Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?

By Pastor Chase Hill

The question in the title of this paper, has been an question, that many bible readers have asked throughout the centuries. While the necessary component may have changed over the years (ie good works, sacraments, circumcision), the question remains the same: is there anything beyond faith that is necessary for me to receive salvation? In just a few paragraphs this author intends to answer this question and show the reader from the Bible that we are Justified (saved) by grace alone and through faith alone.

When one begins to answer this question, they must first answer the question: what is justification (salvation). The reason we must make the distinction of justification when speaking of salvation is due to the fact that salvation in its entirety is multifaceted. Salvation is an event that has happened to a believer (justification, cf Romans 10:13). Furthermore, salvation is something that is happening to believers as they are shaped into the image of Christ (sanctification, cf 1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Finally, salvation is something that will happen at the culmination of time (glorification, cf Ephesians 4:12-13). Justification then, the initial event of our salvation, is “being put right with God by our union with Christ, through the divine miracle of conversion and the new birth” John Piper. What is required of us in being justified before God? Beyond faith in the crucified & risen savior, baptism has been one element that some scholars have argued may be necessary.

What does the Bible say about baptism and salvation? Well, when taken alone, there are few scriptures that seem to indicate baptism is necessary for salvation (see Acts 2:37-41, 22:12-16; 1 Peter 3:21a). However, even with these “problem scriptures”, when taking into account the entire biblical record; justification by grace and through faith alone is the only option. As this author indicated in introduction, there have been similar acts which some believers have deemed necessary for salvation. Let’s look all the way back to Abraham and see that when he was circumcised Abraham was already ‘justified’ (cf Genesis 15:6). This moment in Genesis 15 happened before the circumcision in chapter 18. Listen to the words of Paul from Romans 4:2-3: “For is Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’” That quotation from Paul is directly from Genesis 15:6, meaning that Abraham was justified by faith alone, not by circumcision. What about the sacrificial system among the Jews. Certainly, the Jewish people were forgiven their sins because of their willingness to repent with sacrifice? Hebrews 9, 10 and 11 indicate that the worshipper is not justified in the sacrifice, but instead in their faith (cf Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Samuel 15:22).

Also, one should consider the aforementioned “problem scriptures”. When considering these three passages, there is something that must be mentioned regarding the two from Acts. Looking at the original language is helpful here, as Greek has so many nuances to consider when interpreting. Things like different meanings for the same word to chiastic structure which is a literary device to help the reader understand. In the case of 1 Peter 3:21a, you really must read the entire context to understand. For in the latter part of 21, Peter actually clarifies: “Baptism, which correctly corresponds to this (The Ark & Noah’s family), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21, emphasis mine). Finally, we can look at the thief on the cross (cf Luke 23:40-43); I know that this guy could be considered a “special case”, but again with the other evidence its just a great big cherry on top.

I hope this is helpful to you in understanding both justification and believer’s baptism. If you should have further questions, seek out the sources provided in the footnotes and you can always reach-out to us here at Gospel Life Church.

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  1. Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Edited by Schreiner, Thomas & Wright, Shawn.  (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology). 2007, NAC Studies in Bible & Theology.

  2. Got Questions Article: “Why Did God Require Animal Sacrifices in the Old Testament?” https://www.gotquestions.org/animal-sacrifices.html

  3. Got Questions Article: “Does Acts 2:38 Teach That Baptism is Necessary for Salvation?” .https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-2-38.html

  4. YouTube Video from Desiring God. “Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation” Ask Pastor John, Episode 1372. https://youtu.be/AbhZgh7gDYI . 22 September 2019.