Lake Providence Baptism. Photo: Susan Roach.
The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, and that includes baptism. Now I’m not saying that baptism isn’t necessary in the life of a Christian but I am saying that baptism is not a requirement of salvation.
Romans 10:8-11 NIV But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation.
Well what about this scripture you ask?
Acts 2:38 NIV 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.
If Peter believed that baptism is a requirement for salvation why didn’t he mention it in his sermon from in the Temple later. In his sermon he links forgiveness of sin to repentance but he didn’t mention baptism in this sermon.
Acts 3:19-20 NIV Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.
The discussion of whether or not this passage teaches baptism is required for salvation revolves around the word "for". The Greek word translated "for" here is eis. Those who believe that baptism is required for salvation point out that to the fact that it says “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” assuming that the word translated “for” in this verse means “in order to get.” However, in both Greek and English, there are many possible usages of the word “for.”
For example, when someone says “Take two aspirin for your headache,” it is obvious to that it does not mean “take two aspirin in order to get your headache,” everyone understands it to mean to “take two aspirin because you already have a headache.”
There are three possible meanings of the word “for” that might fit the context of Acts 2:38: 1) “in order to be, become, get, have, keep,” 2) “because of, as the result of,” or 3) “with regard to.” Since any one of the three meanings could fit the context of this passage, we have to take a closer look to look in order to determine which meaning is correct.
To do this we must go to the Greek, which is the original language of this verse of scripture. The Greek word translated "for" is eis. Like the English word “for” it can have several different meanings.
One example is how eis is used is here where it communicates the result of an action
Matthew 12:41 NIV The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Clearly, the meaning of this passage is that they repented “because of’” or “as the result of” Jonah’s preaching. In the same way, it would be possible that Acts 2:38 is communicating the fact that they were to be baptized “as the result of” or “because” they already had believed and in doing so had already received forgiveness of their sins.
John 1:12-13 NIV Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Romans 10:9 NIV If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Acts 13:38-39 NIV “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.
In addition to Acts 2:38, there are three other verses where the Greek word eis is used in conjunction with the word “baptize” or “baptism.”
1. Matthew 3:11 NIV“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (emphasis mine)
Clearly the Greek word eis cannot mean “in order to get” in this passage. They were not baptized “in order to get repentance,” but were “baptized because they had repented.”
2. Romans 6:3 NIV Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into (eis) Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (emphasis mine).
The phrase “baptized into (eis) His death.” fits with the meaning “because of” or in "regard to."
3. 1 Corinthians 10:2 NIV They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
The phrase “baptized into (eis) Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” cannot mean “in order to get” in this passage because the Israelites were not baptized in order to get Moses to be their leader, but because he was their leader and had led them out of Egypt.
If one is consistent with the way that eis is used in conjunction with baptism, we must conclude that Acts 2:38 is referring to their being baptized “because” they had received forgiveness of their sins. Therefore, Acts 2:38, when interpreted correctly, does not teach that baptism is required for salvation.
The grammatical evidence surrounding this verse and the preposition eis are clear that while both views on this verse are well within the context and the range of possible meanings of the passage, the majority of the evidence is in favor that the best possible definition of the word “for” in this context is either “because of” or “in regard to” and not “in order to get.”
There is an important difference between a condition of salvation and a requirement for salvation. The Bible is clear that belief is both a condition and a requirement, but the same cannot be said for baptism. The Bible does not say that if a man is not baptized then he will not be saved. One can add any number of conditions to faith (which is required for salvation), and the person can still be saved. For example, if a person believes, is baptized, goes to church, and gives to the poor he will be saved. These are all very things but the problem comes when we assume all these other conditions, “baptism, going to church, giving to the poor,” are required for one to be saved. While they might be evidence of salvation, they are not a requirement for salvation.
Romans 10:8-11 NIV But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation.
Well what about this scripture you ask?
Acts 2:38 NIV 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.
If Peter believed that baptism is a requirement for salvation why didn’t he mention it in his sermon from in the Temple later. In his sermon he links forgiveness of sin to repentance but he didn’t mention baptism in this sermon.
Acts 3:19-20 NIV Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.
The discussion of whether or not this passage teaches baptism is required for salvation revolves around the word "for". The Greek word translated "for" here is eis. Those who believe that baptism is required for salvation point out that to the fact that it says “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” assuming that the word translated “for” in this verse means “in order to get.” However, in both Greek and English, there are many possible usages of the word “for.”
For example, when someone says “Take two aspirin for your headache,” it is obvious to that it does not mean “take two aspirin in order to get your headache,” everyone understands it to mean to “take two aspirin because you already have a headache.”
