In much of Christianity, it is taught and believed that one must be baptized with water in order to be saved. This belief pervades notable denominations such as Roman Catholicism, various protestant churches and denominations (e.g., Churches of Christ), Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodox Church, Mormonism and other independent churches. On the surface, there seems to be several Scriptures that teach that baptism with water is necessary to be saved. On the other hand, there are a great many Scriptures that teach that salvation comes by no work of man. It is by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9, Ro 3:21-31, Gal 2:16, 3:11, etc). The purpose of this study is to explain this apparent (but not real) contradiction. The physical act of baptism in water is indeed not necessary for salvation. If indeed it is not necessary for salvation, then what exactly is the significance of water baptism? This study will also examine the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Please click on the link below to view a You Tube video on this topic, or continue with the study that follows.
Background on the Word ‘Baptism’
Verses that Seem to Teach Baptismal Regeneration
Does the Scripture Contradict Itself?
Jesus Baptizes Christians in the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit in Salvation and Sanctification
Baptized into One Body of Christ
Real Baptism in the Name of God
Baptism ‘in’ the Holy Spirit (of Christ)
Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit
Baptism Burial causing Spiritual Rebirth
Christians are Made Spiritually Alive – A New Creation
Christians are Made Spiritually Alive – A New Heart
Water Baptism is a Type of True Baptism
Background on the Word ‘Baptism’
Root word:
- Bapto (G911) – literally, to whelm, cover fully, dip – 3 occurrences
- Jesus ‘dipped’ the sop – John 13:26
- Rider on white horse – robe dipped in blood – Rev 19:13
- Rich man asked that Lazarus dip his finger and cool his tongue – Lk 16:24
Cognates of Bapto:
- G907 – baptizo – baptize (80 occurences)
- G908 – baptisma – baptism (22 occurrences)
- G909 – baptismos – washing, baptisms (4 occurrences) – MK 7:4, Mk 7:8, Heb 6:2, Heb 9:10
- G910 – Baptistes – as in John the Baptist (14 occurrences)
Verses that Seem to Teach Baptismal Regeneration
Below are Bible passages that are typically used by some to teach that one must be baptized in water to be saved:
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and Brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. And with many other words id he testify and exhort, saying Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:37-47)
The context of this passage has to do with the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit was given by God to the disciples in Jerusalem. Peter had just concluded his sermon concerning Jesus and the Gospel. Those hearing Peter asked what is it they must repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
On the surface, it appears that this passage is indeed teaching that in one must first repent and then be baptized before remission of sins (i.e., salvation) can occur. We recognize that repentance is a key ingredient in saving faith and, most assuredly, is necessary to be present in a person that is to be saved (see Lk 13:3-5, Mk 1:14-15, Lk 5:32, Lk 24:46-47, Acts 11:18,17:30-30, 2 Pet 3:9, 2 Tim 2:25, etc). But, repentance is indeed a grace given by God to His people (Acts 5:31, Acts 11:18). However, this passage in Acts 2:38 is used extensively to prove that ‘water baptism’ is required.
Other Scriptures used to teach baptismal regeneration (i.e. the idea that baptism with water is necessary for salvation) are as follows:
The 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 o f Jesus Christ. (1 Pet 3:21)
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. (Mk 16:15-16)
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. (Titus 3:5)
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in there name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor 6:11)
For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal 3:26-27)
Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Ro 6:3, see also Col 2:9-13)
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:22)
From this long list of Scripture, we find that there is a significant amount of verses that can be used to teach that one must be baptized in order to be saved. For example, in 1 Pet 3:21, the Scripture says that baptism is that which saves us. In Mk 16:15-16, it says that those who believe and are baptized will be saved. In Gal 3:26:27, the Scripture teaches that it is only those who have been baptized will be saved. In fact, each of the above verses can be misinterpreted to teach baptismal regeneration.
Does the Scripture Contradict Itself?
We now begin to see an apparent contradiction of the Scripture. On the one hand, the Bible teaches that there is no work of man that can save him. Yet, we have just seen that there appears to be many scriptures that teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. Moreover, we find a significant example in the Bible of one who was not baptized in the water, yet we are told he is with Christ in Paradise:
And one of the malefactors which were hanged on him, saying If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when you come into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with be with me in paradise. (Luke 22:39-43)
One of the malefactors on the cross next to Jesus became a Christian as he hung there with the Lord. This man was assured to be in paradise, yet he was not baptized, yet was saved. The key to unraveling this apparent contradiction of the Scripture is to examine the whole Bible in the light of its context. In fact, all doctrinal error ultimately finds its roots in either an intentional or unintentional misinterpretation of the Scripture. The Bible teaches us that we must compare spiritual with spiritual to be able to come to the truth on topics in the Bible (1 Col 2:13). That is, it is only when the Bible is carefully examined by reviewing all related Bible passages on a topic that we may come to truth. It is important to be diligent to compare each spiritual truth with another in the Bible (see 2 Tim 2:15). It is only when the Bible is diligently studied and enlightened by the Holy Spirit that truth can be found. There are many areas in Scripture that one can isolate verses in the Bible to come up with doctrine that is quite foreign to the truth of the Bible. Baptismal regeneration is one such example.
