1. Salvation (eternal life, pardon from sins) is a free gift from God to everyone who truly believes in His Son, Jesus Christ.
a) John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.2. No one is declared righteous before God (justified) by deeds of the Old Testament law. But faith in the blood of Jesus brings justification and remission of sins. Baptism is not mentioned as any requirement for justification. We have access to his blood (which actually washes away our sins) by faith, not by baptism.
a) Romans 3:20-25 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
b) Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
c) Galatians 2:16-17 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
3. Baptism is washing with or immersion in water. It is a rite in the Old Testament law, as an emblem of the true washing away of sins by the blood of Jesus Christ.
a) Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
b) Hebrews 9:9-10 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
4. Baptism is commanded in the New Testament for followers of Jesus Christ. So, likewise, is teaching, serving, growing in grace and other good virtues. These are not taught as requirements of salvation but as commands to obey. If we make these commands into a law of self-righteousness, we have lost sight of Christ and the cross.
a) Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
b) Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5. The example of Abraham is presented as normative for us. i.e., he was justified by his faith before any rite was added to it.
a) Romans 4:1-11 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? (2) For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. (3) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (6) Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (7) Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (8) Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. (9) Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. (10) How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. (11) And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
6. Abraham's faith was imputed to him for righteousness. Likewise if we believe, we shall have righteousness imputed to us (and therefore not be condemned). Baptism is not mentioned as any requirement.
a) Romans 4:20-25 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (21) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (23) Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; (24) But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (25) Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
7. By faith we are justified and have peace with God, and have access into grace. Baptism is not mentioned as any requirement. Please read all of Romans chapters 3-5, and chapter 10.
a) Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
8. The Lord Jesus Christ promised eternal life to whoever believes his word or believes on Him. Baptism is not mentioned as any requirement. (And if anyone should teach that these promises are not valid because they were spoken before the death or ascension of Christ, let him remember that the words of Christ will never pass away. - Matthew 24:35, cf Hebrews 13:8).
a) John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
b) John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
c) John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
9. Repentance is changing your mind about sin and turning toward God. This is a product of faith in Christ. When a man believes in Jesus Christ, he turns from his sin.
a) 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
b) Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
10. A verse that is incorrectly used to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation is Mark 16:16. This verse does not say, "You must be baptized to be saved". It only says that he that believes and is baptized will be saved. It then teaches that if belief is absent, the person will not be saved. It does not say the same thing about baptism. The necessary requirement for obtaining salvation is believing, not baptism.
a) Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
11. Sometimes examples in the book of Acts are used to support a baptism-is-necessary-for-salvation argument. It is true that new believers were taught that they should be baptized into Christ. But it does not say that it was necessary for salvation. In Acts chapter 10, a whole household was shown to be accepted by God and given His Holy Spirit before they were baptized. (And we know what whoever has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him belongs to Christ - Romans 8:9). Baptism was commanded to them after it was manifest that they had been accepted by God.
a) Acts 10:43-48 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
12. Receiving the Holy Spirit comes by hearing with faith, not by baptism or any work of the flesh.
a) Galatians 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
b) 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
c) 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
13.Only true believers receive the Holy Spirit. This shows, for example, that Cornelius's household in Acts 10 was approved by God and saved, having received the Holy Spirit, before they were baptized.
a)1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
b)1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
c)Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
14. The Apostle Paul was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel. If baptism were required for salvation, what good would it be to preach the gospel without baptizing the converts? That would have left them condemned to hell.
a) 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 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. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
15. Salvation comes by believing the word of God about Jesus Christ, and calling upon him as a result of that faith. Baptism is not mentioned as a requirement for salvation.
a) Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
b) Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
c) Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
d) Romans 1:16-17 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. (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
16. If we teach that any certain rites or acts such as circumcision, baptism, discipleship relationships, cell groups or church membership or speaking in tongues, are necessary for salvation, we have added to the gospel of God's grace, and we are denying Christ.
a) Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
b) Galatians 3:9-14 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (11) But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (12) And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. (13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
c) Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
d) Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
17. If we teach anything different than the true gospel as shown above, we have a different, and false, gospel. It is very dangerous to preach a false gospel. After reading the Scriptures above, and it is best to read them all in context, and seeing that God's promise of salvation is to every person who truly believes in Jesus Christ, and that none of the promises require baptism as an essential element, why would we add that work to the gospel of God?
a) Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
