Must a person be baptized to be saved?
While there is no text in the Bible that explicitly states that one must be baptized to be saved, there are many texts that collectively communicate the importance and significance of baptism to the Christian convert. Notice what Jesus says to Nicodemus:
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3–5
Jesus correlates the born-again experience to being “born of water.” While some suggest that this isn’t speaking of water baptism, it does not negate the fact that water is a symbol of cleansing and transformation. Ezekiel writes:
“For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:24–26
Being born of the water and the Spirit is synonymous with being “born again.” They are one and the same. Water baptism is a symbol and outward expression of what God is already doing in our heart. Therefore, the question should not be, “Must I be baptized to be saved?” but rather, “Why not be baptized?”
It is true that water, in and of itself, does not save us. But multiple biblical examples and texts clearly communicate the necessity of being baptized, even as Jesus Christ was baptized (Matthew 3:15–16). Jesus had not sinned, but He still was baptized, saying, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15.
Baptism is a fundamental part of the Plan of Salvation. After sacrificing the lambs, the priests would wash and cleanse themselves at the laver before entering the holy place of the tabernacle. The laver is a symbol of water baptism. However, it is more than just a symbol. It shows one’s willingness to identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection:
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Romans 6:3–6
When we decide to step into that watery grave, we are taking a stand with Christ, publicly. We are stating before God and the world that we are one with Him, just as He is one with His Father (John 17:21). Therefore, while baptism is a symbol of spiritual death and rejuvenation, in a sense it is also like a marriage. We are spiritually uniting as one with Christ, just as a husband would with his wife (Genesis 2:24; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
Considering all these important points, it’s no wonder Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16.
Notice that baptism is connected to belief and salvation. When we truly believe in Christ, nothing will prevent us from expressing that oneness with Him. In contrast, those who do not believe will choose to not be baptized. It makes perfect sense! One might verbally declare that they believe in Christ, but do their spiritual works show it? This is where faith and works come in. While we are not saved by our works, we can surely conclude that faith without works is dead (James 2:14–24). Our works tell the true story of our faith, much like the hanging fruit on a tree identifies the type of tree. “You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16. When a person in a rebellious way refuses to be baptized, they are revealing the true fruit of their heart—or the lack it. We should desire to be baptized because we want to identify with Christ in every way we can, especially in His sacrifice and resurrection—which is the very foundation of the gospel and the meaning behind the symbolism of baptism (1 Corinthians 2:2; 15:3–4; Romans 6:3–6).
Some will try to use the one example in the Bible of someone being promised entry into Heaven with no baptismal record. The thief on the cross in Luke 23 is often used to bypass the rite of water baptism. However, we must understand that the thief, and many others, would have been baptized if circumstances had not prevented them. Consider the following account we have of the Ethiopian eunuch:
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’” Acts 8:35–36 (emphasis supplied)
The key word, in the case of the Ethiopian, is “hinders.” What was hindering this man from being baptized? The answer is—nothing! Like the vast majority of people today, nothing prevented the newly converted Ethiopian from going through with his water baptism. On the other hand, the thief at Jesus’ crucifixion was hindered from being baptized because he was nailed to a cross. There are rare occasions today where someone who is sick, maimed, or dying may not be able to follow through with water baptism. In these rare cases, Jesus’ baptism is sufficient for them, because they are literally prevented from being baptized due to their circumstances (see Matthew 3:15). However, those who are not prevented or hindered should follow through by faith and be baptized by full submersion in water, just as Christ did (Matthew 3:16).
When we are baptized into Christ, we put on His righteousness (Galatians 3:27). After being clothed with His righteousness, we can officially call ourselves disciples or followers of Christ (Matthew 28:19–20).
In conclusion, water baptism is essential and necessary—if we have the opportunity. Therefore, we leave you with these powerful words:
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16