The Error is Baptism in Jesus name only for salvation

[JimiSurvivor]

The thief was forgiven by Christ as he forgave others while alive, under the OT! Baptism wasn't a requirement of salvation until Christ died, at which poitgd NT began. Read Hebrews 9:16-17
16For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the DEATH of the testator. 17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. It's a false argument trying to relate the thief on the cross with baptism.

You are right about the New Covenant not being in effect until AFTER Christ had died. What John preached was intended to clear the way for that which would soon come to pass. God had revealed to John, that during his time, the Messiah would appear personally and announce to all people"here I am" and that He Himself would be the embodiment of the Kingdom:

6Therefore My people WILL KNOW My NAME; therefore they will know ON THAT DAY that I am He who speaks. ...Here I am!”
7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:6-7)

The way to enter into the Messiah's Kingdom would be by believing in Him which meant repenting of our sins and surrendering our lives to Him personally. Could people who trusted in the Messiah before be saved even before He appeared and completed His work on the cross? Apparently so, otherwise the Bible would not have said
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5; Matthew 9:6, Luke 5;20).

Included in this, was the command to enter into covenant with the King by being water baptized. While the water itself does not sanctify us following through with this is an ACT OF OBEDIENCE to the gospel. The bottom line is that is the express the will of God for all who would be His.

At the same time we do not seem to want to go into the waters. At least, when I came to Christ, I REALLY did not want to confess Him before men. Walking to the front of the Church felt like walking against a powerful wind. Each step of that journey seemed to be death to who I was. After that, the Holy Spirit gave me another command- be baptized. This was just as hard. When I was about to go into the Baptismal water I began to feel something else - my heart melting in His love. He had wanted me to go through that not to humiliate me but to separate me from the things that would have killed me. Forgiveness swept all pollution away and united me to Him.

 

[DJT_47]

You are right about the New Covenant not being in effect until AFTER Christ had died. What John preached was intended to clear the way for that which would soon come to pass. God had revealed to John, that during his time, the Messiah would appear personally and announce to all people"here I am" and that He Himself would be the embodiment of the Kingdom:

6Therefore My people WILL KNOW My NAME; therefore they will know ON THAT DAY that I am He who speaks. ...Here I am!”
7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:6-7)

The way to enter into the Messiah's Kingdom would be by believing in Him which meant repenting of our sins and surrendering our lives to Him personally. Could people who trusted in the Messiah before be saved even before He appeared and completed His work on the cross? Apparently so, otherwise the Bible would not have said
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5; Matthew 9:6, Luke 5;20).

Included in this, was the command to enter into covenant with the King by being water baptized. While the water itself does not sanctify us following through with this is an ACT OF OBEDIENCE to the gospel. The bottom line is that is the express the will of God for all who would be His.

At the same time we do not seem to want to go into the waters. At least, when I came to Christ, I REALLY did not want to confess Him before men. Walking to the front of the Church felt like walking against a powerful wind. Each step of that journey seemed to be death to who I was. After that, the Holy Spirit gave me another command- be baptized. This was just as hard. When I was about to go into the Baptismal water I began to feel something else - my heart melting in His love. He had wanted me to go through that not to humiliate me but to separate me from the things that would have killed me. Forgiveness swept all pollution away and united me to Him.

Another thing to keep in mind regarding the difference between John's baptism and baptism into Christ (NT post his death) is that John's baptism was not based upon belief in Christ; simply, it was "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk1:4). The NT baptism is preceded by belief in Jesus as the Christ, and still "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk 1:4), but upon belief in Christ and baptism into the body of Christ, unlike John's baptism, and confession of belief in Christ as did the Ethiopian eunuch do, which is also consistent with Romans 10:9-10.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Another thing to keep in mind regarding the difference between John's baptism and baptism into Christ (NT post his death) is that John's baptism was not based upon belief in Christ; simply, it was "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk1:4). The NT baptism is preceded by belief in Jesus as the Christ, and still "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk 1:4), but upon belief in Christ and baptism into the body of Christ, unlike John's baptism, and confession of belief in Christ as did the Ethiopian eunuch do, which is also consistent with Romans 10:9-10.

