Do you have to be baptized to be saved?

@jojopuff (520)
United States
January 15, 2007 9:43am CST
According to Christianity, do you have to be baptized to go to Heaven? This is something that has always been unclear to me. I have never been baptized, but as an infant I was "dedicated." I really don't know the difference, is there a difference? I have been a Christian pretty much my whole life and have accepted Christ as my Savior and have asked forgiveness and all of that...but since I have not been baptized does this mean I cannot be saved?
3 people like this
31 responses
• United States
16 Jan 07
Wow these are some answers huh? If you have to be baptized to go to heaven then the theif on the cross didnt go to paradise like Jesus told him he would. That would in turn make Jesus a lier. BUT that isnt the case. Jesus told the theif that he would be with him in paradise, and so I believe that is where he is. I do believe that you should be baptized, but not that it is a requirement. It is a way for us as Christains to show the world that we have given our hearts and lives to God. I do agree that everyone looks at the Bible differently. You should look up the scriptures and study it. Talk to your pastor, and anyone that you look up to as a Christain. But rely on what the Bible says. Pray about it. That is the only thing I know to tell you. God will let you know if you truly ask for an answer he will give it to you. Hope this helps! God Bless!
2 people like this
• United States
12 Mar 07
But Jesus was/is God, so He can do whatever he wants. This makes the thief on the cross irrelevant. You have to look at the other examples given to make a correct interpretation of baptism's essentiality to salvation.
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
16 Jan 07
The most well known verse in the Bible John 3: 16 is clear enough. There is no need to go into deep religious and theological discussions that many get themselves into. The latter part of the verse says.....whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting live. That alone is sufficient enough. The next step is for us to show the world the fruit or the results of our belief, baptism then is the first step. If you really believe, there is no reason not to be baptized.
2 people like this
@loved1 (5328)
• United States
15 Jan 07
I am not an expert, but I don't believe those who were never baptized are not offered salvation. I think about the thief who was crucified beside Christ. He put his faith in Christ and Jesus said he would be with Him in paradise. Was this man baptized? I doubt it. He led a life of crime and was not repentant until the very end of his life. I also think people who are saved as the plane is going down, as they lay dying after a car accident, or other similar circumstances where baptism is not possible, are still saved. Jesus' baptism by John gave new meaning to the sacrement. Baptism no longer restored a pure condition(as it did before Christ) it created a new one. Hopefully this makes sense!
1 person likes this
@jojopuff (520)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Thank you for your response! That really does make sense. I have never thought of it that way before! :)
• United States
12 Mar 07
But Jesus was/is God (at least Scripturally), so He can do whatever He wants. So the thief on the cross is the exception, not the rule. If you look in Acts 2:21, 2:38, 2:41, Mark 16:16, I Peter 3:21, Romans 10:13-15, Hebrews 11:1, 11:3, I Corinthians 1:18, Acts 16:14-15, and 16:31-34. All of these point to salvation, and, when keeping them in context, all point to baptism (some you'll say 'What? This one talks about calling on the name of the Lord, not baptism.' If you look at all of them together (and they are harmonious), they all point to baptism as a vital part to the plan of salvation.)
@kyliepops (269)
• Australia
16 Jan 07
No u dont need to be baptized to be saved. If you have asked Jesus into your heart and asked him to forgive all your sins then u are a christian. The Bible tells us quite simply that is what we are to do. Baptism is a public recogonition of your faith and the commitment you have made to God. It doesnt matter what denomination you are. There are many denominations but the Bible is what we all follow. Maybe there might be a churhc near you that can help answer your questions? Set up a meeting with a carer there, they not all bible bashers! Good Luck to you on your journey of faith
2 people like this
@idrob2006 (317)
• Indonesia
16 Jan 07
No. You still can be saved. I am a Catholic, and acording to our belief, you still can be saved as long as you are in God's way. Meaning that you do what ever Jesus taught us, always humble and willing to admit our sins. That's all. Dont worry too much
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Mar 07
But Jesus endorsed baptism.
• United States
18 Jan 07
hey im deviddi's son, i felt the same way for a long time and i never was sure. i was dedicated and everything when i was little and ive gave myself to the lord by myself in my room but i never really felt right until i didnt it with a church. i never really got babtised but i got saved by my youth pastor and now i feel alot better and closer to god so yeah. if u got any more ?'s then u can ask me.
1 person likes this
@jojopuff (520)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Thank you for your input! I appreciate it! :)
• United States
17 Jan 07
Honey, once you accept Christ as your Savior, and live by His word, you are already saved. Baptisim is an expression of cleaning the old self and starting the new self. It's best to do on your own when you are able to make that committment, then a dedication as a child. But you are already saved. However, I think you should be baptised...talk to a born again pastor about this. And pray to God for the correct answer, He will answer you.
