Is baptism Essential for salvation?

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vic1980

Senior Member
Apr 25, 2013
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I always wonder about this ,if he knew Jesus or just met him at that moment, and if he was baptized hmm...

Luke 23:40

40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
 
Dec 25, 2012
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No baptism is not essential or required for salvation. It is something you do after accepting Christ as savior. Some religions such as the one I belonged to when I was young and came to Christ require baptism to join the church officially or be part of the choir or other groups. I can honestly say that when I did this, I had no spiritual connection with the act of baptism. It was a few months ago after studying what this step means and what it represents that I learned and was able to understand that it goes very deep into your decision to follow Christ. It is a step of obedience. It is a public display of your faith. But most importantly it represents our new life in Christ. It represents dying to our old way of life and being "re-born".

Someone I respect and look up in his walk with God shared this link with me not too long ago and it makes so much sense. I hope you all have a chance to look at it.

Damon Thompson on Water Baptism - YouTube



/youtu.be/CV3oT4YvT30
 

zone

Senior Member
Jun 13, 2010
27,214
164
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Absolutely not! We should be joyously willing to submit to water baptism. I have never denied that water baptism is proper.

And more than that, just as i spoke of my own water baptism, I said how beautiful and uniting the experience was in the river that day for the twelve of us.
okay....but what's it for? a celebration?
if we are still doing it, and it's proper - shouldn't the Bible tell us that?

what i mean is, where is it written to submit to water baptism?
is it written - that it's something to do for......what reason?

is it a tradition? take it or leave it sorta?
 
Mar 15, 2013
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okay....but what's it for? a celebration?
if we are still doing it, and it's proper - shouldn't the Bible tell us that?

what i mean is, where is it written to submit to water baptism?
is it written - that it's something to do for......what reason?

is it a tradition? take it or leave it sorta?
John's Baptism was the confession of sin's against the Old Law Covenant and it thus only is seen as entered by those under that Old Law Covenant. Whether they were natural Jew or as in the case of the Samaritans who were under that Old Law Covenant as Proselytes.

But the Baptism of Jesus was about remission of those sins, not that the baptism of Jesus by water itself caused the remission of those sins but that the expression of faith that such baptism actively showed began the benefit of Christ's ransom being applied to them. That is because, contrary to what most think, there must be a work of faith by love, and simply saying one believes does not constitute that.

And that is where we get into this word game with some seeing it in one way it can be correctly viewed, as a visible symbol of the dedication of that one's first faith to Christ but others mistaking that baptism itself as the saving factor as though Christ's sacrifice was not complete enough in and of itself.

That active work of faith by love gave immediate identification to the church as was then needed.
 
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tribesman

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
4,622
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I denounce all despise against water baptism. Christians and their children should be baptized in water. Period. Water baptism holds all the promises the Word of God says it does. It's only unbelief, error and heresy to deny this. Amen.
 

zone

Senior Member
Jun 13, 2010
27,214
164
63
I denounce all despise against water baptism. Christians and their children should be baptized in water. Period. Water baptism holds all the promises the Word of God says it does. It's only unbelief, error and heresy to deny this. Amen.
well, i think i'll click like on that.
enough is enough, ya?

amen.
 
Mar 15, 2013
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I denounce all despise against water baptism. Christians and their children should be baptized in water. Period. Water baptism holds all the promises the Word of God says it does. It's only unbelief, error and heresy to deny this. Amen.
That works. When it comes to a subject like as this one all that matters is the working expression of faith.

Galatians 5:6 "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."

Rationally we see where the actual power for saving comes, not through faith in that baptism but through faith in Christ's ransom.

Do we miss understanding that by emotional faith diverted as in that power being that baptism instead of directly in Christ's ransom?
 
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1still_waters

Guest
I'm a broken record. But with verse like below, how can people hopscotch over baptism so easily, or take it so lightly?


1 Peter 3:21
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:


He also said...


Acts 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.
 

zone

Senior Member
Jun 13, 2010
27,214
164
63
I'm a broken record. But with verse like below, how can people hopscotch over baptism so easily, or take it so lightly?