John was preaching faith in Christ as he baptized .

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:4-5‬ ‭

Is this apostle performing the right baptism

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 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? 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. 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. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭20:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John was really the first new testament wot was of Jesus Christ even before Jesus was made known to the masses John was preach I g faith in him for remission of sins based on all the ot prophecies about his death and resurrection and remission of sins


“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Which shall prepare thy way before thee. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:1-2, 4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It took me years to do a study of what John actually taught in his ministry . To my surprise there was alot that he actually taught and mostly it was about Jesus and repentance some powerful stuff really like this

“He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life;

but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:31-36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

pretty much a core message of the gospel

“but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20:31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[JimiSurvivor]

Another thing to keep in mind regarding the difference between John's baptism and baptism into Christ (NT post his death) is that John's baptism was not based upon belief in Christ; simply, it was "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk1:4). The NT baptism is preceded by belief in Jesus as the Christ, and still "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk 1:4), but upon belief in Christ and baptism into the body of Christ, unlike John's baptism, and confession of belief in Christ as did the Ethiopian eunuch do, which is also consistent with Romans 10:9-10.

I beg to differ with what I think you were saying when you posted this. John the Baptist's message, in addition to being a call to repentance, included a call to BELIEVE in the One who would come after him
As Paul himself said:"…3“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. 4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.…
(Acts 19:4)

 

[DJT_47]

I beg to differ with what I think you were saying when you posted this. John the Baptist's message, in addition to being a call to repentance, included a call to BELIEVE in the One who would come after him
As Paul himself said:"…3“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. 4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.…
(Acts 19:4)

Except that John didn't know Jesus was the Christ when he began baptizing people. Yes, that they should believe on someone else that would come after, but the baptism wasn't predicated upon that. It wasn't based on belief kn the name and authority of Jesus as the Christ, unlike the gospel message preached afterwards such ascto the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, which was specifically addressing Jesus Christ and belief in him, which the Ethiopian eunuch's confession clearly did.

 

[DeanM]

Except that John didn't know Jesus was the Christ when he began baptizing people. Yes, that they should believe on someone else that would come after, but the baptism wasn't predicated upon that. It wasn't based on belief kn the name and authority of Jesus as the Christ, unlike the gospel message preached afterwards such ascto the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, which was specifically addressing Jesus Christ and belief in him, which the Ethiopian eunuch's confession clearly did.

John knew who Jesus was. He lept with joy while in the womb when pregnant Mary came to visit Elizabeth.

 

[DJT_47]

John knew who Jesus was. He lept with joy while in the womb when pregnant Mary came to visit Elizabeth.

John 1

29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Luke 7

18And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

 

[LightBearer316]

Maybe they read this verse ?

Of course many might insist Paul is wrong but it’s really straight forward

“be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You won’t find another name in the nt anyone was baptized into , anyone prayed in , or did anything in other than the name of Jesus

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

you know how your saying three persons ? The whole trinity is in one person , jesus christ

“For in him ( Jesus ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God is one and there’s one name

Brother, amen — every verse you shared rightly exalts the name and authority of Jesus Christ. But those same Scriptures also show that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each act personally in our salvation.

• Acts 4:12 — Salvation is in the name of Jesus because the Father saves through the Son by the Spirit’s power (Acts 10:38).
• Phil 2:9–11 — The Father exalts the Son and gives Him “the name above every name,” showing distinction, not collapse, between the two.
• Col 2:9 — “All the fulness of the Godhead” dwells in Christ, proving He is fully God, yet Col 3:17 still speaks of “God and the Father by Him.”

And while baptism is commanded, it is symbolic only — a public sign of the cleansing and new life already received through faith in Christ’s finished work. The water doesn’t save; it testifies that Christ already has.


So yes — one God, but revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The name of Jesus is supreme because He perfectly reveals the triune God, not because He replaces the Father or the Spirit.

 

[LightBearer316]

John was preaching faith in Christ as he baptized .

