Is baptism really necessary for the salvation of one’s
soul? This seems to be a question that is discussed frequently in the religious
world. To answer such a question one must appeal to the Bible and the Bible
only. The inspired writer Luke states, “Neither is there salvation in any
other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The word “name” as used in this passage refers to
authority. We are saved by submitting to the authority of Jesus Christ. Submitting
to the authority of Jesus Christ means obeying what He has commanded. Jesus
said, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). In this passage, one can see
that baptism is required by the Lord in order to be saved. This and many other
statements in the New Testament are clear and understandable, and yet many in
the religious world say there is nothing for one to do to be saved, only
believe.
Consider what Saul of Tarsus asked Jesus on the road to
Damascus; “And
he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the
Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what
thou must do” (Acts 9:6). Saul asked the Lord what he was to do. If belief was
all that was necessary, why did Jesus tell him to go into the city and it would
be told what he must do? Upon entering the city and the passing of three days
Ananias came to Saul and told him what he must
do. Ananias declared, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Baptism
and washing sins away are inseparable. One cannot have his sins washed away
without baptism. Paul said that baptism is where we come in contact with the
precious blood of Jesus (Romans 6:3-5). Peter with the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit affirmed, “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” (1 Peter 3:21). Peter
plainly stated that baptism saves us!
So then, is baptism really necessary for the salvation
of one’s soul? The Scriptures plainly teach that baptism is essential and
necessary for the salvation of one’s soul. We cannot allow man’s words or
opinions to mislead us, but rather let the Word of God be our guide in all spiritual
matters. The Hebrews writer affirmed, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to
day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). Christ’s authority does not change and His
word endures forever (1 Peter 1:23-24). Have you done what the Lord has
commanded?
