If Baptism is Not Necessary…

There are many disagreements today about water baptism. Some individuals and groups believe it is underemphasized in the religious world. They see baptism as a requirement for salvation. Others believe baptism to be overemphasized. They see it only as an “announcement” of salvation. To what degree does the Bible emphasize baptism? What does God say about the need for immersion in water? Is baptism necessary? We can learn a lot by examining all that baptism is connected to in the New Testament.

If baptism is not necessary, then putting on Christ is not necessary. The New Testament declares the ability for all to be one in Jesus. No matter our background, whether Jewish or not, we can all be sons of God through faith. How is this accomplished? God’s word tells us “as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27). Certainly, to be saved it is necessary to put on Christ.

If baptism is not necessary, then being united with the Lord’s death and resurrection is not necessary. Grace and salvation are only possible by the sacrifice of Jesus. He died for all, but we must be “in Christ” if we desire to have these spiritual blessings (2 Cor 5:14-15; Eph 1:3). The Bible says, “as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death” (Rom 6:3). This union with the Lord’s death also holds the promise of resurrection (Rom 6:4-5). Certainly, to be saved it is necessary to be united with Christ’s death and resurrection.

If baptism is not necessary, then removing sins is not necessary. We can read the New Testament model, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). We understand that sinful transgressions separate one from God (Isa 59:2; 1 John 3:4-5). Certainly, to be saved it is necessary to wash away sins.

If baptism is not necessary, then entering the body of Christ is not necessary. The Bible declares, “by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Cor 12:13). Some will contend that this verse does not refer to water baptism but to Holy Spirit baptism. God’s word shows us that there is only one baptism in the church age (Eph 4:4-6). Holy Spirit baptism was for a select group and administered only by Christ for the purpose of revelation (Matt 3:11; Acts 1:4-5; John 14:26). Water Baptism is a command for all and is administered by Christians for the purpose of salvation (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-38; 1 Pet 3:21). This is how one is added by the Lord to his body, the church (Acts 2:47; Col 1:18). Certainly, to be saved it is necessary to enter the body of Christ.

The word of God is more important than what any individual or group may teach. Please consider the emphasis placed on water baptism in the Bible. Can we really believe that one who has not entered the body, has not had his sins removed, has not united with the Lord’s death, and has not put on Christ will be saved? God has shown us baptism is necessary!