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:4-5‬ ‭

Is this apostle performing the right baptism

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 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? 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. 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. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭20:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John was really the first new testament wot was of Jesus Christ even before Jesus was made known to the masses John was preach I g faith in him for remission of sins based on all the ot prophecies about his death and resurrection and remission of sins


“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Which shall prepare thy way before thee. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:1-2, 4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It took me years to do a study of what John actually taught in his ministry . To my surprise there was alot that he actually taught and mostly it was about Jesus and repentance some powerful stuff really like this

“He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life;

but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:31-36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

pretty much a core message of the gospel

“but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20:31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John’s Baptism

• From God (Luke 20:4 KJV) — a divine bridge preparing people for Christ.
• He preached repentance and faith in the coming Messiah (Acts 19:4 KJV; John 1:6-9).
• His message was already gospel-centered: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36 KJV).

Apostolic Baptism

• After the cross and resurrection, baptism identified believers with the risen Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).
• The order became: faith first, then baptism (Acts 8:35-39 KJV).
• Paul re-baptized John’s disciples in Jesus’ name (Acts 19:4-5), showing the fulfillment of John’s message.

In short:
John’s baptism pointed forward to Christ; the apostles’ baptism looked back to His finished work — same gospel, different stage in God’s plan.

 

[Believer08]

it is symbolic only — a public sign of the cleansing and new life already received through faith in Christ’s finished work. The water doesn’t save; it testifies that Christ already has.

It is NOT symbolic only. And no Christian believes water saves. We believe Jesus, mercy, grace, His blood, sacrifice and resurrection, His gospel etc etc all save. But how does one respond to receive the benefits that have been freely given? Acts 2:37-38!!

 

[LightBearer316]

It is NOT symbolic only. And no Christian believes water saves. We believe Jesus, mercy, grace, His blood, sacrifice and resurrection, His gospel etc etc all save. But how does one respond to receive the benefits that have been freely given? Acts 2:37-38!!

Brother, I appreciate your sincerity — we both agree salvation is entirely by Jesus: His blood, His mercy, His resurrection, and His finished work on the cross. Where we differ is in how those benefits are applied.

Acts 2:38 must be read in the full context of Scripture, not in isolation.
Peter was addressing Israel, the same people who had just rejected their Messiah (Acts 2:36). Their repentance meant turning from unbelief in Christ to faith in Him. The call to baptism was a public identification with the very Christ they had denied.

The water itself wasn’t what remitted sins — Christ’s blood was.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” — Ephesians 1:7 KJV​

We know this because later, Peter preached to Gentiles (Acts 10:43-47 KJV):

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”​

The Holy Ghost fell on them before they were baptized (v. 44-47).
That sequence shows the remission came through faith, not through water. Baptism followed as testimony — just as Romans 6:4 KJV describes it:

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”​

So yes — baptism is commanded, beautiful, and vital for obedience.
But it’s symbolic of salvation already received, not the mechanism that produces it.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 KJV​

​

Grace and Peace​

 

[DJT_47]

Brother, amen — every verse you shared rightly exalts the name and authority of Jesus Christ. But those same Scriptures also show that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each act personally in our salvation.

• Acts 4:12 — Salvation is in the name of Jesus because the Father saves through the Son by the Spirit’s power (Acts 10:38).
• Phil 2:9–11 — The Father exalts the Son and gives Him “the name above every name,” showing distinction, not collapse, between the two.
• Col 2:9 — “All the fulness of the Godhead” dwells in Christ, proving He is fully God, yet Col 3:17 still speaks of “God and the Father by Him.”

And while baptism is commanded, it is symbolic only — a public sign of the cleansing and new life already received through faith in Christ’s finished work. The water doesn’t save; it testifies that Christ already has.


So yes — one God, but revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The name of Jesus is supreme because He perfectly reveals the triune God, not because He replaces the Father or the Spirit.

