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Paul was not teaching that baptism was not required but that it was not important "who baptized them" but that they were and why, it is the spiritual aspect that saves, not the physical water or the baptiser...
Is water and a baptiser required? Yes, that's how one is baptized, but they have nothing to do with the spiritual death, burial and resurrection representation and the spiritual coming in contact with the life cleansing blood of our Lord and savior that requires belief
Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit of God, symbolized by water. Living streams of water...
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their
shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Rev 7:16-17
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of
his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38
his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty
again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never
be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him
a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13b-14
again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never
be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him
a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13b-14
And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the
spring of the water of life without payment." Rev 21:6
the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the
spring of the water of life without payment." Rev 21:6
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say,
“Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who
desires take the water of life without price. Rev 22:17
“Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who
desires take the water of life without price. Rev 22:17
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isa 12:3
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as
crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb Rev 22:1
crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb Rev 22:1
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood
and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come
to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has
said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who
believed in him were later to receive. John 7:37-39a
and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come
to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has
said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who
believed in him were later to receive. John 7:37-39a
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their
shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Rev 7:16-17
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is
that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked
him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10
that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked
him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10
Yes, it is required to be baptized in water because the scriptures say so. As Christian, we don't choose some of the scriptures and do it and ignore the others. No, we don't do that. We do the Word and what it says.
-The LORD sent Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch to tell him about JESUS CHRIST and to baptized him. And he believed and was baptized by Philip (Act 8:26-40).
-The LORD sent Apostle Peter to the Centurion called Cornelius and Peter preach the Good News to him and baptized him with his household (Act 10:1-48).
-Finally JESUS CHRIST our LORD said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).
If anyone say he/she believe in JESUS CHRIST and he/she is aware of baptism and refused to be baptized then that person has not truly believe. He/she is deceiving him/herself.
As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches through careful consideration of the language and context of the verse. We also filter it through what we know the Bible teaches elsewhere on the subject. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation is a faulty interpretation. For more information, please visit our webpage "Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?"
Regarding Mark 16:16, it is important to remember that there are some textual problems with Mark chapter 16, verses 9-20. There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.
Assuming that verse 16 is original to Mark, does it teach that baptism is required for salvation? The short answer is, no, it does not. In order to make it teach that baptism is required for salvation, one must go beyond what the verse actually says. What this verse does teach is that belief is necessary for salvation, which is consistent with the countless verses where only belief is mentioned (e.g., John 3:18; John 5:24; John 12:44; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13).
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). This verse is composed of two basic statements. 1—He who believes and is baptized will be saved. 2—He who does not believe will be condemned.
While this verse tells us something about believers who have been baptized (they are saved), it does not say anything about believers who have not been baptized. In order for this verse to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, a third statement would be necessary, viz., “He who believes and is not baptized will be condemned” or “He who is not baptized will be condemned.” But, of course, neither of these statements is found in the verse.
Those who try to use Mark 16:16 to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation commit a common but serious mistake that is sometimes called the Negative Inference Fallacy. This is the rule to follow: “If a statement is true, we cannot assume that all negations (or opposites) of that statement are also true." For example, the statement “a dog with brown spots is an animal” is true; however, the negative, “if a dog does not have brown spots, it is not an animal” is false. In the same way, “he who believes and is baptized will be saved” is true; however, the statement “he who believes but is not baptized will not be saved” is an unwarranted assumption. Yet this is exactly the assumption made by those who support baptismal regeneration.
Consider this example: "Whoever believes and lives in Kansas will be saved, but those that do not believe are condemned." This statement is strictly true; Kansans who believe in Jesus will be saved. However, to say that only those believers who live in Kansas are saved is an illogical and false assumption. The statement does not say a believer must live in Kansas in order to go to heaven. Similarly, Mark 16:16 does not say a believer must be baptized. The verse states a fact about baptized believers (they will be saved), but it says exactly nothing about believers who have not been baptized. There may be believers who do not dwell in Kansas, yet they are still saved; and there may be believers who have not been baptized, yet they, too, are still saved.