There are three possible meanings of the word “for” that might fit the context of Acts 2:38: 1) “in order to be, become, get, have, keep,” 2) “because of, as the result of,” or 3) “with regard to.” Since any one of the three meanings could fit the context of this passage, we have to take a closer look to look in order to determine which meaning is correct.
To do this we must go to the Greek, which is the original language of this verse of scripture. The Greek word translated "for" is eis. Like the English word “for” it can have several different meanings.
One example is how eis is used is here where it communicates the result of an action
Matthew 12:41 NIV The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Clearly, the meaning of this passage is that they repented “because of’” or “as the result of” Jonah’s preaching. In the same way, it would be possible that Acts 2:38 is communicating the fact that they were to be baptized “as the result of” or “because” they already had believed and in doing so had already received forgiveness of their sins.
John 1:12-13 NIV Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Romans 10:9 NIV If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Acts 13:38-39 NIV “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.
In addition to Acts 2:38, there are three other verses where the Greek word eis is used in conjunction with the word “baptize” or “baptism.”
1. Matthew 3:11 NIV“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (emphasis mine)
Clearly the Greek word eis cannot mean “in order to get” in this passage. They were not baptized “in order to get repentance,” but were “baptized because they had repented.”
2. Romans 6:3 NIV Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into (eis) Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (emphasis mine).
The phrase “baptized into (eis) His death.” fits with the meaning “because of” or in "regard to."
3. 1 Corinthians 10:2 NIV They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
The phrase “baptized into (eis) Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” cannot mean “in order to get” in this passage because the Israelites were not baptized in order to get Moses to be their leader, but because he was their leader and had led them out of Egypt.
If one is consistent with the way that eis is used in conjunction with baptism, we must conclude that Acts 2:38 is referring to their being baptized “because” they had received forgiveness of their sins. Therefore, Acts 2:38, when interpreted correctly, does not teach that baptism is required for salvation.
The grammatical evidence surrounding this verse and the preposition eis are clear that while both views on this verse are well within the context and the range of possible meanings of the passage, the majority of the evidence is in favor that the best possible definition of the word “for” in this context is either “because of” or “in regard to” and not “in order to get.”
There is an important difference between a condition of salvation and a requirement for salvation. The Bible is clear that belief is both a condition and a requirement, but the same cannot be said for baptism. The Bible does not say that if a man is not baptized then he will not be saved. One can add any number of conditions to faith (which is required for salvation), and the person can still be saved. For example, if a person believes, is baptized, goes to church, and gives to the poor he will be saved. These are all very things but the problem comes when we assume all these other conditions, “baptism, going to church, giving to the poor,” are required for one to be saved. While they might be evidence of salvation, they are not a requirement for salvation.
Baptized In His House by Ted Ellis is an African-American work of art Illustrating a large pool in the middle of a church where several people are being baptized as a crowd looks on.
Requiring anything in addition to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a works-based salvation. To add anything to the gospel is to say that Jesus' death on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation. To say that baptism is necessary for salvation is to say we must add our own good works and obedience to Christ's death in order to make it sufficient for salvation. Jesus' death alone paid for our sins.
Romans 5:8 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Jesus' payment for our sins is appropriated to our “account” by faith alone.
John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Baptism is an important step of obedience after salvation but cannot be a requirement for salvation.
We must look to the full counsel of God’s Word. Here is a summary of the evidence:
1—The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith alone. Abraham was saved by faith, and we are saved by faith.
Romans 4:1-3 NIV What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Galatians 3:7-9 NIV Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
2—Throughout the Bible, in every dispensation, people have been saved without being baptized. Every believer in the Old Testament (e.g., Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon) was saved but not baptized. The thief on the cross was saved but not baptized. Cornelius was saved before he was baptized.
Acts 10:44-48 NIV While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
3—Baptism is a testimony of our faith and a public declaration that we believe in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures tell us that we have eternal life the moment we believe
John 5:24 NIV “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Belief always comes before being baptized. Baptism does not save us any more than walking an aisle or saying a prayer saves us. We are saved when we believe.
4—The Bible never says that if one is not baptized then he is not saved.
5—If baptism were required for salvation, then no one could be saved without another party being present. Someone must be there to baptize a person before he can be saved. This effectively limits who can be saved and when he can be saved. The consequences of this doctrine, when carried to a logical conclusion, are devastating. For example, a soldier who believes on the battlefield but is killed before he can be baptized would go to hell.
6—Throughout the Bible we see that at the point of faith a believer possesses all the promises and blessings of salvation.
Acts 10:39-43 NIV “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (emphasis mine)
Acts 16:31-33 NIV They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
When a person believes, they have eternal life, does not come under judgment, and has passed from death into life—all before he or she is baptized.
John 5:24 NIV “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
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