baptism is a picture of our salvation and must only be performed after salvation. The Puritans believed that by not baptizing their babies, Baptists were risking their children’s souls to eternal hell if they were to die in infancy.
All of this said, it is no wonder that Albert Barnes, a Protestant, writes:
“Yet, it does not follow from this that baptism is of no importance. The argument of the apostle here is, that it is of great importance. Noah was saved by water; and so baptism has an important connection with our salvation.”
I agree that:
- Baptism is by water
- Baptism is of great importance
- Baptism is an answer of a good conscience, meaning it is only to be administered to those who can give a good answer of their salvation, and it is an act of Christian obedience. Baptism follows the example of our Saviour, who was baptized not because He had to be in order to be saved, but because it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.
Charles Spurgeon remarked that while baptism is not essential for salvation, the Bible connects baptism and salvation, and he would not want to divide the two. I agree.
#BaptismDebate #ChurchDoctrine #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth #SpurgeonWisdom
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? A Biblical Perspective
- How does this verse shape your view on whether baptism is essential for salvation?
- Read the book of Acts this week, paying special attention to the role baptism plays in the lives of the early believers.
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