another question about salvation

[bambam]

I have always believed that to be saved and go to Heaven you had to confess your sins and ask Jesus to be your savior. I have been taught that admitting your faith in front of people and being Baptized were pleasing in the eyes of God but not necessary to go to Heaven. Am I wrong about this ?

Several people I know seem to think that if you are not baptized after accepting Jesus as your savior, you will not go to Heaven ? Is this true ?

[Hardcase]

I agree with you, being Baptized is pleasing in the eyes of God! It's not necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but;

I. Why Should I be Baptized?

1. To Follow the example set by Jesus.

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan."
Mark 1:9 "The Holy Bible"

2. Because Christ commanded it.

"Jesus said, "Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20 "The Holy Bible"

3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

"...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8 "The Holy Bible"

II. What is the Meaning of Baptism?

1. It illustrates Christ's death and resurrection.

"For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ. The bible says: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Colossians 2:12 "The Holy Bible"

2. It illustrates my New Life as a Christian.

"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun! the bible says: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" 2 Corinthians 5:17 "The Holy Bible"

III. Why Be Baptized by Immersion in Water?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:" Matthew 3:16 "The Holy Bible"

2. Every baptism in the bible was by immersion.

3. The word "baptize" means "to dip in water."

IV. Who Should Be Baptized?

1. Every person who believes in Christ.

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized" Acts 2:41 "The Holy Bible"

Children should wait until they are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before they are baptized. Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children which is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ.

This is Different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe.

V. When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" Acts 2:41 "The Holy Bible"

[hunterdude58]

I think you should be baptised as soon as possible but there is one example of not being baptised in the book of Mathew. when the thief on the cross next to Christ confessed that Jesus was the son of God. Jesus said to him you WILL be with me in Paradise today
So i believe that if you accept him and die before you can be baptised you will join Him in heaven

[watershedman25]

JMO- As the thief hung on the cross he did not have the oppertunity to be baptised, "hardcase" has explained it in length, and a very good job.
What I can't understand is "if" you've been saved (only you and God know) why would a person not want to be baptised. Why would a person not want people to know that you are a new creature in Christ. Just as good works will not save you, you are saved to do good works. To be a "christian" is to be Christ like, to be Christ like would be to do as He done, includeing baptism, good works, love for your fellow man, unity amoung those whome serve Him. People who don't want to change after a confession of redemptionare kidding themselves (IMO).You can not have salvation w/out the will to serve, the burden to try and change/help others to Christ or the need to serve Him in some capacity. I realize everyone isn't the same but God is no respector of persons, your works are as hay, wood, stubble and precious stones, all will be tried in the fire. If your salvation want take you to the baptistry, not sure where it will take you. Again JMO. Blessings to you all.

[kytexan]

I very much agree with watershedman. But here is something, no where in the Bible does it show someone said a prayer and they were saved. But the Bible is filled to the brim with another word though. Faith which could also constitute for trust in our culture. Salvation is not about saying a prayer and getting Hell insurance but it is about Repenting. "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near." Salvation is about following Christ, trusting in Him to forgive you and help you live the purpose He has placed you here for. Many times this following of Christ and trusting begins in baptism. But like what watershedman said, if your not will to be baptized for Him then what else are you not willing to do for Him. I know he said it different but thats the way I took it. God Bless everyone, stay true to Jesus.

[greenecounty]

I agree with ya ll