Is Salvation Essential to Baptism?
Some contend that “salvation is essential to baptism.” What this means is that salvation precedes—comes “before”—one is baptized. Others maintain that baptism is essential to salvation. What this means is that baptism precedes—comes “before”—salvation. It is certain that both of these positions cannot be true. If one is saved first and baptized later, then one is not baptized in order to be saved. Which view is correct? What does the Bible teach?
In every verse where baptism and salvation are mentioned, baptism always comes “before” salvation. Consider the following: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). According to Jesus, salvation does not come before baptism; rather, baptism, before salvation. Now, observe what Peter preached: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). To receive the “remission of sins” is to be saved from sin. Did Peter proclaim that remission of sins occurs before one is baptized? No, he did not. He preached that one is to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (that is, to be saved). Consider what Paul taught: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). This passage shows that until one is baptized he is not in Christ, has not contacted the death of Christ (when his blood was shed), and does not walk in “newness of life.” All of these things come “after” baptism. Also consider what Ananias said to Saul of Tarsus, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Did Ananias place baptism before or after the washing away of sins? Clearly, according to the God-sent preacher, Ananias, one is baptized in order to have his sins washed away by the blood of Christ. Then, consider I Peter 3:21: “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” (I Peter 3:21). Please observe in this verse the God-given order: “baptism doth also now save us.” I am persuaded that baptism comes before salvation because that is what the Bible teaches.
There are zero verses which teach that sinners are saved first and then baptized. There are numerous verses which teach that sinners are baptized to be saved. Which will you believe? Please do not blindly accept what any man (including me) says regarding this issue. Study these verses for yourself, with an open mind, and I am convinced you will see that salvation is not essential to baptism; but, rather, baptism is essential to salvation.
