We teach what Scripture says about baptism, rather than argue over what it does not say.

It’s Clear, by Richard Willis

It is not uncommon to have someone enter into a conversation with you regarding whether baptism is necessary for salvation. These “conversations” often resemble good old arguments. I am convinced that when this occurs, both parties tend to walk away more convinced they are right than when the conversation began, regardless of the truth.

When such opportunities come about, why not change the focus of the conversation? Next time the subject of baptism comes up; don’t argue about words that are not found in the New Testament (i.e., “Thus saith the Lord, “Baptism is essential to salvation!’”). Instead, focus on what is evident from Scripture. Must a person be baptized to be saved? A simple answer to that question is unclear to many people. So point those people to what is clear.

What Scripture says:

It’s clear that Jesus was baptized and set an example.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’” (Matt. 3:13-15)*

It’s clear that Jesus expected His followers to go through the process of being baptized.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

It’s clear that the apostles taught associating forgiveness with it, in addition to the gift of God’s Spirit.
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’” (Acts 2:38-39)

It’s clear that baptism was part of Paul’s conversion experience, something many religious teachers fail to mention when they refer to Paul’s salvation.
Paul retells his own story and relates how Ananias said to him, “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” (Acts 22:16)
It’s clear that baptism was part of many specific incidents of conversion in the book of Acts where the individual or group is named, providing an example for us to follow.
Pentecost (Acts 2:37-41); Simon (8:13); an Ethiopian (8:35-39); Paul (9:17, 18; 22:12-16); Cornelius and family (10:47, 48); Lydia (16:13-15); the jailer (16:27-33); Corinthians (19:8); Ephesians (19:1-5)

It’s clear that the symbolic act of burying our old sinful self and being raised from the dead to live a new life for our Lord is what occurs at baptism.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3,4)
It’s clear that just as water was used to separate the lost from the saved in the time of Noah, baptism is presented as doing the same in the New Testament.
“. . . God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also . . . .” (1 Peter 3:20-21)

It’s clear that even the symbolism of salvation provided by the nation of Israel as they escaped Egypt headed for the Promised Land includes a type of baptism, where the water of the Red Sea separates those who are being saved.
“For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” (1 Corinthians 10:1,2)
It’s clear that the word picture of “clothing ourselves with Christ” is presented as something that occurs at our baptism. To me, this word picture most clearly depicts how Christ saves us. Our sins cannot be seen because our perfect Lord covers us with himself.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26,27)
So . . . Why Argue?

In light of all of the above, why argue with people about whether baptism must occur. Let them draw their own conclusions, as we simply show them what the Bible states. Often, when we encounter those who can’t see this subject our way, the root problem is not baptism. Rather, it tends to be a stubborn refusal to give up the teaching they have received from trusted people in the past. (We probably do the same with other subjects.) Maybe an unwillingness to accept God’s Word as the ultimate authority (a more serious problem) is the cause. We need to realize this and not beat baptism to death as we insist on compliance. That will tend to only drive people away.

Instead, we should follow the example of Priscilla and Aquila when they taught Apollos the way of the Lord more perfectly (Acts 18:24-26), doing so with gentleness toward the individual and with respect for what God communicates through His words of instruction in Scripture. We may not always get the same result, but we will at least plant seeds that have the opportunity to grow.

Remember, baptism is not a singular act that can accomplish anything in isolation. Rather, it is part of a natural flow of events (from initial belief and repentance, through a daily walk with our Lord) that defines our salvation. Baptism is a beautiful joint effort between God and man. The individual submits to a symbolic death and God raises the person out of that water grave to a new spiritual life. It is a wonderful visual way to illustrate what really saves us: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Apart from Jesus’ sacrifice and the grace of God, salvation is impossible.

Can God save someone who hasn’t been baptized? Sure. Will God save someone who hasn’t been baptized? That’s not for me to say. What does God teach us through the commands, examples, and instructions of the New Testament pages about baptism? That’s where our focus needs to be. If Jesus is truly Lord, His Word will direct the path of the believer in the end.