Does Acts 2:38 mean we have to be baptized to get into Heaven? -Debate

[becca4peace]

I personally believe one can accept Christ by believing in Him, turning from our sin, and confessing His name to others. In other words: believe, repent, confess. Then God commands that you then be baptized to show you have accepted him. I personally left the Church of Christ this year and now attend a Baptist Church. The reason being is that I read in the Bible in Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 2:8, Rom. 5:1, Rom. 3:24, and there are many other verses that tell us that we are saved/justified through our faith in Jesus Christ. Read Acts 10:43 as well as Acts 2:38. You will see that in Acts 10:43, Peter never mentioned baptism when he was speaking to Cornelius about Jesus Christ. "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." As you can see it is clear that baptism is not essential for salvation. Anyone is welcome to comment/debate on this topic.

 

[phil112]

Your user name is becca4peace, yet you start a thread like this?

 

[becca4peace]

It's just a debate/discussion to see other peoples point of view, not to stir up trouble. Isn't this a "Bible Discussion Forum"?

 

[know1]

I personally believe one can accept Christ by believing in Him, turning from our sin, and confessing His name to others. In other words: believe, repent, confess. Then God commands that you then be baptized to show you have accepted him. I personally left the Church of Christ this year and now attend a Baptist Church. The reason being is that I read in the Bible in Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 2:8, Rom. 5:1, Rom. 3:24, and there are many other verses that tell us that we are saved/justified through our faith in Jesus Christ. Read Acts 10:43 as well as Acts 2:38. You will see that in Acts 10:43, Peter never mentioned baptism when he was speaking to Cornelius about Jesus Christ. "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." As you can see it is clear that baptism is not essential for salvation. Anyone is welcome to comment/debate on this topic.

You are correct young lady. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, I believe it serves another purpose concerning the body, not the soul of the person.
I have long said, that if baptism were a prerequisite for salvation then verses like Romans 10:8-10 would be a partial truth.

Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

[Nicee]

If you can and you're able be baptize. Baptized or not. U will either go up or down when u die. Your choice.

 

[jb]

In the very same discourse Peter states in Acts 2v21:

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

So, "NO", we don't have to be baptised to get into Heaven!

A little bit of common sense goes a long way!

 

[seed_time_harvest]

I personally believe one can accept Christ by believing in Him, turning from our sin, and confessing His name to others. In other words: believe, repent, confess. Then God commands that you then be baptized to show you have accepted him. I personally left the Church of Christ this year and now attend a Baptist Church. The reason being is that I read in the Bible in Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 2:8, Rom. 5:1, Rom. 3:24, and there are many other verses that tell us that we are saved/justified through our faith in Jesus Christ. Read Acts 10:43 as well as Acts 2:38. You will see that in Acts 10:43, Peter never mentioned baptism when he was speaking to Cornelius about Jesus Christ. "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." As you can see it is clear that baptism is not essential for salvation. Anyone is welcome to comment/debate on this topic.

Hi becca4piece
I would say the thief on the cross did not get baptized in water to get saved,but a person should get baptize in water if they are alive and able because it is obedient to GOD.

1 Peter 3:21
king james version


21.)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:

 

[mailmandan]

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical.

Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 10:43 - To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" *What happened to baptism in verse 43?

Acts 11:17 - If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) who was I that I could withstand God?" 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 15:8,9 - So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. *What happened to baptism?

Faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31). *Perfect Harmony*

 

[oldernotwiser]

Hi becca4piece
I would say the thief on the cross did not get baptized in water to get saved,but a person should get baptize in water if they are alive and able because it is obedient to GOD.

1 Peter 3:21
king james version


21.)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 think it was erasmus who said that the good thief was his patron saint because he got to heaven without theology

 

[Kaycie]

What separates us from God? Sin, agreed? What washes away sin? Christ's blood, agreed? How do we come in contact with Christ's blood? We must go to where it was shed. Romans 6:3 I believe says something like "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death, so that just as He was raised from the dead, we too shall be raised to life." I am paraphrasing. But ook it up. Paul believed, he fasted, but nothing he did before baptism took away his sins, because Ananias said why wait, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Baptism is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The bible says that God will punish those who know not God and obey not the gospel of His Son.

 

[Mitspa]

Baptism is not the "Gospel"...its a outward display of the gospel....Baptism is powerful because its an act of obedience to faith in the gospel and many believers have been set free from so many spiritual chains in this act of obedience. I say that all believers should be baptized as an act of obedience and for their on spiritual well-being...but to make baptism a legalistic "work" is to deny its very meaning. When we die with Christ we die to our ability or attempt to save ourselves through works just as much as we die to sin....The strength of sin is the law...legalism in all its forms only causes harm to those that is put under its yoke.

 

[didymos]

Baptism is not the "Gospel"...its a outward display of the gospel....Baptism is powerful because its an act of obedience to faith in the gospel and many believers have been set free from so many spiritual chains in this act of obedience. I say that all believers should be baptized as an act of obedience and for their on spiritual well-being...but to make baptism a legalistic "work" is to deny its very meaning. When we die with Christ we die to our ability or attempt to save ourselves through works just as much as we die to sin....The strength of sin is the law...legalism in all its forms only causes harm to those that is put under its yoke.

