Baptism: Is it essential to salvation?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary McClendon on January 5, 2009 at 5:22pm

Amen Rachel William Amen to that I agree with you 10000000%

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Veronica Ibarra on January 22, 2009 at 1:57am

Galatians 3:
26": For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
"27": For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
"28": There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
"29": And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Christ Himself was baptized in the Jordan by John. He, who came to save us, set the example for us, that if we believe He is the Savior and the Redeemer then we too should be baptized as He was. Are we condemned if we're not baptized? I don't think we can say that -- that decision is not ours -- but every day, every minute even if we've been baptized -- we have the opportunity to repent (for so many things we may do knowingly or unknowingly) and continue on our journey of salvation. Baptism is our commitment to follow Christ as closely as we can and know that He is there should we stumble, as we should be for each other.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Norma on January 22, 2009 at 9:03am

Veronica, you are so right. Jesus is long-suffering as long as we are daily becoming more like him. Who can judge us but Him. You are a blessing!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Benny Walls on February 2, 2009 at 3:07pm

I would like to rephrase the question and see what the responses would be.

Does God EXPECT those who call upon his name to be baptized?

I think the word "Essential" puts too much emphasis on "ME" being baptized and not enoug on what the scriptures seem to say directly to the issue. Remember, baptisim is about accpeptance and obedience. God calls, I by faith accept and obey and he embraces me with redemptive grace and makes me his child - the scriptures I read seem to suggest this happens in the baptism. Who knows when spiritual conception occures but we do know when the child of God is born into the body of Christ - Gal. 3:37.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Benny Walls on February 2, 2009 at 3:23pm

I just read your entire comment and would like to add.

To say, "No exception" is to sit in the seat of God and make a judgement I'm not sure any of us are able to make. But I would also like to make the point neither am I in a position to say God makes exception - that's entirely his call not mine. We are told to believe and obey not to make judgements of exeption for God. If a person choses to willfully disregard what the Bible teaches on a subject like baptsm he or she will be judgement righteously by the Word of God.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Norma on February 2, 2009 at 3:43pm

Brother Walls, it is always my purpose and intent to edify myself first and hopefully fellow believers. I am not worthy to interpret everything that God would have us to know. His thoughts are far above mine so when I ask questions or start discussions it is for my own edification and that of others. I have no ill intent. There is no malice. Our God is one of order and peace. Please know that I welcome your comments to any of my blogs and encourage you in doing so. I never 'debate' the Word with anyone but respectfully appreciate each person's faith and experience. I find it most helpful when we engage in positive discourse. We keep one another accountable not just to ourselves but ultimately to our Savior. I look forward to your thoughts to the many topics that many of our fellow saints have taken the time and concern to post. Always to His Glory! Be blessed.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Apostle Champagne on February 9, 2009 at 3:07pm

God Bless You Norma!
On the subject of Baptism, the Word of God speaks expressly in the book of John w/ the account of Nicodemus that "Except you are born of the Water and the Spirit you can not enter the Kingdom of God". You have pre-requisites(requirements before a thing). John 3:3-7, States that you must be Born Again first in order to see the Kingdom of God(confession Of Jesus), then being baptised of the Water (submerged) and the Spirit(holy Ghost). Thats the Word.

Apostle Champagne

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Norma on February 9, 2009 at 3:11pm

Apostle Champagne - if the Word says it, then, that settles it! I so appreciate your response. Be blessed!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Apostle Champagne on February 9, 2009 at 3:36pm

Praise The Lord Again Norma!
Baptism is an Outward Expression of an Inward Experience. Let's look at the example of the one whom we are believing in.Jesus himself left example for us (believers) to follow in Matt 3:13-17, we find John the baptist the forerunner of Jesus whom he (Jesus) submitted himself to be baptised by in order that all things would be fulfilled. As being Disciples(students or followers) of Christ , we take up our cross and follow him. i pray that this would enlighten your eyes of understanding in this matter.
God's Love

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Norma on February 9, 2009 at 3:44pm

This only confirms what I already know is true. Confirmation is a beautiful thing! And leadership by example is most effective. If Jesus did it, then, we most assuredly should do so.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Barbara MacKenzie on July 13, 2009 at 9:41pm

Baptism is essential. You must be born of the water and the spirit or you can not even enter in Heaven. If it wasnt necessary or essential Jesus would not have been baptized as an example for us to follow.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page