Baptism

By Brother Juergen U. Duetsch

Is Baptism Essential or Necessary for Salvation?

Let’s look at a few key verses in this study:

Mark 16:16

Ÿ “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” - NKJV

Ÿ "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” - NASU

Ÿ “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.” - ASV

Ÿ "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” - NAS

Ÿ “ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” - RSV

Ÿ “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” - TEV

Ÿ “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” - NIV

Ÿ “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” - KJV

þ Notice the conjunction “and?” It ties believing and baptism together. You cannot separate the two. It is obvious that one must believe and be baptized to be saved.

þ You cannot just say you must be baptized without believing nor can you say you must believe without being baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38).

The grammar here definitely ties the two aspects of salvation together. Let me explain:

Ÿ A car dealer once made an announcement on the radio (or television). This is what he said:

“The first one to come down to my lot with a bushel of wheat and a bushel of corn will get a brand new car of their choosing.”

Now, what would you do? Bring only a bushel of wheat? Bring only a bushel of corn? I don’t think so. You would in all probability bring both. You know that the car dealer gave specific instructions on what the deal was. If you only brought one of the two items, you would not get the car. It’s that simple.

The Lord in a way made a deal with us. He died on the cross that we might have eternal life. He also said to pick up our crosses and follow him. What that basically meant was we are to be dead to ourselves and alive to Christ. When someone carried a cross in the days of the Apostles, they were going to meet their death. The Lord also said if we love him, we should do what he says.

Ÿ Let’s study further to show that it was commanded by Christ to the Apostles by looking in our next session:

Matt 28:18-20

Ÿ Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - NIV

Ÿ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. - NKJV

Ÿ And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - NASU

Ÿ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. - KJV

Ÿ And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. - ASV

Matt 28:18-20

Ÿ And Jesus came and said to them, "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." - RSV

Ÿ Jesus drew near and said to them, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age." - TEV

J Notice that Jesus commanded the apostles to teach, baptize and have all nations observe all things he commanded them to. Are we any better than the Apostles that we can ignore God’s word? No, and we are not any less either. God loves us all and wants all of us to be saved. But it is our choice whether we obey the Gospel or not. Obedience is essential to salvation. I believe that is without argument to all believers. Please remember that the Apostles walked and talked with our dear savior. They learned directly from Him.

þ One question people usually ask is: “What about the thief on the cross?” Remember first of all Christ was not yet resurrected from the dead, nor did he ascend on high at this moment, and it was not yet Pentecost (the beginning of the New Testament Church - That is Christ’s church - see Acts Chapter 2). Please remember from Matthew 28:18-20 that Jesus had the power or authority in Heaven and on earth to forgive. Can you personally forgive someone for his or her sins and give them eternal life? Of course not! See John 17:2 - power over all flesh.

þ Another point I could make is the fact that we do not know if the thief on the cross ever received any sort of baptism. We cannot honestly prove or disprove this fact. I do know that he did not receive the baptism that occurred on Pentecost because of the obvious fact that he was no longer physically alive.

þ Another thing I have heard people say on the subject of baptism is: “That is works saving you!” I ask this question: When someone “accepts Christ into his heart and repents,” doesn’t that show actions or works?” First of all you cannot have faith without producing works. And also by your works, you show your faith. Remember Abraham was justified by both faith and works. To see this point all you have to do is read and study the book of James!

Now, that Christ told the Apostles to teach, baptize, and have all nations observe commandments of Christ, let’s now turn to Acts of the Apostles in our next section.
The Book of Acts

Ÿ Please look at Acts 2:38

Ÿ Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - NIV

Ÿ Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - NKJV

Ÿ Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - NASU

Ÿ 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.” - KJV

Ÿ And Peter (said) unto them, “Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - ASV

Ÿ And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - RSV

Ÿ Peter said to them, "Each one of you must turn away from his sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit.” -TEV

Ÿ And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - NAS

Ÿ HALLEY’S BIBLE HANDBOOK SAYS THIS ABOUT BAPTISM:

Ÿ Initial rite in becoming a Christian. It’s mention here is quite conspicuous. Jesus commanded it (Matt. 28:19)

Ÿ Three thousand at Pentecost were baptized (Acts 2:38)

Ÿ Samaritans (Acts 8:12)

Ÿ Saul (Acts 9:18; 22:16)

Ÿ Cornelius (Acts 10:47,48)

Ÿ Lydia (Acts 16:15)

Ÿ Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:33)

Ÿ Corinthians (18:8)

Ÿ Ephesians (19:5)

Ÿ See also Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12

« Notice in Acts 2:38, that Peter said Repent and be baptized every one of you. No exceptions were given. Peter did not pick out a handful of exceptions. He merely stated the truth. He did not say every one of you except for Mark, Larry, Bill, and Mary.

