Is Water Baptism a Requirement for Salvation?

By Kelly Powers

The topic of water baptism being a requirement for salvation is a hot topic today. There are various denominations and groups that teach water baptism is a requirement for salvation, but does the Bible teach water baptism is required for salvation?

Water Baptism and being identified with Christ in Romans 6:3-5

"3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection." (Romans 6:3-5)

Being water baptized is an identification of the believer who has accepted Christ into there life, and the Apostle Paul teaches that a person who has been water baptized is being identified with His death and resurrection. A person that goes under the water represents the death which Jesus paid for our sins upon the cross and the old man being done away with, and the coming up out of the water represents the resurrection of Jesus in which He conquered the sting of death. Being water baptized is a declaration of what God has done in a person's life and that person responding openly to others.

Does John 3:3-5 teach water baptism for salvation?

"1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, `You must be born again.'" (John 3:1-7)

There are some who teach that a person must be water baptized for salvation, and they use John 3:5 as a proof text for their views. From the context of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus (John 3:1-21) it is clear that water baptism is not what saves, but a person who believes in Jesus Christ as the One who was sent to give His life for the world and accepts Him receives eternal life. In John 3:5-6 it is clear that being "born of water" is in reference to a physical birth concerning what Nicodemus was thinking about in verse 4. Jesus states two kinds of birth's, one is being born of water which is the physical birth, and another is being born of the Spirit which is becoming a new creation, a spiritual birth. Another important point is what Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3 verses 14-18 that anyone who would believe in Him would receive eternal life, that is salvation. Within the context it is clear that being born again in John 3:1-21 is dealing with a spiritual birth, not a physical birth, and within these Scriptures there is no indication of a person being required to be water baptized in order to be saved.

What the Bible teaches on a person being saved or receiving eternal life.

The following Scriptures show the clear truth on what is required for a person to receive eternal life and be saved from their sins.

"9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."" (Romans 10:9-13)

"7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:7-9)

"10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:10-13)

Does Acts 2:38 teach a person must be water baptized to be saved?

Acts 2:38 is one of the most cited verses used by those who teach water baptism is required for salvation. It is interesting when examining what the Apostle Peter taught on a person being forgiven of their sins and what is required to be saved. Examine the following Scriptures in reference to what Peter taught.

"36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."" (Acts 2:36-39)

"43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days." (Acts 10:43-48)

"21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
(1 Peter 3:21)

Examining what Peter taught as a whole it is clear that "water baptism" is not what was required for a person to be saved, but the baptism of the heart. In Acts 10:43-48 Peter preaches the message of Jesus to Cornelius and those with him, and as they were listening (emphasis added) they began to speak in other tongues and were glorifying God. Peter recognized this and said to the others there that these (Cornelius and those with him) were not water baptized and yet had received the same gift of the Holy Spirit as they had. These Scriptures show the importance of what Peter taught concerning them receiving the message, and inwardly they were changed or as 1 Peter 3:21 indicates a baptism of the heart, a good conscience to God. Peter did not teach the physical act of water saving anyone but it was that of the heart. When reading Acts 2:38 it is very important to see what the Apostle Peter taught as a whole on a person be saved and receiving the forgiveness of sins. Peter said a person is saved on the basis of their faith: "7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 "And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." (Acts 15:7-9)

Conclusion to water baptism being a requirement for salvation.

This information is here to help those who are searching for clear answers concerning this controversial topic. If you have questions about what has been shared or something that may have not been addressed please let us know how we can further help you.

More Scriptures on what is required for a person to receive eternal life or salvation: "John 5:24; John 20:31, Romans 1:16, Romans 3:19-31, Romans 4:1-9; Romans 5:5-11, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 1:13-14, Colossians 1:19-22, Colossians 2:10-15."

Copyright (c) 2003 Kelly Powers All rights reserved.