1 Peter 3:21
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:


He also said...


Acts 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.
we have evidence that Jesus saved without baptism - the thief.
i don't think anyone is saying he would reject someone who was hindered.

but i agree Still....the taking it lightly?
no...can't do.
 
Mar 15, 2013
1,245
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I'm a broken record. But with verse like below, how can people hopscotch over baptism so easily, or take it so lightly?


1 Peter 3:21
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:


He also said...


Acts 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.
There is no doubt that some do, as you said, hopscotch around understanding what baptism really is, even as some use baptism to hopscotch around that the death of Christ is what gives us our clean conscience when we commit to having any kind of godly approved active expression of faith in that ransom.

Who would give you anything to diminish that with?

Was baptism the head of the serpent pole raised in the wilderness, or was that a picture of faith directly in Christ?

No one is saying baptism in water is not proper and serves a purpose. But flat out, is it that baptism which saves you or can any manner of godly approved active expressions of faith directly in Christ's ransom also save you?

Do you really dare to say that faith must be in that baptism and not directly in Christ's ransom? Are you not putting your doctrines ahead of the truth concerning Christ when you do that?
 
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1still_waters

Guest
we have evidence that Jesus saved without baptism - the thief.
i don't think anyone is saying he would reject someone who was hindered.

but i agree Still....the taking it lightly?
no...can't do.

Maybe....

luke 23
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed




john 19

34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.

Jesus died before they did.
What if some of that water hit the thief?
 
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1still_waters

Guest
Do you really dare to say that faith must be in that baptism and not directly in Christ's ransom? Are you not putting your doctrines ahead of the truth concerning Christ when you do that?
Im just quotin Bible

these are not MY doctrine





1 Peter 3:21
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:


Acts 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.


These are two potent verses to reckon with. They are so easily dismissed by many.
 
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J

jody50

Guest
There is no doubt that some do, as you said, hopscotch around understanding what baptism really is, even as some use baptism to hopscotch around that the death of Christ is what gives us our clean conscience when we commit to having any kind of godly approved active expression of faith in that ransom.

Who would give you anything to diminish that with?

Was baptism the head of the serpent pole raised in the wilderness, or was that a picture of faith directly in Christ?

No one is saying baptism in water is not proper and serves a purpose. But flat out, is it that baptism which saves you or can any manner of godly approved active expressions of faith directly in Christ's ransom also save you?

Do you really dare to say that faith must be in that baptism and not directly in Christ's ransom? Are you not putting your doctrines ahead of the truth concerning Christ when you do that?
No one that I know of states that we are to have faith in baptism. We have faith in Christ as our Lord and Saviour and Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized is saved...." Mk. 16:16. He did not say he that believeth is saved and then is baptized to show that he is saved. It is not all that complicated. No one is saved by faith only, repentance only, confession only or baptism only. It takes all that Christ and the Holy Spirit through the apostles taught that puts us into Christ. Outside of Christ there are no spiritual blessings.
 
Mar 15, 2013
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Im just quotin Bible

these are not MY doctrine





1 Peter 3:21
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:


Acts 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.


These are two potent verses to reckon with. They are so easily dismissed by many.
But you are confusing that at 1 Peter 3:21 to be water baptism when it is not. That idea does not match the parallel with Noah's Ark and that flood.

Please listen as I explain how that parallel works:

Noah and seven others were transported in the Ark as risen above by water of a world which was perishing.

Parallel: Isaiah 57:20 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

Jesus arranged things to demonstrate how by faith in him we can rise to walk safely on the surface of even turbulent water, again to those who have spiritual discernment a picture of rising above this perishing world to safety through faith in Christ:

Matthew 14:22 "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Jesus' body compares to that Ark Noah built. When we become a part of the body of Christ (his church) it is as being inside that Ark that Noah built being carried over the top of the turbulent waters of wicked mankind. And we can only enter Christ's body (his true church) through an active faith which fears not to step out and walk as does Christ, even as Jesus used Peter there at Matthew 14 to demonstrate, making it no surprise why peter would be the one to write as he did at 1 Peter 3:21.