Just for clarity, and since scripture can't and doesn't contradict or supersede scripture, both must be correct; in the name of Jesus Christ and in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. So, if they both are right, how so? It's simple: both mean by the authority of. No different than if one were to say today by the authority of the king, or queen, etc without stating the person's authoritative name, like king Charles . You'll find if you look closely at scripture, no one actually said either when people were baptized. The baptizer simply asked the one desiring to be baptized if they believed, such as in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, and a confession of belief was made by the person about to be baptized. In Acts 2:38, Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and 3000 were baptized. Was there any record of those baptizing actually saying something for each of the 3000 prior to their immersion? No. Would it have been likely? I doubt it. And if a baptiser said the wrong thing, like using one phrase in preference of the other, would the baptism be invalid? The important thing is that the one being baptized confess his/her belief in Jesus Christ, not what a baptiser says or doesn't say. And need a baptiser say anything? No biblical record of any baptiser saying anything just prior to an actual immersion. To be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is simply being baptized by authority thereof. Those baptized by John made no confession of belief in Christ, nor did John say anything other than to repent, and no one was baptized into Christ which is why the Ephesians had to be re-baptized (Acts 19)

 

[LightBearer316]

Just for clarity, and since scripture can't and doesn't contradict or supersede scripture, both must be correct; in the name of Jesus Christ and in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. So, if they both are right, how so? It's simple: both mean by the authority of. No different than if one were to say today by the authority of the king, or queen, etc without stating the person's authoritative name, like king Charles . You'll find if you look closely at scripture, no one actually said either when people were baptized. The baptizer simply asked the one desiring to be baptized if they believed, such as in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, and a confession of belief was made by the person about to be baptized. In Acts 2:38, Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and 3000 were baptized. Was there any record of those baptizing actually saying something for each of the 3000 prior to their immersion? No. Would it have been likely? I doubt it. And if a baptiser said the wrong thing, like using one phrase in preference of the other, would the baptism be invalid? The important thing is that the one being baptized confess his/her belief in Jesus Christ, not what a baptiser says or doesn't say. And need a baptiser say anything? No biblical record of any baptiser saying anything just prior to an actual immersion. To be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is simply being baptized by authority thereof. Those baptized by John made no confession of belief in Christ, nor did John say anything other than to repent, and no one was baptized into Christ which is why the Ephesians had to be re-baptized (Acts 19)

Scripture is absolutely clear on this point:


“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

— Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV

If baptism were a requirement to earn forgiveness, then it would become a work — and that would contradict the entire gospel of grace.

But Scripture never says the water saves; it says faith in Christ does (Romans 10:9–10; John 3:16).
Grace and Peace

 

[LightBearer316]

It is NOT symbolic only. And no Christian believes water saves. We believe Jesus, mercy, grace, His blood, sacrifice and resurrection, His gospel etc etc all save. But how does one respond to receive the benefits that have been freely given? Acts 2:37-38!!

Baptism Expresses Salvation — It Doesn’t Produce It
Context of Acts 2:37–38
Acts 2:38 must be read in the full flow of the gospel message Peter just preached.

He had declared:
“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21 KJV)
So when the crowd was “pricked in their heart,” they had already believed Peter’s message about Christ.

Their question — “What shall we do?” — was not, How can we earn forgiveness? but How should we respond now that we believe?

Peter’s answer — “Repent, and be baptized… for the remission of sins” — describes what believers do in light of salvation through Christ.

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” — Acts 10:43
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
These verses use the same word — remission of sins — and apply it directly to faith, not baptism.

If baptism were necessary for forgiveness, Acts 10:43 and Romans 5:1 would contradict Acts 2:38 — but Scripture never contradicts itself.
Grace and Peace

 

[CS1]

Because I was replying to a post which said: "The thief was forgiven by Christ as he forgave others while alive, under the OT! Baptism wasn't a requirement of salvation until Christ died...." Saying that Baptism wasn't a requirement until Christ died surely means that the poster believes that it became a requirement for salvation after the crucifixion.


It was merely an example from the bible of baptism coming after belief.