The one specific condition required for salvation is stated in the second part of Mark 16:16: “Whoever does not believe will be condemned.” In essence, Jesus has given both the positive condition of belief (whoever believes will be saved) and the negative condition of unbelief (whoever does not believe will be condemned). Therefore, we can say with absolute certainty that belief is the requirement for salvation. More importantly, we see this condition restated positively and negatively throughout Scripture (John 3:16; John 3:18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:53-54; John 8:24; Acts 16:31).
Jesus mentions a condition related to salvation (baptism) in Mark 16:16. But a related condition should not be confused with a requirement. For example, having a fever is related to being ill, but a fever is not required for illness to be present. Nowhere in the Bible do we find a statement such as “whoever is not baptized will be condemned.” Therefore, we cannot say that baptism is necessary for salvation based on Mark 16:16 or any other verse.
Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? No, it does not. It clearly establishes that belief is required for salvation, but it does not prove or disprove the idea of baptism being a requirement. How can we know, then, if one must be baptized in order to be saved? We must look to the full counsel of God’s Word. Here is a summary of the evidence:
1—The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith alone. Abraham was saved by faith, and we are saved by faith (Romans 4:1-25; Galatians 3:6-22).
2—Throughout the Bible, in every dispensation, people have been saved without being baptized. Every believer in the Old Testament (e.g., Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon) was saved but not baptized. The thief on the cross was saved but not baptized. Cornelius was saved before he was baptized (Acts 10:44-46).
3—Baptism is a testimony of our faith and a public declaration that we believe in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures tell us that we have eternal life the moment we believe (John 5:24), and belief always comes before being baptized. Baptism does not save us any more than walking an aisle or saying a prayer saves us. We are saved when we believe.
4—The Bible never says that if one is not baptized then he is not saved.
5—If baptism were required for salvation, then no one could be saved without another party being present. Someone must be there to baptize a person before he can be saved. This effectively limits who can be saved and when he can be saved. The consequences of this doctrine, when carried to a logical conclusion, are devastating. For example, a soldier who believes on the battlefield but is killed before he can be baptized would go to hell.
6—Throughout the Bible we see that at the point of faith a believer possesses all the promises and blessings of salvation (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 16:31). When one believes, he has eternal life, does not come under judgment, and has passed from death into life (John 5:24)—all before he or she is baptized.
If you believe in baptismal regeneration, you would do well to prayerfully consider whom or what you are really putting your trust in. Is your faith in a physical act (being baptized) or in the finished work of Christ on the cross? Whom or what are you trusting for salvation? Is it the shadow (baptism) or the substance (Jesus Christ)? Our faith must rest in Christ alone. “We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Mark-16-16.html
Regarding Mark 16:16, it is important to remember that there are some textual problems with Mark chapter 16, verses 9-20. There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.
Assuming that verse 16 is original to Mark, does it teach that baptism is required for salvation? The short answer is, no, it does not. In order to make it teach that baptism is required for salvation, one must go beyond what the verse actually says. What this verse does teach is that belief is necessary for salvation, which is consistent with the countless verses where only belief is mentioned (e.g., John 3:18; John 5:24; John 12:44; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13).
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). This verse is composed of two basic statements. 1—He who believes and is baptized will be saved. 2—He who does not believe will be condemned.
While this verse tells us something about believers who have been baptized (they are saved), it does not say anything about believers who have not been baptized. In order for this verse to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, a third statement would be necessary, viz., “He who believes and is not baptized will be condemned” or “He who is not baptized will be condemned.” But, of course, neither of these statements is found in the verse.
Those who try to use Mark 16:16 to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation commit a common but serious mistake that is sometimes called the Negative Inference Fallacy. This is the rule to follow: “If a statement is true, we cannot assume that all negations (or opposites) of that statement are also true." For example, the statement “a dog with brown spots is an animal” is true; however, the negative, “if a dog does not have brown spots, it is not an animal” is false. In the same way, “he who believes and is baptized will be saved” is true; however, the statement “he who believes but is not baptized will not be saved” is an unwarranted assumption. Yet this is exactly the assumption made by those who support baptismal regeneration.
