Originally Posted By: ford150man
Ahh, I just noticed the "must be baptized in order to be saved" has shown up. I could argue against that one for hours, actually days, and I used to be one of those saying you MUST be baptized to be saved. I won't get into the arguement because I won't change your mind. I'll only say three things about it. #1- Jesus tells us, "my grace is sufficient", #2- there are just as many scriptures that tells how to be saved without mentioning baptism. If baptism was an absolute deal breaker don't you think it would be mentioned EVERY time? By not doing so is like telling someone how to drive a car but leaving out the whole applying the brakes thing, #3- this point was actually already made for me. Every baptism has to be performed by another Christian. An earthly man. By saying a person MUST be baptised you are limiting the power of God and saying that God cannot save without the aid of man. I studied this very subject for the better part of two years with preachers, elders and deacons from both those that believe baptism is a requirement for salvation and those that don't. I could go on and on but I've said enough. Proceed to bash me if you want. I won't respond because a talk forum won't change my mind with the amount of studying I've done and I probably won't change yours. Just know that while we may disagree on some things in doctrine, I'm a firm believer, and follower, in Jesus Christ and want nothing more than for everyone else to do so as we'll.


(1) No one I know who claims baptism is essential to salvation argues that salvation isn't due to God's grace. Ephesians 2:8 clearly asserts we're saved by grace... but by/through faith. Faith is trusting enough in God to obey His requirements. Noah, according to Genesis 6:8, was saved from the flood by grace... yet, Hebrews 11:7 says he saved his household by building the ark. Was he saved by grace? Absolutely. Did he have to obey God's terms in order to be saved? Without question.

(2) If you find that some were baptized in order to be saved and others were not, then there is not a standard that exists for all people to obey. 1 Peter 1:22 says we are "purified" when we obey the truth... and Romans 6:17 says we obeyed a form/standard of teaching. Notice the language of verses such as Mark 16:15-16 (belief + baptism = salvation), Acts 2:38 (repentance + baptism = salvation), Acts 22:16 (wash away your sins), and 1 Peter 3:21 (baptism saves us). When you combine these with the many examples found in the book of Acts, hard to argue against baptism being necessary.

(3) You claim that by utilizing baptism, people are not relying on God and thus relying upon people in order to be saved. Scripture plainly teaches God has CHOSEN (note this word "chosen") to save people through the preaching of the gospel... something which inherently depends upon people doing something (see Romans 10:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 1:21). The key in this entire discussion is not "how many ways could God save people". Rather, the key is "how did God choose to save people?" ?He chose for people to be saved by hearing and obeying the gospel... something involving people.

I agree with you... much of what you and I say will not change each other's views on the matter. I post, however, to make sure those who read this thread have a balanced view... and hope all who are interested in salvation will study with an open Bible and an open heart... realizing they will not be judged by people's opinions, but by God's revealed word. God bless.