Is baptism essential for salvation?

April 14, 2007 Matthew Keedy Clifton Bible 'Quick Notes'

Some have wondered why the church of Christ places so much emphasis on baptism. A more important question may be, “Why have so many denominations placed little or no emphasis on baptism?”

The reason the church of Christ preaches baptism as essential to salvation is because that is exactly the position the Bible gives it. If forgiveness of sins is essential for salvation, then so is baptism (immersion) in water!

The prophet Isaiah says that sin has separated us from God (Isa. 59:2). Paul further tells us that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23), and that the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:23).

How do we get in to Christ Jesus? Pauls says by being baptized into Him (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).

Baptism is the point at which sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). If forgiveness of sins is necessary for salvation, then so is baptism!

For more information, see our series on salvation, or search our site using the keywords “baptism” and “baptized.”

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