O Notice also, that baptism is for the remission of sins. In another words, it is for the forgiveness of sins. One can ask the question: Isn’t Christ’s blood redemption for our sins? Of course! However, you cannot take the physical or literal blood of Christ and wash yourself. Therefore, the element (water) of baptism is a representation of his blood.

Let us illustrate the conversion of a sinner or a person who is lost:

Ÿ The bible teaches five basic steps in becoming a Christian or being saved:

Ÿ 1. HEAR the word of God. Romans 10:17; Matthew 7:24-27; Revelation 2:7

Ÿ 2. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that there is a God. John 20:31; Mark 16:16;

Ÿ Hebrews 11:6; (not faith only - James 2:24; John 12:42)

Ÿ 3. REPENT of your sins. Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; Luke 13:3

Ÿ 4. CONFESS with your mouth publicly that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Son of God.

Ÿ Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38

Ÿ 5. BE BAPTIZED for the remission of Sins. Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16

F After these steps have bee followed, one has been added to the Lord’s church and now is saved. The individual also must remain faithful and obedient to the Gospel to make sure that they do not fall from Grace.

Ÿ Now let’s go back to the Acts of the Apostles:

Ÿ First lets give the definition of the word “baptism”:

Ÿ NT:908 baptisma (bap'-tis-mah); from NT:907; immersion, baptism (technically or figuratively): KJV - baptism.

Ÿ NT:907 baptizo (bap-tid'-zo); from a derivative of NT:911; to immerse, submerge; to make overwhelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N. T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - KJV - Baptist, baptize, wash.

Ÿ NT:911 bapto (bap'-to); a primary verb; to overwhelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the N. T. only in a qualified or specially, sense, i.e. (literally) to moisten (a part of one's person), or (by implication) to stain (as with dye): KJV - dip.

Ÿ see also Luke 3:3

Acts 13:24

Ÿ “Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.” - NIV

Ÿ “After John first preached before His coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.” - NKJV

Ÿ “after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.” - NASU

Ÿ “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.” - KJV

Ÿ “when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.” - ASV

Ÿ “after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.” - NAS

Ÿ “Before Jesus began his work, John preached to all the people of Israel that they should turn from their sins and be baptized.” - TEV

Þ Notice in Acts 13:24 says that John preached the baptism (immersion/water) of repentance. This is a strong indication that one needs to be baptized to be fully repentant and for the remission of sins.

Ä Acts 19:4 reiterates this point and stresses they should believe on Christ Jesus (after they were already baptized by John). Verse 5 says they were baptized again; however, this time it was into Christ.

Acts 19:4-5

Ÿ Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. - NIV

Ÿ Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. - NKJV

Ÿ Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. - NASU

Ÿ 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. - KJV

Ÿ “And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus. “ And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. - ASV

Acts 19:4-5

Ÿ “And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” - NAS

Ÿ “And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” - RSV

Ÿ “Paul said, "The baptism of John was for those who turned from their sins; and he told the people of Israel to believe in the one who was coming after him--that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” - TEV

Ø Notice in Acts 22:16, it says “and now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

J You call on the Lord when you make your conversion. The bible does not teach that you can be converted without baptism. We do not merely accept Jesus into our hearts to be saved because the bible does not teach this. Therefore, it is not scriptural. We are added by baptism (Acts 2:41) to the Lord’s church. You cannot be saved unless you are in the body (church) of Christ. In the book of James, it say’s that we are justified by faith and works as was Abraham. God did not want us to be lukewarm. That kind of attitude is unsuitable for His palette and as Revelation says, he will spew them out of his mouth.

Romans 6:4

Ÿ “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”- KJV

cf. John 3:1-7 (born again). Notice to walk in newness of life was preceded by baptism!!!

A co-worker of mine doesn’t believe this is talking about or teaching water baptism here in Romans Chapter 6. Let’s look at the original Greek text using Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. The number is 908, the word is baptisma from baptizo: to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet). If this is not talking about water baptism, how does one get fully wet?! The word baptizo also applies to Romans 6:3 twice.

Ephesians 4:5

Ÿ “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.” (baptizo, baptisma).

Ÿ “ heís Kúrios mía pístis hén báptisma.” (the actual Koine Greek)

Ÿ Notice there is only one baptism. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14.33). If we truly have an opened mind and are willing to study in spirit and truth, then we will learn what is correct.

F Again, notice there is only one baptism. That is the baptism for the remission of sins and into Christ. So, when someone tells me that baptism in Romans 6 does not refer to water (the element) baptism, they are in error. I realize someone might use the argument of types. But let’s not assume things.

