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| Is baptism a requirement for salvation |
Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
Our first example is found in the book of Acts 2:14-38. Peter together with the rest of the apostles stood up and preached the gospel of Christ to the multitude that gathered there on the day of Pentecost. They believed the message because it pricked their heart but as at that point, they were not saved; they asked the most vital question “what shall we do?” See what they were asked to do by Peter the apostle:(Act 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
If they were saved at the point of believing, Peter would not ask them to repent and baptize for the forgiveness of their sins. The bible is so clear here that baptism is a requirement for salvation!
Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria
Philip, one of the seven deacons ordained in Jerusalem, because of the persecution, went down to Samaria and preach unto them, Christ. The inhabitants of the city paid attention to his teachings.(Act 8:6) And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
After they heard the gospel, they believed including Simon the sorcerer and subsequently they were baptized for the forgiveness of sins.
(Act 8:12-13) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
None of them after believing ended there, but they were baptized. This indicates that baptism is a requirement for salvation.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
An Ethiopian Eunuch traveled to Jerusalem to worship, on the return journey he was reading the book of Isaiah but understood not. Philip, the same person who preached in Samaria through the Holy Spirit drew closer to him and explained clearly to him the scriptures starting from the same part of the scriptures he was reading. The bible stated that the Eunuch believed but he was not saved at that point. First of all, the road from Jerusalem to Gaza was a desert, obviously, there would be a water problem. But both Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch traveled down the road till they found water where the eunuch was baptized by Philip.(Act 8:38) And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
So have we seen how serious baptism is when it comes to salvation? Baptism is one of the commands of Jesus Christ himself which needed to be obeyed. It is a requirement for salvation, in other words, it is one of the conditions we need to meet in order to receive the grace of God.
Peter and Cornelius
Cornelius was a warrior, leader of 100 soldiers in the Italian band, generous and a man that feared God. His prayers and alms have ascended to heaven, he was not saved at this point. In a vision, he was directed to send for Simon Peter by God which he did. Cornelius after gathering his kinsmen and near friends, Peter preached to them. The Holy Spirit poured on them just as the apostles on the day of Pentecost and they spoke in tongues. But wait, they were still commanded to baptize.(Act 10:47 -48) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
It means that baptism is crucial when it comes to salvation. When you are not baptized after believing, your sins are not forgiven you.
The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer
In Acts 16: 18, Paul cast out a demon in a certain damsel which bring many gains to her masters. When her masters saw that their means of getting money is gone, they were angered and sent Paul and Silas to the marketplace unto the rulers. After they were beaten, they were cast into prison charging the jailer to keep them safe.At midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God. There was an earthquake, doors were opened and their bands were also loosed. The Philippian jailer seeing that he would be accounted for this, attempted suicide; none of the prisoners ran away. The gospel was preached to the jailer and his household, they believed and were baptized.
(Act 16:33) And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
The remarkable thing about this baptism is that it was done in the night. If baptism is not essential for salvation how can it be done in the middle of the night? The bible says “the same hour of the night”. Again, faith alone is not enough for salvation; baptism is also part of the requirement for salvation.
The Conversion of Saul
Saul who persecuted the church initially was shown a light from heaven when going to Damascus. God told him what to do in order to be saved.(Act 22:10) And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
He was led by his associates to Damascus because he could not see. At this point, he was not saved. Upon his arrival in Damascus, he did not eat nor drink.
(Act 9:9) And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
(Act 9:11) And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
So Saul fasted and prayed but he was not saved at this point. He was told by Ananias not to delay his baptism for washing of his sins.
(Act 22:16) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
I have shown you clearly how important baptism is, so far as salvation is a concern. Baptism is not a work that we do to earn our salvation but is an act of obedience to the word of God. It is part of God’s requirement of salvation for man. Repentance and faith alone cannot save us neither could baptism be replaced with the “sinners’ prayer”. We need to obey all the commands God has given us concerning our salvation including baptism. Beware of the teachings of men!!!
Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins?
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