Now you've confused me. You started your post: "f course belief comes before baptism." Now you ask: " Why would you baptize someone who already has the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit???" But surely it is those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who have remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

why would you baptize a person who has already been forgiven? Because the work of the Cross and faith in Jesus saved them. Water Baptism is act of obedience. AS Peter said "repent and Be baptized. FYI the langue there is pass tense, one cannot repent unless they come to know Jesus as Lord and be convicted of their sin. The work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ is what leads one to Jesus not water baptism. Water Baptism follows after repentance, belief and conviction. You can't take three words out of the whole context of the act of salvation. As if Acts 2:38 is the only thing said about salvation and forgiveness of sins. That is error. And the use of Jesus name only in water baptism for salvation is error. Because Matthew
28:19 Jesus Speaking tell by what authority we are to baptize by also. IF you ae not sure if Peter is right or the Lord Jesus is right on water Baptism. I will choose Jesus over Acts2:38. Because clearly Peter would never mean what you think he is saying at the expense of the Lord Jesus who said do otherwise.

 

[DJT_47]

why would you baptize a person who has already been forgiven? Because the work of the Cross and faith in Jesus saved them. Water Baptism is act of obedience. AS Peter said "repent and Be baptized. FYI the langue there is pass tense, one cannot repent unless they come to know Jesus as Lord and be convicted of their sin. The work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ is what leads one to Jesus not water baptism. Water Baptism follows after repentance, belief and conviction. You can't take three words out of the whole context of the act of salvation. As if Acts 2:38 is the only thing said about salvation and forgiveness of sins. That is error. And the use of Jesus name only in water baptism for salvation is error. Because Matthew
28:19 Jesus Speaking tell by what authority we are to baptize by also. IF you ae not sure if Peter is right or the Lord Jesus is right on water Baptism. I will choose Jesus over Acts2:38. Because clearly Peter would never mean what you think he is saying at the expense of the Lord Jesus who said do otherwise.

Salvation requires according to scripture
1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief
3. Repentance
4. Immersion in water (baptism into Christ)

All of the above, not some, but all

 

[Believer08]

Salvation requires according to scripture
1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief
3. Repentance
4. Immersion in water (baptism into Christ)

All of the above, not some, but all

Amen.

Rom. 10:17; John 3:16; Acts 17:31; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 2:38 and Titus 2:11-12.

 

[DavidLamb]

why would you baptize a person who has already been forgiven? Because the work of the Cross and faith in Jesus saved them. Water Baptism is act of obedience. AS Peter said "repent and Be baptized. FYI the langue there is pass tense, one cannot repent unless they come to know Jesus as Lord and be convicted of their sin. The work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ is what leads one to Jesus not water baptism. Water Baptism follows after repentance, belief and conviction. You can't take three words out of the whole context of the act of salvation. As if Acts 2:38 is the only thing said about salvation and forgiveness of sins. That is error. And the use of Jesus name only in water baptism for salvation is error. Because Matthew
28:19 Jesus Speaking tell by what authority we are to baptize by also. IF you ae not sure if Peter is right or the Lord Jesus is right on water Baptism. I will choose Jesus over Acts2:38. Because clearly Peter would never mean what you think he is saying at the expense of the Lord Jesus who said do otherwise.

You would baptize someone who has already been forgiven for the same reason Paul baptized the Philippian jailer who had already believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. An unsaved person is dead in trespasses and sins cannot obey commands like "Be baptized." "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved," said the apostles to the jailer. So I agree that water baptism does not lead one to Jesus, as you said. Water baptism is a sign that you have come to Jesus, that you are saved.

 

[NightTwister]

Salvation requires according to scripture
1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief
3. Repentance
4. Immersion in water (baptism into Christ)

All of the above, not some, but all

Immersion isn't necessary.

 

[DavidLamb]

Immersion isn't necessary.

Wherever the mode of baptism is alluded to in the bible, it is immersion. John baptised in the River Jordan; he didn't just take a pot of water and sprinkle people's foreheads with it. Then we have Philip baptising the Ethiopian:

“38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Ac 8:38-39 NKJV)

And how could Paul talk of baptism as an illustration of being buried with Christ, if it was merely sprinkling?

“buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Col 2:12 NKJV)