Consider this example: "Whoever believes and lives in Kansas will be saved, but those that do not believe are condemned." This statement is strictly true; Kansans who believe in Jesus will be saved. However, to say that only those believers who live in Kansas are saved is an illogical and false assumption. The statement does not say a believer must live in Kansas in order to go to heaven. Similarly, Mark 16:16 does not say a believer must be baptized. The verse states a fact about baptized believers (they will be saved), but it says exactly nothing about believers who have not been baptized. There may be believers who do not dwell in Kansas, yet they are still saved; and there may be believers who have not been baptized, yet they, too, are still saved.
The one specific condition required for salvation is stated in the second part of Mark 16:16: “Whoever does not believe will be condemned.” In essence, Jesus has given both the positive condition of belief (whoever believes will be saved) and the negative condition of unbelief (whoever does not believe will be condemned). Therefore, we can say with absolute certainty that belief is the requirement for salvation. More importantly, we see this condition restated positively and negatively throughout Scripture (John 3:16; John 3:18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:53-54; John 8:24; Acts 16:31).
Jesus mentions a condition related to salvation (baptism) in Mark 16:16. But a related condition should not be confused with a requirement. For example, having a fever is related to being ill, but a fever is not required for illness to be present. Nowhere in the Bible do we find a statement such as “whoever is not baptized will be condemned.” Therefore, we cannot say that baptism is necessary for salvation based on Mark 16:16 or any other verse.
Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? No, it does not. It clearly establishes that belief is required for salvation, but it does not prove or disprove the idea of baptism being a requirement. How can we know, then, if one must be baptized in order to be saved? We must look to the full counsel of God’s Word. Here is a summary of the evidence:
1—The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith alone. Abraham was saved by faith, and we are saved by faith (Romans 4:1-25; Galatians 3:6-22).
2—Throughout the Bible, in every dispensation, people have been saved without being baptized. Every believer in the Old Testament (e.g., Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon) was saved but not baptized. The thief on the cross was saved but not baptized. Cornelius was saved before he was baptized (Acts 10:44-46).
3—Baptism is a testimony of our faith and a public declaration that we believe in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures tell us that we have eternal life the moment we believe (John 5:24), and belief always comes before being baptized. Baptism does not save us any more than walking an aisle or saying a prayer saves us. We are saved when we believe.
4—The Bible never says that if one is not baptized then he is not saved.
5—If baptism were required for salvation, then no one could be saved without another party being present. Someone must be there to baptize a person before he can be saved. This effectively limits who can be saved and when he can be saved. The consequences of this doctrine, when carried to a logical conclusion, are devastating. For example, a soldier who believes on the battlefield but is killed before he can be baptized would go to hell.
6—Throughout the Bible we see that at the point of faith a believer possesses all the promises and blessings of salvation (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 16:31). When one believes, he has eternal life, does not come under judgment, and has passed from death into life (John 5:24)—all before he or she is baptized.
If you believe in baptismal regeneration, you would do well to prayerfully consider whom or what you are really putting your trust in. Is your faith in a physical act (being baptized) or in the finished work of Christ on the cross? Whom or what are you trusting for salvation? Is it the shadow (baptism) or the substance (Jesus Christ)? Our faith must rest in Christ alone. “We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Mark-16-16.html
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Let me make an analogy since so many folk want to point out the fact that Jesus did not say "he that believeth not and is baptized not shall be damned."
If we are outside of a football stadium and I say "He that buys a ticket and goes through the doors can see the game; but he that doesn't buy a ticket is going home." Does that mean you can buy a ticket, but not go through the door and still see the game? Obviously not. If you don't go through the door also, you wont see the game. But guess what, if you don't buy a ticket, it is obvious that you won't get through the door. So I don't need to specifically say "he that doesn't buy a ticket, and doesn't go through the door wont see the game. It is obviously implied because before you can go through the door, you have to have a ticket.
