What if you die before water baptism?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
May 23, 2016
4,287
1,418
113
Many believe this. However, the idea that a person receives the Holy Ghost the moment they believe is found no where in scripture. Whereas scripture does reveal, and confirm numerous times, when individuals were actually indwelled. (Acts 2:2-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 19:1-7)
Perhaps you are right that no where is Scripture is it explicitly said that a person receives the Spirit the moment they believe. But what we do know is that as Romans 8:9 says, "now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
 
May 15, 2019
314
66
28
Yep. I was also in a place where a pastor and several other men laid hands and prayed over me. I began to detect little phrases that I didn’t understand. I had the thought “If you say that they will know you are faking” But I decided to do it anyway and man, it was like a flood. I was so fired up, that I could not sit still at work. I almost couldn’t contain myself. It was a life changing moment. Other people have had similar experiences as mine but others have had different ones. One lady said she was driving along and all the sudden she heard herself singing in tongues.
You can check this out and see if I’m wrong. But in the New Testament there were only 2 times that the Holy Spirit was poured out MIRACULOUSLY on anyone. Once in Acts 2on the Jewish disciples (the 12) and again in Acts 10 on the gentiles, Cornelius and his house. Other people got it by the apostles laying their hands on them to give them spiritual gifts, and by being baptized in the name of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit was never given to “SAVE” anyone. It was a “sign”. In Acts 2, it was a sign from God that these men had the power of God and their message was from God. It was necessary for the Jews to believe this so they would listen to them. Also it got their attention.
In Acts 10, it was necessary to prove to the Jews that God “has granted to the gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:18
Acts 8 proves it was NOT FOR SALVATION.
VERSR 16-17 says that the Samaritans had received the word if God and had been baptized in the name of Jesus. They had already been saved when Peter and John came to them and gave them the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on them. So they received the Holy Spirit AFTER they were saved. No where in the New Testament does it say that the Holy Spirit ever saved anyone. That was NOT the reason it was given to people.
Also, except in the 2 cases where people got a miraculous “baptism” of the spirit, those who had the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, could CONTROL that gift. In other words the person had control over their gift. The “spiritual gift “ did not control them—they controlled the gift. Look at 1 Corinthians 14–this is the chapter on “SPIRITUAL GIFTS.”. Read verses 27-28. If someone wanted to speak in a tongue, they were to “take turns”. One at the time. And there was to be an interpreter. In fact, Paul says if there is no interpreter HE IS TO KEEP SILENT!! That is nothing like the way people claim to do it today. I was at a church service a few years ago where a man just suddenly started speaking in tongues (he claimed). As if he had no control over it. It just “came upon “ him. And there was no interpreter so no one got anything out of what he said. It didn’t edify anyone. It didn’t teach anyone anything. Read your Bible, folks.
 
May 15, 2019
314
66
28
Perhaps you are right that no where is Scripture is it explicitly said that a person receives the Spirit the moment they believe. But what we do know is that as Romans 8:9 says, "now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
We all receive the Spirit when we are baptized in the name of Jesus. That is a promise from God. Acts 2:38 We don’t have to have a miraculous baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Also, read Acts 8:14-17. This proves that people were saved BEFORE and WITHOUT the miraculous gift of the spirit. They did not receive it until AFTER they had BELIEVED and were baptized.
 

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
812
278
63
I believe a person can still be saved if they were not water baptized in certain conditions if their heart condition is there, and they are not putting it off procrastinating to get it done.

What if a person realizes they need to be water baptized and they are on the way to do it and die.

Or they are too frail to get it done for they cannot be picked up.

Or another condition that is out of their control, and I did not see an incident where anyone baptized themselves.

If it is in their heart but out of their control with a reason then it would seem like they would be saved.

Like the thief on the cross that acknowledged Jesus as Savior when he said Lord remember me when you come in to your kingdom, and Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise.

The thief could not be water baptized for he was on a cross but Jesus said he will be with Him for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

They were baptized on to John's baptism, and I do not think they were baptized with Jesus' baptism until after Pentecost.

Which those that were baptized on to John's baptism had to be baptized on to Jesus' baptism.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

Water baptism is not to show an outward sign that you confess Christ, or to belong to a Church, but it is to identify with Christ's death which if you do that then you will identify with His resurrection.

If you do not think water baptism is for salvation then how do you identify with Christ's resurrection.

That is why Jesus said we must be born of water, and the Spirit.

We have to identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of the man Christ Jesus by confessing our sins, dying out to sins, being water baptized, and receiving the Spirit.

Some people cut out the middle man saying it is a work.

1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.

2Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.

But faith is a work for all we think and do is a work.

1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
1Pe 3:21 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.

The Bible says baptism does now save us so it is part of the salvation plan of God.