Jesus Baptizes Christians in the Holy Spirit
It is very interesting to note that all the Scriptures discussed above supposedly teaching baptismal regeneration nowhere say that the baptism in view is that with water. In fact, there are many Scriptures that altogether identify baptism with another entity, the Holy Spirit:
And I knew not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33)
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)
John answered saying unto them all, I indeed baptized you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:16, see also Mat 3:11, Mark 1:8)
In all these passages, the word ‘with’ used in describing the Holy Spirit baptism, is actually the Greek word en (G1722), which literally means ‘in’ or ‘among’ (a fixed position).
The above Scriptures contain a significant truth which is that there are two baptisms in view. One, with water and the other with the Spirit. John the Baptist came as a forerunner of Jesus baptizing in water. He proclaimed Jesus who was to come. In these verses, John the Baptist proclaims that he baptized in water, but Jesus was coming to baptize with (literally, ‘in’) the Holy Spirit. So, Jesus will baptize His people in an altogether different medium which is the Holy Spirit. This is further illustrated in the following passage:
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them as on us at the beginning. Then I remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 11:15-16)
In this passage, Peter recounts his experience about the conversion of Gentiles at Caesarea in Cornelius’ household. The interesting thing to note here is that the conversion experience of the Gentiles is equated with the verses just looked at concerning Jesus’ baptism with water that is effectual in salvation. No, rather it is the baptism by Jesus in the Holy Spirit that is instrumental in salvation and sanctification.
The Holy Spirit in Salvation and Sanctification
When one becomes a Christian, the Scriptures teach us that the Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:9, 2 Tim 1:14, etc). At this moment the believer has his heart sprinkled with clean water. He is no longer in his natural condition of rebellion and depravity. He has been cleansed by the Holy Spirit to believe the Gospel:
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own and. Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart I will also give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleanness: and I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for abominations. Eze 36:24-31 (see also Ro 2:25-29, Heb 8:8-13, 10:16-17, Jer 31:31-34)
God sprinkles clean water on His people to clean them (make them a holy people –salvation) and puts His Spirit in them. In conversion, the stony heart of man is replaced with a supple heart. God’s people are cleansed from uncleanness and become the children of God. It is this baptism that is the true baptism of God. It is in this respect that baptism is necessary for salvation. It is not a baptism with water. It is a baptism (cleansing) with the Holy Spirit. In the baptism of Saul (i.e. Paul), the same baptism of the Holy Spirit is evident.
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:13-16
In these 2 passages that describe Paul’s baptism, God teaches is that baptism is for the washing away of sins. That is, the baptism described here is the baptism by Jesus of His people in the Holy Spirit. Nowhere do these passages teach baptism in water. It is the effective working of the true baptism that washed away our sins (salvation and sanctification).
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:22)
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Act 16:30-33)
In summary, we see that the Bible declares that the work of Christ is baptism with the Spirit. While many normally only think of water when the word baptism is used, it is the baptism with the Spirit that is the most spiritually significant. The baptism with the Spirit is the true baptism that is effectual in salvation.
Please refer to the study on Baptism in the Holy Spirit for more details on the work of the Holy Spirit in the salvation and sanctification of God’s people.
Baptized into One Body of Christ
The true baptism of God also involves being baptized into the body of Christ, which also strongly teaches that baptism is synonymous with salvation.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be Jews or Gentiles or Gentiles, whether we beyond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13 (see also Ro 6:3-5, Gal 3:26-27)
When God’s people are saved by the baptism of Christ, they are immersed into His body. There are many passages in the New Testament that teach is that once we are saved, we are ‘in Christ’:
- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2Co 5:17)
- There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:1)
- At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. (Joh 14:20)
Once baptized into the Spirit of Christ (in Christ), Christians become integrally part of Jesus’ universal church. In this church, there are many members, with varying gifts and functions. They are given spiritual gifts (see 1 Cor 12 context, Eph 4:7-16, Ro 12:3-8, etc), although some of these gifts only existed during the apostolic church of the 1st century A.D.. When cleansed from sin, God’s people are given the indwelling Holy Spirit which works in them to produce fruit (Ro 5:5, John 16:7-11, Phil 2:13, Ro 8:14-16, Gal 4:6, 2 Tim 1:7, etc). They are changed from our sin-mindedness to a spirit-mindedness (Ro 8:1-9). With the Holy Spirit, God’s people are able to minister to others provide a function in the body of Christ.
