Is baptism necessary for salvation? If so, which baptism?
Yes — but not water baptism. The baptism that is necessary is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which happens automatically the moment a person believes: the Spirit places the believer into union with Christ, identifies him with Christ's death and resurrection, and seals him there forever. Water baptism is a ritual picture of that inward change — an outward testimony, not the means of salvation.
Also asked: Can I get saved through a baptism ceremony?
Also asked, more loosely
Is water baptisms the only kind that actually saves us? · Do we need to be baptized to have our sins forgiven by God?
Source: The Basics The Basics, Unit 2, Lesson 2-3 — The Commission–Evangelism
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Related questions
- What does the Bible teach about death?1 Corinthians 12:13 · The Basics
- What is the difference between the Church and the church?1 Corinthians 12:13 · The Basics
- How would you explain the nature and function of the Church to a friend? What Scriptures would you use?1 Corinthians 12:13 · The Basics
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- What five works does the Holy Spirit perform in the believer at the moment of salvation?1 Corinthians 12:13 · The Basics
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- What does the Bible teach about baptisms?1 Corinthians 12:13 · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about the Resurrection?1 Corinthians 12:13 · The Basics
See also
- What is the believer's commission?Same lesson · The Basics
- What should motivate us to fulfill our commission?Same lesson · The Basics
- Why did Christ die, according to Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:15?Same lesson · The Basics
- How are believers supposed to look at other people?Same lesson · The Basics
- What is the ministry of reconciliation? What is the message of reconciliation?Same lesson · The Basics
- Describe the method of evangelism outlined in 1 Peter 3:15.Same lesson · The Basics
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