It is speaking of water baptism because it identifies it with the flood.
 
Mar 4, 2024
865
196
43
You can check this out and see if I’m wrong. But in the New Testament there were only 2 times that the Holy Spirit was poured out MIRACULOUSLY on anyone. Once in Acts 2on the Jewish disciples (the 12) and again in Acts 10 on the gentiles, Cornelius and his house. Other people got it by the apostles laying their hands on them to give them spiritual gifts, and by being baptized in the name of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit was never given to “SAVE” anyone. It was a “sign”. In Acts 2, it was a sign from God that these men had the power of God and their message was from God. It was necessary for the Jews to believe this so they would listen to them. Also it got their attention.
In Acts 10, it was necessary to prove to the Jews that God “has granted to the gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:18
Acts 8 proves it was NOT FOR SALVATION.
VERSR 16-17 says that the Samaritans had received the word if God and had been baptized in the name of Jesus. They had already been saved when Peter and John came to them and gave them the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on them. So they received the Holy Spirit AFTER they were saved. No where in the New Testament does it say that the Holy Spirit ever saved anyone. That was NOT the reason it was given to people.
Also, except in the 2 cases where people got a miraculous “baptism” of the spirit, those who had the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, could CONTROL that gift. In other words the person had control over their gift. The “spiritual gift “ did not control them—they controlled the gift. Look at 1 Corinthians 14–this is the chapter on “SPIRITUAL GIFTS.”. Read verses 27-28. If someone wanted to speak in a tongue, they were to “take turns”. One at the time. And there was to be an interpreter. In fact, Paul says if there is no interpreter HE IS TO KEEP SILENT!! That is nothing like the way people claim to do it today. I was at a church service a few years ago where a man just suddenly started speaking in tongues (he claimed). As if he had no control over it. It just “came upon “ him. And there was no interpreter so no one got anything out of what he said. It didn’t edify anyone. It didn’t teach anyone anything. Read your Bible, folks.
So what happened when you received it?
 
Jul 5, 2023
1,494
505
113
65
Colorado, USA
Look, it’s important to not get inflexible with this too much. The fact is, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate thing from salvation, however some people receive both at the same time with evidence of speaking in tongues. Peter and the other apostles received the Baptism of Holy Spirit in the upper room, yet there were saved before.
Acts 2:38. And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ESV

So what percentage did I get at salvation if I wasn't "filled" at that time? 10%? 50%? 80%?
 
Mar 4, 2024
865
196
43
You can check this out and see if I’m wrong. But in the New Testament there were only 2 times that the Holy Spirit was poured out MIRACULOUSLY on anyone. Once in Acts 2on the Jewish disciples (the 12) and again in Acts 10 on the gentiles, Cornelius and his house. Other people got it by the apostles laying their hands on them to give them spiritual gifts, and by being baptized in the name of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit was never given to “SAVE” anyone. It was a “sign”. In Acts 2, it was a sign from God that these men had the power of God and their message was from God. It was necessary for the Jews to believe this so they would listen to them. Also it got their attention.
In Acts 10, it was necessary to prove to the Jews that God “has granted to the gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:18
Acts 8 proves it was NOT FOR SALVATION.
VERSR 16-17 says that the Samaritans had received the word if God and had been baptized in the name of Jesus. They had already been saved when Peter and John came to them and gave them the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on them. So they received the Holy Spirit AFTER they were saved. No where in the New Testament does it say that the Holy Spirit ever saved anyone. That was NOT the reason it was given to people.
Also, except in the 2 cases where people got a miraculous “baptism” of the spirit, those who had the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, could CONTROL that gift. In other words the person had control over their gift. The “spiritual gift “ did not control them—they controlled the gift. Look at 1 Corinthians 14–this is the chapter on “SPIRITUAL GIFTS.”. Read verses 27-28. If someone wanted to speak in a tongue, they were to “take turns”. One at the time. And there was to be an interpreter. In fact, Paul says if there is no interpreter HE IS TO KEEP SILENT!! That is nothing like the way people claim to do it today. I was at a church service a few years ago where a man just suddenly started speaking in tongues (he claimed). As if he had no control over it. It just “came upon “ him. And there was no interpreter so no one got anything out of what he said. It didn’t edify anyone. It didn’t teach anyone anything. Read your Bible, folks.
First off this was many years ago and it changed my life, in a good way. I’m not sure why you feel the reason to YELL when you capitalized “HE IS TO KEEP SILENT!!” ? I’m amazed at persons who feel the need to yell on a forum. There was a reason the Pharisees reacted in ANGER to everything Jesus did. It was because they were old wineskins. Jesus was doing things that they just couldn’t comprehend or accept. So they eventually became ANGERED to the point of a murderous rage. They didn’t care if He was the son of God, they were in charge and they were gonna shut Him down quick.
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
646
91
28
Acts 2:38. And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ESV

So what percentage did I get at salvation if I wasn't "filled" at that time? 10%? 50%? 80%?
Please define "filled".
 