It IS Gospel, it's just not THE Gospel. The rest sounds about right.


(John 3:5)

 

[mailmandan]

Baptism is not the "Gospel"...its a outward display of the gospel..

Amen! The Gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God to salvation for everyone who BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16).

 

[Jackson123]

to my knowledge, Catholic believe when a man doing baptism ritual, his sin from his born till that ritual perform is forgiven.

It mean if in the very second the water baptism touch his head, he die, he go to heaven pass the purgatory.
What I remember is that it ritual it self has the power, regardless who perform the ritual or who participated.

In my discussion with one of catholic member, basically, he give this explanation bellow
For example, if the priest that perform the ritual is gay or killer etc, will not effect the outcome. the participant still being forgiven. Likewise those who receive baptism. It doesn't matter if the he being baptized because his parent force him. This forgiveness is still in effect. Because the power of baptism is not human origin and are not effected by human.

 

[becca4peace]

Well said, Know1, amen to that.

 

[kennethcadwell]

I like what most of our brothers and sisters in Christ have said so far, but I would remind all that through baptism is how we are born again. Buried in His death, and risen to a new life with a spiritual mindset.
The other thing I would pose to people is you must follow the greatest command to enter into heaven;

Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Then our Lord Jesus said that if you believe in Him, and love Him you will do what He said, not just hear, and He commanded baptism;

John 14:15
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Luke 6:47
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them,

Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,


Then we have James and Paul telling us that if we fail to do something, or use being under grace as an excuse to do or not do something then it is sinful;

James 4:17
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
( Also read Romans 6 )

So by what we see James and Paul saying we can see that we are not to use grace as an excuse to sin, and we also are not to use other examples as Peter when he denied Christ to say we can to at hard times. And definitely not use the thief on the cross for a reason to not be baptized, for the thief did not have the time to get baptized, plus he is not an example of the new covenant as it was not issued in tell after Jesus crucifixion.

Hebrews 9:16
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

 

[notuptome]

The only baptism required for salvation is not water but Holy Spirit. It is a baptism that only Christ can administer. John 20 Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples and apostles in the upper room. This is separate and distinct from the filling of the Holy Spirit for power demonstrated at Pentecost.

Water baptism is something a believer should receive but the believer is no more saved after water baptism then they were before water baptism.

Paul was saved on the road to Emmaus but he was prepared for ministry after he was publically water baptized.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[john832]

What is the "gold standard" when a question arises?

Jesus Christ said this...

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Word for baptized here is...

G907

βαπτίζω
baptizō
bap-tid'-zo
From a derivative of G911; to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash.
Total KJV occurrences: 80

In fact, the Greek word used when speaking of a sunken ship is the ship was "baptized".

Water baptism is generally required...

Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
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.

The examples are of water baptism...

Joh 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Why did John need "much water"? To fully immerse.

 

[1still_waters]

Summary..

The past people of God passed through water when being delivered, Noah, Israel out of Egypt, Israel through Jordan. Water baptism is a tangible gift that allows us to follow that pattern, it links us to the past people of God who experienced God's deliverance by passing through water. Only Jesus saves. Water baptism does not save.

Explained

Christians that don't get baptized are missing out on an actual tangible aspect of their faith that associates them with the people of God throughout the Bible. The people of God throughout the Bible passed through water in the course of their deliverance. Baptism gives us a tangible participation in this pattern. It can give us something tangible to look back at and draw encouragement from.

The dirt man was formed from was once covered by water.
Genesis 1:9

9 Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so.

Noah passed through water. (I cover that at the end of this post to show a point.)

Genesis 7

23 Thus He blotted out [a]every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the [b]sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark.24 The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days.

The Israelites passed through water during their deliverance.

Exodus 14
15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.16 As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall [i]go through the midst of the sea on dry land.17 As for Me, behold, I will [j]harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.

The Israelites passed through water when taking possession of the promised land.
Joshua 3

17 And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

Christians get the opportunity to be baptized and pass through water too.


No the act of baptism doesn't save you, but it's nice that Jesus gave us something tangible that we can look back at and draw encouragement from.

You can look back at your baptism and view it as something linking you to being buried with Christ and risen from the dead to new life. Like the other people of God we get to pass through water. It links us to the past pattern God used with his people.

Romans 6

2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?3Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Gal3

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is [a]neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2

12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

1 Peter 3

19 in [o]which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the [p]water.21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God [q]for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Notice how Noah's passing through water is associated with our passing through water?
It's an amazing tangible gift God has given us to link us to all the people in the past who were saved by passing though water.

Again, baptism does not save.
Jesus alone saves.

 

[john832]

The Israelites passed through water when taking possession of the promised land.
Joshua 3

This statement is also of great importance...

1Co 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1Co 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

With water (the Red Sea) and the Holy Spirit (the Cloud).

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.