Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? Yes!

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Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? Yes!
Should infants be baptized? Yes!

click picture to enlarge
Christ being baptized, by Francesco Albani

Because Jesus said it is necessary!

Jesus said there are two requirements for salvation. This is (1) be baptized by water AND be baptized by the Holy Spirit (aka: born again). Being born again, means that because of your new personal relationship with Jesus the Christ, you are a new man or woman; a new spirit.

John 3:5
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.

In Mark 16:16 Jesus says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Acts 2:38
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.

The Apostle Peter explained what happens at baptism when he said, "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" (Acts 2:38). But he did not restrict this teaching to adults. He added, "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." (Acts 2:39).

1 Peter 3:21
"....whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (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."

From the beginning of New Testament Christianity at the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2: 38-39) to our time, unbroken and uninterrupted; the church has baptized babies. Entire households (Jewish, proselytes and Gentiles) were baptized by Christ’s original 12 Apostles (I Corinthians 1: 16; Acts 11: 14, 16: 15, 33, 18: 8) and that practice has continued with each generation.

Will Baptism wash away your Sins? No!

Water baptism is an act of obedience to the Lord's command. It is God's promise to us that, just as water washes away dirt from our bodies Christ's shed blood washes away all filth from our soul's. All our sins.

The outward act of Water baptism itself does not forgive sins, nor can any act performed by man. Jesus took all our sins of the world upon Himself on the cross. And only by accepting Jesus as your Savior can you have your sins forgiven.

Please do not try and minimize the importance of water Baptism. It too is necessary as an act of obedience to Jesus. Jesus said we MUST be baptized by both water and the Holy Spirit. Look at water Baptism as a required ticket for entry into an exclusive club.

Luke 3:3-4

3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

So, in other words John the Baptist preached repentance, or a change of mind and heart toward God. This makes the way to the Kingdom of Heaven (Jesus).

HOW THE 2nd-3rd GENERATION CHRISTIANS VIEWED BAPTISM:

Justin Martyr was born at Flavia Neapolis (near today's Nablus, Israel), about A.D. 100. He converted to Christianity about A.D. 130. Justin taught and defended the Christian religion in Asia Minor and at Rome, where he suffered martyrdom about the year 165. Justin Martyr tells us about Baptism in his Apologetic writings.

Justin Martyr on Baptism:

Regarding baptism, Justin tells us both how it was celebrated and what was its significance (Apol., c. 61). The baptisands are instructed to pray and fast for the remission of the sins that are past, the Christians praying and fasting with them. They are then taken to a place where there is water, and are regenerated ‘in the same manner as we have been regenerated.’ They receive the washing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The significance of the ceremony was learnt from the apostles. It is to secure the remission of sins formerly committed. It is also called illumination, because it effects the enlightenment of the understanding of those who are washed.

If you love your child, you will Baptize your child now, as an infant!

If you belong to a denomination who falsely teaches that a child should only be baptized after they have reached an age of reasoning, you are not following the Apostolic tradition, and you are actually being cruel to your child, should anything happen to them before they are baptized. Don't second guess why Jesus said you (and your young children) must be baptized.

Mothers, baptize your babies now before it is too late. They can always decide themselves to do a 2nd baptism when they reach their age of reasoning. You can baptize your child yourself, together with another Christian and God's holy Angels as witnesses. Do it solemnly, while sprinkling or pouring water over your baby, and saying; "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit". If you prefer, you can dunk an older child. Then serve cake and ice cream if you like. Because this is a joyful event.

These are just some lies that some denominations are teaching about baptism:

The Word of God says:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved “ (Mark 16:16)

Denominations falsely teach:

He who believes and is saved, should be baptized

The Word of God says:

“Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38)

Denominations falsely teach:

Repent and be baptized because your sins have already been forgiven

The Word of God says:

‘Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ (John 3:5)

Denominations falsely teach:

Baptism is not essential for salvation. This “birth of water” is natural childbirth.

The Word of God says:

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Denominations falsely teach:

We were buried therefore with him by belief into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

The Word of God says:

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-5)

Denominations falsely teach:

There are many baptisms and many bodies, and many faiths.