Ÿ If you wish to talk about types. There are two types or like figures of baptism in the Old Testament: The Exodus out of Egypt by the parting of the Red Sea and those that were saved in Noah’s Ark. We will talk about these later.

Colossians 2:12

Ÿ “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.” - KJV

Ÿ “having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” - ASV

Ÿ “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through your faith in the active power of God, who raised him from death.” - TEV

ý Again this is “water” baptism. Notice, how Christ lived here on earth, was baptized (immersed in water), tortured for our sins on the cross and was resurrected. In this manner we are buried in baptism and are the new man in Christ.

1 Peter 3:21

Ÿ “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:” - KJV

Ÿ “And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” - NAS

Ÿ “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you -- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience -- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” - NASU

Ÿ “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” - RSV

Ÿ This is referring to Noah (being the eight person) and his family being saved by water. This is what we call a type.

Ÿ TYPE: a figure, representation, or symbol of something to come, as in an event in the Old Testament that foreshadows another in the New Testament (The American Heritage Dictionary).

Ÿ Think about it, Noah and his family were saved by water and without question the Spirit of God. So we also are saved by water and the spirit (John 3).

Ÿ A cross-reference you may want to look at is Ephesians 5:26, the word here in the Greek is loutron, a bath, i.e., (fig) baptism, washing. Eph 5:26 - “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”- KJV

ý Have you noticed that “baptism now saves you?” Baptism is part of our salvation.

Hebrews 6:1-3

Ÿ “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” - KJV

Ÿ Notice the last part of this verse says: “And this will we do, if God permit.” - KJV

Ÿ We should always do what God commands whether it be a direct order or by example!

Ÿ Many people do or will misinterpret Hebrews 6:1. What it is saying is that these things should be so simple to understand that we need to move forward in our spiritual growth.

Ÿ Baptism is the beginning of starting over as a new man. Everything is forgotten that was before. The slate has been wiped clean by our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3:14-17

Ÿ “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. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” KJV

Ÿ “But John tried to make him change his mind. "I ought to be baptized by you," John said, "and yet you have come to me!" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires." So John agreed. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. Then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.” - TEV

Ÿ No professed Christian will argue this point: We are to walk in the likeness of Christ, we are to strive to be like Him. Here is our example of our Savior leading the way! He was baptized in water and the Spirit of God descended on Him. (think - born again = baptism(water) + Holy Spirit!)

F Notice also, it was not until Jesus came up out of the water that God made the statement that he was well pleased.!

Ÿ The New Bible Commentary* says that this was a symbolic recapitulation of the Exodus from Egypt, performed by Jesus the new Israel and bringer of the new Exodus of Salvation. (cf. 1 Cor. 10:4)

(*by Guthrie, Motyer, Stibbs, Wiseman - GUIDEPOSTS)

Matthew 20:20-23

Ÿ “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.” - KJV (cf. Mark 10:38-40)

Ÿ Notice that Jesus told the mother of Zebedee’s children that she will drink of the cup (Lord’s Supper?) and be baptized with the baptism of Christ, but where the people sit in the after-life is up to God?!

Ÿ Time after time when people are converted, baptism is an element of salvation.

Here are some thoughts on baptism by others:

Ÿ Baptism is an ordinance by which we join ourselves to the Lord in covenant and communion; and so is suffering for Christ, Ezek 20:37; Isaiah 48:10.

Ÿ Christian baptism is the seal of gospel doctrine and spiritual renewal.

Ÿ Corresponding to His is our baptism of water and the Spirit, the seal of initiatory incorporation with Him (John 3:5)

Ÿ The early Greek ecclesiastical writers show that immersion was employed (compare Barnabas, XI, 11): "We go down into the water full of sins and filth, and we come up bearing fruit in the heart."

Ÿ The submergence and emergence of immersion thus, according to Paul, symbolize the death and burial to sin on the one hand and the resurrection to the new life in Christ on the other.

Ÿ "Baptism is the grave of the old man, and the birth of the new. As he sinks beneath the baptismal waters, the believer buries there all his corrupt affections and past sins; as he emerges thence, he rises regenerate, quickened to new hopes and new life."

Ÿ Thus Jacobus (Congregationalist) in the Standard Bible Dictionary says: "We have no record in the New Testament of the baptism of infants." Scott (Presbyterian) in the one-volume Hastings Dictionary of the Bible says: "The New Testament contains no explicit reference to the baptism of infants or young children."

Ÿ Plummer (Church of England), Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (five volumes), says: "The recipients of Christian baptism were required to repent and believe."

Ÿ The infant who dies un-baptized is saved without baptism.

Ÿ immersion alone was commanded by Jesus and practiced in the New Testament times.

