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"The Ancient Landmark"

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

Question:

During a recent bible study, it was stated that baptism was not a requirement of salvation until the church was started. (Acts 2). Some contended that baptism was required earlier. (ex. John the Baptist preached baptism and was doing so before Jesus was baptized)

My question is--when did baptism become a requirement for salvation?

My Response:

Hello,

To address the first part of your question, it is true that there were certain "baptisms" before Acts 2. Paul said that the Israelites were baptized of Moses when they crossed the Red Sea (I Cor. 10:1-2). Furthermore, John baptized folks before Acts 2 (hence the title, "John the Baptist," or some versions say "John the Immerser"). Yet, to contrast John's baptism with the baptism spoken of in Acts 2 and forward; he baptized folks, telling them that they needed to believe in the One to come after him - Jesus Christ (Acts 19:4). Yet, from Acts 2 forward, the command is NOT to believe in One to come like they did in John's day, but the One who has come, has died on the cross and has been raised and ascended back to the Father (Acts 2:22-36, 8:35, 17:3, etc.). Therefore, this fact alone distinguishes the baptism of Acts 2 and forward with any baptism discussed before that time.

But, to your question, "When did baptism become a requirement for salvation?" I would start by pointing you to the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 (parallel: Mark 16:16; Luke 24:46-47) who told His apostles to go into the world and preach the gospel, and baptize folks that they might be saved. It became a requirement when Jesus commanded it before His ascension back to the Father (Acts 1:9-11). Moving to Acts 2, we see that Peter and the eleven preached the gospel to the crowd assembled in Jerusalem (v. 5), and after speaking about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (v. 36). These people responded by asking, "What shall we do?" The response? Just what Jesus had said to say: "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" (v. 38). This same Peter would later write an epistle and remind folks that "baptism doth also now save us" (I Peter 3:21). From the time of Acts 2 and forward in the New Testament, we find that anyone who wanted to be saved, had to believe in Christ, repent of their sins, confess Christ and be baptized for the remission of sins.

I hope this helps answer your question. Thanks so much for writing and asking your question. This is great, and I hope this helps you in your Bible study. Please make sure and visit our website again soon!! Have a great day, and if you are familiar with the Owensboro/Daviess county, KY area, we hope you'll come visit us in person sometime.

Sincerely,

Jarrod Jacobs

www.southside-churchofchrist.com

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