Real Baptism in the Name of God
Another remarkable feature of the true baptism with the Holy Spirit is that God’s people become identified with the name of God. That is, they are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit:
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the Baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus, When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Acts 19:4-5 (see also Acts 2:38)
In this passage, reference to the true Spirit baptism is seen. The comparison with John’s baptism with water teaches that true baptism is in the Spirit (John 1:33, Acts 1:5, Luke 3:16, etc.). It is interesting to note that this real baptism in the Spirit identifies believers with the name of Jesus. In fact, the Great Commission (Mat 28:19- 20) teaches that baptism involves being identified with the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
To be baptized in the name of someone has altogether to do with identification with that person (see 1 Cor 1:11-17). That is, when we are identified with a name, we assume a great closeness and oneness with the person being identified with. Christians, are in Christ and Christ is in us (John 14:20, 15:4, 1 John 3:24). This oneness identification highlights that God indwells His people (1 Cor 2:12, Ro 8:8, 2 Tim 1:14, etc) and His people abide in God (see John 15:1-10, 1 John 2:6, 24, 3:24, John 6:56, etc., etc.).
In addition to salvation, abiding in God means that there will be an attitude of discipleship in the saved person (e.g., 1 John 3:24). In other words, by being identified with the name of God, Christians become His disciples. In fact, the Scripture teaches that all true believers are identified as disciples (John 6:48-58, 8:30-32, Lk 14:25-27, etc.). By disciples, Christians are characterized by an on-going desire to follow God and learn His ways. God has given us the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) in order that Christians will learn and become obedient to his word and, therefore, become more and more holy (1 Th 2:13, 1 Pet 2:2, John 6:63, 17:17, etc.) They are obedient to his word (1 John 2:3-6, 1 Pet 1:1-2, etc.). It is the baptism ‘in’ the Holy Spirit that results in the power to be and obedient witness for God.
Baptism ‘in’ the Holy Spirit (of Christ)
- Baptized with (in) Holy Spirit and fire – 3:11, Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16
- ‘With’ is the Greek word for ‘in’ – G1722
- G1519 – Gr: eis – into (movement in)
- G1722 – Gr: en – in, among (fixed position)
- G1537 – Gr: ek (or ex) – out (movement out)
- Verses on Baptism in the Holy spirit
- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Mat 3:11)
- I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (Mar 1:8)
- John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (Luk 3:16)
- For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Act 1:5)
- Then Peter said unto them, 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. (Act 2:38)
- Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (Act 11:16)
Baptized in Jesus Christ
Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit
- But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Rom 8:9)
- Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. (1Pe 1:11)
- For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (Php 1:19)
Baptism Burial causing Spiritual Rebirth
- What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Rom 6:1-6)
- In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col 2:11-13)
- For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:26)
New Birth – Spiritual
- Christians are made Spiritually Alive (Born Again / Risen)
- Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit – John 3:3-8
- Being born again…of incorruptible seed, by the Word of God – 1 Pet 1:21-23
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…(1Pe 1:3)
- Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Tit 3:5)
- Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (Jas 1:18)
- If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1Jn 2:29)
- Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (1Jn 3:9, see also 1 John 5:18)
- Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1Jn 4:7)
- Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1Jn 5:1)
- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1Jn 5:4)
New Spirit (first-fruits)
- Renewed in the spirit of your mind – Eph 4:23
- …Renew a right spirit within me – Ps 51:10
- God puts a new spirit in a person – Eze 11:19, Eze 18:31, Eze 36:26
- Serve in newness of spirit, not in the oldness of the letter – Ro 7:6
- The Work of the Holy Spirit:
- Christians are in the Spirit – if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His…the Spirit is life – Ro 8:9-10
- But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom 8:11)
- Holy Spirit leads His people…bears witness with our spirit – Ro 8:14-16
- And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Rom 8:23, see also Rom 16:5, 1 Cor 16:15)
- These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (Rev 14:4)
New Creation
- …henceforth we know no man after the flesh…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2Co 5:16-17)
- Neither circumcision or uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creature – Gal 6:15
- For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them – Eph 2:10
- New wine in new bottles – Mat 9:16-17
New Man
- Old man crucified with Christ – Ro 6:6
- Put off…the old man, which is corrupt due to deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness – Ep 4:22-24
- …you have put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge – Col 3:9-10
- Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (Eph 2:15)
- And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Eph 4:24)
- And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Col 3:10)
- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2Co 5:17)
New Heart
- Stony heart removed, given a heart of flesh – Eze 11:19, Eze 36:26
- New heart – Eze 18:31
- God will write His law on His people’s hearts – Heb 8:10, 10:16
- Create within me a clean heart…Ps 51:10
Revisiting Problem Passages
Now that the real baptism is understood as the baptism in the Holy Spirit (i.e., God), it is important to revisit the verses that seem to teach that baptism with water is necessary for salvation. In all these verses, baptism in water is not in view. It is the real baptism with the Holy Spirit that is in view.
