From time to time it is asserted by some individuals that baptism in water plays no part whatsoever in the salvation of a man’s soul. However, to those who hold and teach such a view, 1 Peter 3:21 presents quite a stumbling block. Rather than teaching that baptism has no place in obtaining a right relationship with God, the apostle Peter instead teaches that baptism is the “answer of a good conscience toward God.”
Peter also answers one objection before it can be made in the mind of the reader: He is not talking about the power of water to wash away dirt and filth of the flesh, as with the Jewish purification rituals. Instead, Peter is talking about answering God’s offer of salvation with a step of active faith! As Paul would teach, baptism in water is about having faith in the power of the working of God (Col. 2:12). It is not about the water itself washing away sin, but about the regeneration of the Holy Spirit that takes place when one obeys the commands of the Lord (Mark 16:16).
There are other considerations in this matter, as well. If baptism is not necessary to be eternally saved, the following conclusions would be true.
If baptism is not necessary for salvation, then one can be saved without being a disciple of Christ. In the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) Jesus tells the disciples to go into the whole world and teach all nations. They were to make disciples by baptizing them and teaching them all things Jesus commanded.
If baptism is not necessary for salvation, then one can be saved without having their sins remitted. Acts 2:38 teaches that the purpose of baptism is for the remission of sins. Acts 22:16 shows Paul being taught to “arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Romans 6:11 shows that the baptized believer has “died to sin,” leading to the conclusion that the un-baptized believer is still alive to sin!
If baptism is not necessary for salvation, then one can be saved without being part of the Lord’s body. Acts 2:47 says those who had believed and been baptized were added by Jesus Himself to the church. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 that He would build His church. Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:22-23 that the body of Christ is the church. Ephesians 5:23 tells us that Jesus is the Savior of the body, which is the church. Now, can someone really be saved outside the church that Jesus Christ built?
My friends, the Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood to purchase the church (Acts 20:28). Let no one tell you the church is not important! Christ also ordained that one can only be part of His church, the kingdom of God, by being born of water and Spirit (John 3:3,5). If you would like to discuss this matter further, publicly or privately, please do not hesitate to contact me. God bless!
by Rick
15 Oct 2007 at 14:55
1Peter 3:21 does indeed show that baptism does play a part in salvation. It is a means of grace, a way that God gives the gift of salvation (after all, slavation is a gift, not something we do). And as a result, it is firm justification for infant baptism.
by Matt Clifton
16 Oct 2007 at 09:13
Hello Rick, thanks for the comment.
If one sees faith as something that miraculously comes upon a person, I could see your point. However, the scriptures say that faith comes from hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17. Can an infant hear the Word of God? Can an infant develop faith. Faith is required in order for baptism to be of any use to a person, Col. 2:12.
Instead of it being necessary to baptize an infant, have you considered that infants are without sin, and therefore in no need of baptism?
Jesus said:
“and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matt. 18:3
If children are sinful and in need of baptism, why would Jesus say we should be converted and become like them in order to enter the kingdom?
God bless, and thanks for visiting!
by Wanda
04 Nov 2007 at 19:41
Jesus told the thief on the cross this day you will be with me in paradise. This thief was not baptised, don’t take me wrong water baprism is very important because we are showing the world who we beleive in. But I don’t believe that if you have excepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior I don’t believe water baptisim determines if you will be in heaven or not.There are people in the hospital who except the Lord and they aren’t able to be baptised.
by adam
13 Dec 2007 at 13:40
If you are to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…
does it follow that they must be of a mind to become disicples and in that, have the understanding of what they are doing and committing their life to? I think it does.
Infants have no understanding. They are without sin. they are babies. precious minds that are to be nurtured in the ways of God. I will soon have my first child and I strive everyday to prepare myself for that task.
the grace of God to you all.
by Paul
11 Feb 2008 at 09:33
The issue isn’t whether being baptized is something Christ asks us to do–He does. There are two extremes–those who don’t think it’s necessary and those who teach it to the point where it’s obvious they believe that is ALL you are supposed to do. BOTH are wrong.
Sadly, there are also those who say it is not an act of faith but “it’s a command, nothing more and nothing else.” I’ve heard sermons with this false teaching in it–they essentially make Christ’s love and teachings meaningless. Making Christ’s beautiful sacrifice of love into a military drill exercise is a perversion of His message.
by Matt Clifton
11 Feb 2008 at 14:07
Wanda,
According to the scriptures, the thief on the cross was saved under a different covenant that the in under which we live:
“Heb 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Heb 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Heb 9:17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.”
So you see that the covenant of Christ was not instituted until Christ’s death, and therefore baptism was not necessary for the thief in this case. Jesus had the power to forgive sins in any way He chose before His last will and testament came into effect.
Please re-read the above article, and ask yourself if you have placed yourself in line with God’s will in regard to baptism.
Thank you for reading!
by Matt Clifton
11 Feb 2008 at 14:09
Adam,
Thank you for visiting, and for your comments. I agree.
by Matt Clifton
11 Feb 2008 at 14:15
Paul,
I appreciate your comments. It is true that we can focus on baptism so much that other truths are lost in the shuffle.
Most “evangelicals” feel that baptism is not necessary for the remission of sins. Because of this, it often seems that the church of Christ spends a lot of time on the subject. This is because teachings on the truth about baptism is so needed in the world because of this neglect by denominations.
Jesus taught that folks have to abide by both the spirit and the letter, Matt. 23:23.
Baptism is the beautiful and necessary culmination of the conversion process, which puts us into Christ, Gal. 3:26-29.
God bless!