In today’s religious world, baptism is often misunderstood, misrepresented, or dismissed altogether. Some teach that baptism is just a symbol, others call it optional, and many see it as a ceremony without much significance. But what does the Word of God actually teach? Is baptism truly necessary for salvation? The Bible’s answer is clear and powerful.
Jesus Spoke of Baptism’s Importance
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His apostles this command:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
— Mark 16:15-16
Notice Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” Baptism is not just a good work or outward sign. It is directly connected to salvation. To neglect baptism is to neglect a command from the Lord Himself.
Baptism is for the Remission of Sins
When Peter preached the very first gospel sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), those who were convicted of their sin cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s response could not have been clearer:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
— Acts 2:38
Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, did not tell them they were saved before baptism, nor that baptism was just a sign of a salvation they already had. He said to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. The remission, or forgiveness, of sins is the very reason baptism is required.
Baptism is Where We Contact the Blood of Christ
It is not water that saves, but the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5). Yet, God has chosen baptism as the point at which we contact that blood. Paul explains this beautifully:
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
— Romans 6:3-4
Baptism is the burial where we meet the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is where we die to sin and rise to walk in newness of life.
Baptism is How We Enter Christ
Scripture repeatedly shows that we are baptized into Christ:
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
— Galatians 3:27
Salvation is found in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10). If baptism is how we are placed into Christ, then it is indispensable. Without baptism, one remains outside of Christ, separated from His saving blood.
Baptism is Not Merely Tradition
Some claim baptism is just a church tradition. But Peter answers that plainly:
“There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Peter 3:21
Peter says baptism now saves us, not because of water itself, but because it is a divinely commanded response to God.
Friend, Have You Been Baptized for the Remission of Your Sins?
The early Christians all obeyed this command (Acts 8:12-13, Acts 16:30-33, Acts 22:16). They didn’t wait, argue, or treat baptism lightly — they saw it as the God-ordained way to be forgiven and enter the church that Jesus built.
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
— Acts 22:16
If you have never been baptized for the remission of sins, according to the pattern revealed in the Bible, we invite you to study further. The Lord’s invitation is still open.