People who don't believe in Jesus don't get baptized. That's obvious. Just like we don't believe in Buddah, so we don't follow any of his practices. But people who truly believe Jesus will obey his teachings. Simple as that.
I find it funny that the same folks that argue against Mark 16:16 are normally the same folks that use John 3:16 and say all you need to do to be saved is believe. Well John 3:16 does NOT say whosoever believeth on him SHALL not perish, it says whosoever believeth on him SHOULD not perish. If you really believe on him, you should obey his words. Otherwise, he is not your Lord. Those aren't my words, the are Jesus' words.
Luke 6:46 - And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Let me make an analogy since so many folk want to point out the fact that Jesus did not say "he that believeth not and is baptized not shall be damned."
If we are outside of a football stadium and I say "He that buys a ticket and goes through the doors can see the game; but he that doesn't buy a ticket is going home." Does that mean you can buy a ticket, but not go through the door and still see the game? Obviously not. If you don't go through the door also, you wont see the game. But guess what, if you don't buy a ticket, it is obvious that you won't get through the door. So I don't need to specifically say "he that doesn't buy a ticket, and doesn't go through the door wont see the game. It is obviously implied because before you can go through the door, you have to have a ticket.
People who don't believe in Jesus don't get baptized. That's obvious. Just like we don't believe in Buddah, so we don't follow any of his practices. But people who truly believe Jesus will obey his teachings. Simple as that.
I find it funny that the same folks that argue against Mark 16:16 are normally the same folks that use John 3:16 and say all you need to do to be saved is believe. Well John 3:16 does NOT say whosoever believeth on him SHALL not perish, it says whosoever believeth on him SHOULD not perish. If you really believe on him, you should obey his words. Otherwise, he is not your Lord. Those aren't my words, the are Jesus' words.
Luke 6:46 - And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
I did not say you were slandering. I said you were attempting to. There is a difference, you know, and since you jumped onto a completely different issue and pretended it somehow had something to do with my post, it was a decided attempt to discredit me. Deny it all you like; I see through such underhanded tactics.
You are correct that Paul was addressing their emphasis on "who" baptized them. So he was not addressing whether or not baptism was required as you claimed in the earlier post, he was addressing their focus on "who" did the baptizing.
Hmmm... Interesting
So then one can believe on Jesus, decide not to get baptized(which would be disobedience), and yet they are still saved and will still make it into heaven? Even though Jesus said don't call me Lord if you don't do what I tell you to do?
Hmmm... Interesting
So then one can believe on Jesus, decide not to get baptized(which would be disobedience), and yet they are still saved and will still make it into heaven? Even though Jesus said don't call me Lord if you don't do what I tell you to do?
I wonder what sins were causing Paul to be disobedient when he wrote: "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do". Romans 7:19 Which sin is not considered disobedient? Are there any? Did Paul make it to heaven?
A child of God would want to be obedient regarding baptism and all other commands, however if he will not obey, just as we chasten our children who fall into disobedience, Christ will chasten us.
A child of God would want to be obedient regarding baptism and all other commands, however if he will not obey, just as we chasten our children who fall into disobedience, Christ will chasten us.
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Those who believe and are saved have already repented in the process of changing their mind and choosing to believe in Him, so your argument won't work. If you believe, then you already repented and if you truly repented, then you believe. Two sides to the same coin. If you don't repent and believe the gospel before you die (whether or not you have been water baptized) you are condemned.
Just what it says.
You are the master of IRONY.
NOWHERE does the Bible say that "whoever is not water baptized will be condemned" and you can't show me otherwise.
John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Just what it says.
You are the master of IRONY.
NOWHERE does the Bible say that "whoever is not water baptized will be condemned" and you can't show me otherwise.
John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned. The omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely essential to salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief, not on a lack of baptism. So salvation rests on belief. *NOWHERE does the Bible say "baptized or condemned."
If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then why did Jesus not mention it in the following verses? (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26). What is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements? BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.
If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then why did Jesus not mention it in the following verses? (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26). What is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements? BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.
