Is baptism necessary for salvation?
That is a common question because so many churches teach you must be baptized to be forgiven of sin.
There are several ways to approach this subject, but one of the best is to look at the Apostle Paul and what he said about baptism.
Was Paul a gospel preacher?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16
Paul was not afraid to be bold and tell others about the gospel of Christ. He knew it was the only way for anyone to experience salvation.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1Corinthians 9:16
Paul was clear he preached the gospel.
He even went further by saying that IF he did not preach the gospel a special judgment from God would be brought on him. (woe is unto me)
Surprising statements by Paul about baptism
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1Corinthians 1:14-16
The church of Corinth was having problems with following different preachers, so they were divided.
Paul is writing to rebuke them for this division and in doing that he says he thanks God that he had baptized so few in the church!
If Paul believed that baptism is necessary to be born again… how could he be glad he had baptized so few people?
But even more amazing is the next verse…
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1Corinthians 1:17
Paul actually says that he was NOT sent to baptize…that was not his main duty before God.
What was the main duty?
To preach the gospel
This is even more amazing when you realize that Paul is saying that baptism and the gospel are NOT the same thing!
Baptism is NOT the gospel.
What is the Gospel according to Paul?
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 1Corinthians 15:1-2
Paul begins in this passage to say he is going to declare (make plain) what the gospel is.
He then says that it is the gospel that saves (rescues from sin).
So what does Paul say the Gospel is?
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1Corinthians 15:3-4
Paul says the gospel is made up of 3 things…
A. Christ died for our sins
B. He was buried
C. He rose again the third day
Baptism is not one time mentioned?
Paul was a bold gospel preacher and he said before that the gospel was the only way to experience salvation. (born again the Bible way)
Now if baptism was necessary to experience salvation, why did Paul not say so in these verses where he tells us what the gospel is?
The answer is really quite simple… baptism is not part of salvation.
Christians are baptized BECAUSE they are born again… NOT to BE Born Again!
Questions:
- Paul was a gospel preacher. True OR False
- The gospel brings Bible salvation. True OR False
- Who told Paul to preach the gospel?
- Paul was happy he had baptized everyone at Corinth. True OR False
- What did Paul say Christ had sent him to do as his main job?
- What did Paul say Christ had NOT told him to do as his main job?
- What are the 3 parts of the gospel according to Paul?
- What have you learned about the gospel and baptism as Paul preached it?