I will stop there for a time so you can ponder that tid-bit.
 
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1still_waters

Guest
But you are confusing that at 1 Peter 3:21 to be water baptism when it is not. That idea does not match the parallel with Noah's Ark and that flood.

Please listen as I explain how that parallel works:

Noah and seven others were transported in the Ark as risen above by water of a world which was perishing.

Parallel: Isaiah 57:20 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

Jesus arranged things to demonstrate how by faith in him we can rise to walk safely on the surface of even turbulent water, again to those who have spiritual discernment a picture of rising above this perishing world to safety through faith in Christ:

Matthew 14:22 "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Jesus' body compares to that Ark Noah built. When we become a part of the body of Christ (his church) it is as being inside that Ark that Noah built being carried over the top of the turbulent waters of wicked mankind. And we can only enter Christ's body (his true church) through an active faith which fears not to step out and walk as does Christ, even as Jesus used Peter there at Matthew 14 to demonstrate, making it no surprise why peter would be the one to write as he did at 1 Peter 3:21.

I will stop there for a time so you can ponder that tid-bit.
Well that's some clever finagling of other verses.
But the immediate context mentions water, and then the word baptism.

I reckon you can impose some outside verses that really aren't germane to the verses in 1 Peter 3, to make it say something else.

But the immediate context mentions water and baptism, so I'm just gonna take it as applying to water and baptism.

But I'll store your thinkin in my thinkin for a bit n see if it clicks.
 
1

1still_waters

Guest
But you are confusing that at 1 Peter 3:21 to be water baptism when it is not. That idea does not match the parallel with Noah's Ark and that flood.

Please listen as I explain how that parallel works:

Noah and seven others were transported in the Ark as risen above by water of a world which was perishing.

Parallel: Isaiah 57:20 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

Jesus arranged things to demonstrate how by faith in him we can rise to walk safely on the surface of even turbulent water, again to those who have spiritual discernment a picture of rising above this perishing world to safety through faith in Christ:

Matthew 14:22 "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Jesus' body compares to that Ark Noah built. When we become a part of the body of Christ (his church) it is as being inside that Ark that Noah built being carried over the top of the turbulent waters of wicked mankind. And we can only enter Christ's body (his true church) through an active faith which fears not to step out and walk as does Christ, even as Jesus used Peter there at Matthew 14 to demonstrate, making it no surprise why peter would be the one to write as he did at 1 Peter 3:21.

I will stop there for a time so you can ponder that tid-bit.
I read it again just to give you another chance.

Imposing Isaiah 57:20 and Matthew 14:22 upon 1 Peter 3 really, and I mean really stretches the meaning of the text. I really don't see those two as being germane to the intent of 1 Peter 3.

To me the two portions you impose on this portion of scripture really distorts it into something else.

Now if you can prove your point by only using the parallel imagery of Noah's ark, I can accept that, seeing that scripture was given in relation to 1 Peter 3 by Peter himself. Peter doesn't impose Isaiah 57 or Matthew 14 upon the text, and since those texts don't really relate to the topic, it's a stretch for you to impose them upon 1 Peter 3, in my humble opinion.
 
Mar 15, 2013
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I read it again just to give you another chance.

Imposing Isaiah 57:20 and Matthew 14:22 upon 1 Peter 3 really, and I mean really stretches the meaning of the text. I really don't see those two as being germane to the intent of 1 Peter 3.

To me the two portions you impose on this portion of scripture really distorts it into something else.

Now if you can prove your point by only using the parallel imagery of Noah's ark, I can accept that, seeing that scripture was given in relation to 1 Peter 3 by Peter himself. Peter doesn't impose Isaiah 57 or Matthew 14 upon the text, and since those texts don't really relate to the topic, it's a stretch for you to impose them upon 1 Peter 3, in my humble opinion.
I need no chance but the spirit on the word upon which i feed. It is that spirit which fills me.

I am sorry that you don't see but then that is as it will be for some.

It is there spoken for you if you should at anytime soften your heart and allow yourself to begin to understand spiritual things.

And that is because God loves you and so do I. :)

Be in peace if you are satisfied.