Ÿ BAPTISM

The visual picture of baptism represents (1) cleansing from the sin of the old life; (2) dying to the old life and being born to a new life; and (3) a sign of commitment or allegiance to a new Master or way of life. This visual picture of an inward decision is best summed up in the sentence "I am not ashamed." Baptism is the believer's declaration to the world that Christ is the standard by which he or she intends to live. Copyright 1999 (c) by Charles F. Stanley. All rights reserved.

Ÿ BAPTISM

Another reason a believer should be baptized is that Jesus commanded us to be baptized, and following in obedience should be a part of every believer's life.

Mark 1:1-5

Ÿ 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. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. - KJV (cf. Luke 3:3)

Ÿ Notice that John baptized people for the remission of sins, this included repentance and confession of sins. How one can not agree that baptism is for the remission of sins is beyond me. (cf. Acts 2:38)

v Just believing does not remit your sins! So how can one be forgiven unless they are baptized?!!!

Mark 16:16

Ÿ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. - KJV

Ÿ I know that I have already used this passage in the first part of this article; however, I wish to illustrate and make a point.

Ÿ First, most people believe all you have to have is faith. Of course, the book of James says faith and works go hand in hand, they work together. If you have not read and studied the book of James, I encourage you to do so!

Ÿ Now, lets show what people appear or want Mark 16:16 to say:

“If you believe and are not baptized you shall be saved and if you do not believe you will be damned.”

Ÿ They do not include baptism in the salvation picture. Note: Let’s use their argument by using their reasoning:

“If you are baptized and do not believe you shall be saved and if you are not baptized you shall be damned.”

v You cannot use their logic, it does not work! You cannot separate the two! You must both believe and be baptized. They are not exclusive, they are inclusive of one another.

Luke 3:12-13

Ÿ “Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.” - KJV

Ÿ Notice, the Publicans asked the Master: What shall we do? He told them exact no more than which is appointed you. Remember they came to be baptized. Yes, they were told to be honest in their business dealings.

Ÿ We too are also to be honest in what we teach and preach. We cannot just go by our emotions. In another words, we just can’t go out and do whatever makes us feel good and happy. Salvation is a serious matter. It is not to be taken lightly.

John 3:1-7

Ÿ “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - KJV

Ÿ I think the majority of believers believe you must be born again to be saved. If you believe this to be true, then we must ask the question: How does one become born again?

Ÿ All we have to do is look at verse five: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

(cf. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12)

Ÿ Notice the element: water Notice the power: Spirit

Ÿ This chapter in verses 1-7 is talking about baptism!

Ÿ The word “water” here in the Greek is water as in taking a shower.

Ÿ NT:5204 hudor (hoo'-dore); genitive case, hudatos (hoo'-dat-os), etc.; from the base of NT:5205; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively: KJV - water.

Ÿ NT:5205 huetos (hoo-et-os'); from a primary huo (to rain); rain, especially a shower: KJV - rain.

Ÿ You can think of the type of baptism Noah went through! Remember 1 Peter 3:21 (Reread to Check).

Ÿ We can think in this sense that in water baptism the former man serving sin was erased and the new man serving Christ is born anew. In the same sense that all those in Noah’s time were wiped out except eight souls. Those eight souls were saved by the like figure of baptism.

Ÿ Please don’t teach people that they do not need to be baptized to be saved! Do you want those people to be condemned as the lost people in Noah’s time? We cannot allow ourselves to be liberal when we are talking about the destination of our eternal souls. It is always better to exercise on the side of caution. Remember we all will be held accountable for our actions. So, if you are teaching people about salvation, You better really study the truth first!

Ÿ If John 3:1-7 is not talking about baptism; then the only alternative would be to reenter our mother’s womb. It is impossible! Therefore this alternative will not work. One must be baptized to enter the kingdom of God!

Acts 2:41 (37-47) Key Verses 38, 41, 47

Acts 2:37-47

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

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.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. - KJV

Ÿ Notice they were added, They did not merely join or become members by being voted in. We are added to the Lord’s church by baptism. That is we are added by being born again.

Ÿ I encourage the reader to read the whole book of Acts, especially Chapter 2. This was the beginning of the New Testament Church! That is the church that Jesus paid the cost for with His blood!

Ÿ In Acts 2:44, it says: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common.” Isn’t that beautiful that the Christians all believed the same way? Nearly two thousand years of man-made doctrines have divided multitudes. All I am asking the reader is to be truly open-minded and to pray and to study in spirit and truth. Yearn to learn the truth!

Ÿ We are added to God’s kingdom by baptism! Remember John 3:1-7 and Acts 2:41.

v I am sorry to say, if you are not in God’s kingdom, then friend you are lost!