Mar 4, 2024
865
196
43
Acts 2:38. And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ESV

So what percentage did I get at salvation if I wasn't "filled" at that time? 10%? 50%? 80%?
Yep. It’s different than salvation. Yet this is the most important thing for a Christian. Without it, a Christian will be similar to Peter and all the disciples before they received the Holy Spirit.
 

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
812
278
63
Look, it’s important to not get inflexible with this too much. The fact is, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate thing from salvation, however some people receive both at the same time with evidence of speaking in tongues. Peter and the other apostles received the Baptism of Holy Spirit in the upper room, yet there were saved before.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not separate from salvation for receiving the Spirit is what does save us.

Receiving the Spirit is what it is all about and confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior, and having our sins forgiven is what causes us to receive the Spirit.

Jesus said we must be born of water and the Spirit to be able to enter heaven so the Spirit is needed for salvation.

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Peter and the other apostles received the Baptism of Holy Spirit in the upper room but they were not saved before.

Which is why Jesus told Peter when is converted to strengthen his brothers for Peter was not saved yet.

How can we have a spiritual relationship with God, and how can we be Christlike, and now can we be converted if we do not receive the Spirit.

Then receiving the Spirit is salvation for it is about receiving the Spirit to be saved and the forgiveness of sins, and Jesus' blood that washes away those sins allow us to receive the Spirit.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

If we do not have the Spirit then we do not belong to Christ so the Spirit must be for salvation.

Without the Spirit there is no salvation so you cannot be saved prior to receiving the Spirit.
 
Mar 4, 2024
865
196
43
You didn't answer my question.
My bad. I’m not sure %s and such.. All I know is that I was changed after I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And when I spoke the phrases that popped up in my mind it was a like a vehicle that released it. What else can I tell you. I was still saved before. Just my experience.
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,086
892
113
This is a thread for people who believe water baptism is required for salvation, if you aren't that type of person, then obviously you don't need to answer this question, as I know you will just say the man is saved, as water isnt required.

Hypothetical situations that are often brought up by people to argue against baptismal regeneration are:

1. What about someone who is ill, about to die, cries out to God, asks Jesus to save them, will they die lost because they didn't have enough time to get baptized?

2. What about someone who is on a stranded island and has no one to baptize him, dies there, will he die lost?

In my opinion both of these arguments deserve a proper response, which is why I am making this thread. Give me your case, you who believe baptism in water is required for salvation.

PS I hope this thread isnt gonna turn into 50 responses and 0 answers and everyone just saying "Its not required for salvation because of such and such." I get it, I know the arguments both ways, but im just asking our baptismal regeneration people here to answer these. Thank you for understanding.
1. No. You may be surprised who's up in heaven. Baptism does not save, it's a public announcement that declares one is saved.
2. If he confessed Jesus Christ as his personal savior, he's saved, heaven bound.
 
Mar 4, 2024
865
196
43
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not separate from salvation for receiving the Spirit is what does save us.

Receiving the Spirit is what it is all about and confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior, and having our sins forgiven is what causes us to receive the Spirit.

Jesus said we must be born of water and the Spirit to be able to enter heaven so the Spirit is needed for salvation.

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Peter and the other apostles received the Baptism of Holy Spirit in the upper room but they were not saved before.

Which is why Jesus told Peter when is converted to strengthen his brothers for Peter was not saved yet.

How can we have a spiritual relationship with God, and how can we be Christlike, and now can we be converted if we do not receive the Spirit.

Then receiving the Spirit is salvation for it is about receiving the Spirit to be saved and the forgiveness of sins, and Jesus' blood that washes away those sins allow us to receive the Spirit.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

If we do not have the Spirit then we do not belong to Christ so the Spirit must be for salvation.

Without the Spirit there is no salvation so you cannot be saved prior to receiving the Spirit.
John 6:44 says the Father draws someone to Jesus (“…No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:”) Most of us don’t know exactly how it all works, it just does. 😎
 
Mar 4, 2024
865
196
43
Does it really matter how it all works? The point is to get it and get busy with it - hearing God, obeying, and having an impact.
 
Jul 5, 2023
1,494
505
113
65
Colorado, USA
My bad. I’m not sure %s and such.. All I know is that I was changed after I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And when I spoke the phrases that popped up in my mind it was a like a vehicle that released it. What else can I tell you. I was still saved before. Just my experience.
The reason I ask is because suggesting here's some percentage is silly. You either receive the Holy Spirit or you don't.