Many have asked, “is baptism necessary to be saved?” Believer’s baptism is an important act in the Christian faith and is only performed once in a believer’s lifetime. There is no salvation in the act of baptism, nor is salvation lost without baptism. It is only performed after a person, young or old, decides to become a believer in Jesus Christ. Though not required for salvation, baptism is an outward expression of faith.
Ministry of John the Baptist
The Bible records John the Baptist as performing baptism, most notably, in the Jordan River. He baptized many believers even before Jesus started His earthly ministry. John heralded the coming of the Savior and many became believers because of the words he spoke. “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:” [Luke :16].
John instantly recognized Jesus as the Savior when Jesus came to him to be baptized in the Jordan River. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.” [Matthew 3:13-15] Jesus submitted himself to baptism as the first act of His ministry.
The baptism of Jesus was truly momentous to those who were present. The scripture recorded, “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” [Luke 3:21-22].
Baptism Necessary for Believers?
As believers, we follow Jesus in baptism. Baptism is a public demonstration of the death (lowering into the water), burial (being covered by the water) and resurrection (rising out of the water) of Jesus Christ. With each public display of baptism, we are reminded that we too will die but will live again, just like Jesus. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [Colossians 2:12].
Are you a believer seeking to be baptized? Reach out to your local church or contact our pastor at West Park Baptist Church.
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