Acts 2:37-38:
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and Brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:37-38
We have seen that the only baptism that can remit sins is that work which Jesus does by the Holy Spirit. We are not saved by the work of baptism in water. We are saved by grace (Titus 3:5-7). Therefore, the baptism in view in the above verse is the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is sub-theme all throughout the book of Acts.
1 Pet 3:21:
The 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 Pet 3:21
The baptism in 1 Pet 3:21 that saves must be the baptism with the Holy Spirit. 1 Pet 3:21 alludes to this in that it is that the baptism in view is not the removal of filth from the body. That is, it is not the water baptism that has anything to do with salvation. It is the real baptism with the Holy Spirit that is effectual in salvation.
Mark 16:15-16:
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. Mk 16:15-16
The damnation discussed in verse 16 involves those who do not believe. The passage does not say that those who are not baptized will not be saved. It says that those who do not believe will not be saved. The reason that verse 15 says that those who believe and are baptized will be saved is that this verse recognizes that not all who believe in Jesus are saved. It is only those who believe and are baptized in the Holy Spirit that are saved. There are many examples in the Bible of those who believed, yet were not saved (James 2:14-26). These people have faith (i.e. belief). But, it is dead intellectual faith only. It does not produce godly works. There is Simon the Sorcerer who believed, but later proved himself to be really unsaved (Mat 7:21-23, see also Luke 13:23-30).
Therefore, it should be evident that the reason that salvation accompanies those who believe and are baptized is that baptism in the Holy Spirit must be involved with saving faith. That is, many have human-generated, intellectual faith, but it is not saving faith. It is only the saving faith resultant from the baptismal work of Jesus with the Holy Spirit that will be saved.
Titus 3:5 & 1 Cor 6:11:
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in their name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor 6:11
In these two verses, it is the cleansing from sin done by Jesus that saves us. These verses spiritually describe the work done at our salvation. We were cleansed from the former manner of life and made to walk anew. These verses do not teach water baptism. In addition, the Greek word for ‘washed’ is not the same word used for baptism (i.e. baptizo).
Gal 3:26-27 and Ro 6:3:
For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:26-27
Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Ro 6:3 (see also Col 2:9-13)
These verses do not teach that we are baptized with water to be saved. They teach that those who are baptized into Christ are saved. That is, those who are immersed in to the body of Christ by baptism in the Spirit that are truly saved. These verses have to be understood in the light of 1 Cor 12:13 that the medium that we are baptized into is indeed the spiritual body of Christ (i.e. the universal church).
Hebrews 10:22:
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb 10:22
This verse relates back to Ezekiel 36:24-31 which has been previously examined. Salvation occurs due to God’s gracious work of cleansing our sin-sick souls. We are sprinkled clean with the healing waters of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph 5;25-27, Acts 22:16, Titus 3:5, 1 Cor 6:11).
The Christian is washed, not with physical water of baptism which can never provide spiritual cleansing, but with the spiritual water that cleanses Christians in order to preform good works.
What About Water Baptism?
Although the true ‘one’ baptism is in the Holy Spirit, water baptism is an ordinance that symbolizes the true baptism. In the following passage, the Bible teaches that there is only one baptism:
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are call in hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all. Eph 4:4-6
We find, however, a great emphasis on water baptism in the Bible. There are many examples of water baptism throughout the New Testament:
- Baptism of Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:35-38
- Baptism of Gentiles after receiving the Holy Spirit.- Acts 10:47-48
- Baptism of Crispus and Gaius, and Stpehanus’ household – 1 Cor 1:13-16
- Baptism of Crispus and his household – Acts 18:8
- Baptism of Samaritans – Acts 8:12-16
- Jesus’ disciples and John baptizing – John 3:22-26
- Jesus disciples baptizing more than John – John 4:1-2
- Baptism of Lydia and her household – Acts 16:15
- Baptism of Jailor and his household – Acts 16:33
In all these examples, the contexts of the passages indicate that water baptism is in view. Even, Jesus’ disciples were baptizing (John 4:1-2). Therefore, we are faced with apparent contradiction. On the one hand, the Bible teaches that there is one baptism (Eph 4:5). Yet on the other hand, we see that there is at least 2 valid Christian baptisms (i.e. the Baptism with the Holy Spirit and water baptism).
Water Baptism is a Type of True Baptism
This apparent contradiction is easily cleared up. While it is true that there is but 1 true baptism, water baptism is a type of the 1 true baptism. That is, within the ritual of water baptism, we can observe truths about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the true baptism.
In fact, we see an allusion to the fact that water baptism is a type of the true baptism in the following verse:
The 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 Pet 3:21
We see that the baptism that saves is the real baptism (not the water baptism which removes filth from the flesh). Peter found it is necessary to distinguish between the two baptisms in order that he was clear that he was talking about the baptism of salvation.
In the Old Testament, there are many references to cleansing and other events involving water that in one way or another were pre-figuring the true salvation of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The following examples are provided:
- The flood – Gen 6-9, 1 Pet 3:17-21
- Parting of the Red Sea – Ex 14:13-31, 1 Cor 15:2
- Consecration of Priests – Ex 29:1-9, 40:12, Lev 8:6
- The Tabernacle Laver – Ex 30:17-21, 38:8, 40:32
- Cleansing of the Lepers – Lev 14:1-57, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Mat 8:2-4 (see also Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16
- Cleansing of the Body – Lev 15:1-33
- Cleansing of the Levites – Num 8:5-26
- Elijah and the Prophets of Baal – 1 King 18:17-40
But, Eph 4:5 can be understood that there is only one spiritual baptism but, there are many baptisms in the Bible (Heb 6:2, 9:10) which typify the one true baptism.
It is also important to note that the Holy Spirit is symbolized as water and therefore, water baptism is an appropriate symbol for the true baptism of the Holy Spirit:
- … If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (Joh 7:37-39)
- Rev 22:1 – The River of the Water of Life (Holy Spirit)
- And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh … (Act 2:17)
- … for I have poured out my spirit … (Eze 36:27,29)
- Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high … (Isa 32:15)
- And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace … (Zec 12:10)
The Significance of Baptism
The true baptism is that the work which Jesus performs in salvation by baptizing His people in the Holy Spirit. This baptism is symbolized in the church by the physical baptism in water that believers are commanded to participate in. Additionally, Christians are placed into the body of Christ (i.e., the universal church). An important passage to consider is the following:
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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 the newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Ro 6:1-7
This passage, in part, teaches that the true baptism in the spirit results in holiness. That is, before salvation, the Christian is in the flesh and being controlled by its desires (Eph 4:17-21, Ro 8:1-9). Once saved (i.e., baptized in the Spirit), they are no longer in bandage to the desires of the flesh. Romans 8:1-9 teaches that all true believers have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. At conversion, Christians die to the flesh and its mastery. Christians become free from sin (Ro 6:7). They no longer have to submit to the fleshly desires of the old man. The old man has been crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20, Ro 6:6, Gal 5:24, Gal 6:14). That is, just as Christ was crucified on the cross, we are identified with that crucifixion. Christ died so that we could be set free from sin. It is no longer us who live, but Christ lives in us because He delivered Himself up for us (Gal 2:20).
Therefore, Christians are no longer to continue in performing sin (Ro 6:1-2). They have died to that old lifestyle. They received the indwelling Holy Spirit and the word of God to make them holy. As Christians, we no longer practice sin (1 John 3:4-10, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-21) although we all still occasionally sin (1 John 1:8). Though Christ, we are made alive to walk in newness of life (Ro 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17). Baptism represents this great truth. We are buried with Christ in that we die to the old sin nature. We are raised up with Christ in His resurrection that we too have newness of life. We have had our flesh crucified with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24).
Summary
The Bible indeed does not teach that water baptism is necessary for salvation. Rather, the great work of Jesus Christ baptizing (dipping) His people in the Holy Spirit is what God is referring to when the Scriptures teach us that we are saved by baptism. We have seen that indeed there is but one true baptism. That baptism is that of the Spirit and involves the salvation and sanctification of the Christian. There is also a type (or symbol) of this true baptism: water baptism. This water baptism has no impact on saving us, as it is a work of man. However, water baptism illustrates the great truth of what Spirit baptism does. That is, in baptism, we are crucified to the world and its pleasures. The old man is dead. We are cleansed in Spirit baptism to walk in a new life of holiness and obedience.