1 person likes this
@shinobi (389)
• Philippines
16 Jan 07
Those who have the chance of getting baptized should undergo baptism. But the next question we have to deal with is: In what Church or sect or Group should we undergo Baptism? There are so many Christian Churches that rose this days. But most importantly, baptism is not just the mere getting ourselves wet in water, but that of what is written in Ephesians 5:26..baptism should be with the words and doctrine of Christ.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Jan 07
Hi. The form of Christian I am, we dedicate as well. That's the parents confirming they will raise their children in the Christian faith so that when old enough, the child would make the right decisions. I do not believe that you need to be baptised to be saved. I do belive it's an affirmation, usually in front of others, to your choice - like weddings. People wittness that you are making a committment to God.
1 person likes this
@devideddi (1435)
• United States
16 Jan 07
Dear JoJoPuff This is very important and I am glad u asked!! My son (16yrs) reciently struggled with this also. I will tell you where you can find the answer yourself. Get your bible out (I know you got one) and go to Romans in the New Testiment. It is after mathew mark luke and john and then about the trird book/chapter. Try to read the whole chapter if you can, if not at least the first 2 or 3 pages. Salvation is a gift and you cannot earn it . You can only accept it. we are saved by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Just as you said you had done. When we accept his gift we are born again and begin our new life/walk with him. Babtism is to publicly display our being born again. The washing with water represents washing away our sins comming out a new person. Yes God wants us to do this but it is not a necessity to go to heaven. That cannot be earned, only faith in Jesus. Don't just take my word for it , you go read in Romans and let God speak to you. Hope this helps and feel free to contact me email, message or whatever if you want to talk more about this or anything else! Satin wants you to feel unsure about this, so don't let him steal any of your faith. I'll keep you in my prayers!!
@jojopuff (520)
• United States
16 Jan 07
Thank you so much! :) I really appreciate your response and your prayers! :D
• United States
16 Jan 07
That confuses me too. I dont understand it either. So many different beliefs how are we to know what is right or wrong. I am a firm believer that If you are a good person and you do your best to praise your god you will be saved. I dont believe that you need certain attributes in order to be saved. I dont know if this helped much but i hope it did. Best of luck to you
1 person likes this
@devideddi (1435)
• United States
16 Jan 07
contusion12878, please read my post to this discussion and check out the Chapter of Romans in the Bible. This will answer alot of questions and it is very importand to understand this. Hope helps :)
• Malaysia
18 Jan 07
hello mybrothers and sisters in Christ... without baptism we are still not be a Christian... we need baptism to reborn in our life and start to keep faith in God... thats the important thing in our life.. so, if u asked without baptized cannot be saved...only God can give you the answer... but remember that baptism is the most important thing in our life... and it just need one times in our life... Peace be with us...
1 person likes this
• United States
16 Jan 07
I'm a very strong Catholic. I think "our" God is a very loving God & he isn't going to turn you away because you weren't baptized-- if you live in his steps and have a good life-- that should be what matters. But, if it bother's you that you aren't baptized-- you can be as an adult in whatever religion you choose. I don't know what "dedicated" means, maybe it's the same thing in a different religion.
@riyasam (16556)
• India
16 Jan 07
our GOD is a very zealous GOD also.
@jalenar (13)
• South Africa
17 Jan 07
If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and put your faith in him. If you ask him to forgive your sins, you will be saved. When Jesus hung on the cross, he told the man hanging next to him 'today you will be with me in paradise', not if you had been baptised you would've been with me! Salvation is by Faith, through Christ alone!
@riyasam (16556)
• India
16 Jan 07
NOT EVERYONE WHO CALLS LORD LORD BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WILL ........and i think its the will of theFATHER that we should be baptised.
1 person likes this
@paul8675 (750)
• Australia
16 Jan 07
The scriptures make it clear that works are not required for salvation so of course you are saved even without being baptised. Having said this, there is no reason why you should not be baptised, and it is clear that it should be by immersion at an age of proper understanding. Dedication as an infant may make parents feel good but spiritually it has zero significance.
1 person likes this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
16 Jan 07
being baptized is simply the way the christian church gets referals. Assume, just for a moment it is all a lie. Now im not trying to suggest anyone should give up on their beliefs, but just until you have read this, accept that all religion is a lie. What better way of controling people can there be than threatening them with eternal dambnation if you do not sign up to their club? stay free stay happy good luck keep on posting
1 person likes this
• Philippines
16 Jan 07
Baptism is necessary to go to heaven. Acts 2:38 says Repent and be baptized... and all those who became members of the body of Christ in the book of Acts were all baptized. Some groups dedicate infants, others not. An infant does not know anything and cannot learn and repent. Baptism is for those who have understood the Word of God, repented of previous beliefs and wrongdoings, and follow the Holy Bible after baptism.
• Australia
16 Jan 07
this is my feeling on the subject. i also have never been bapitized.but i believe that i will have no problem getting into heaven when the time comes.i feel this why because i am a good person. i know this in my heart and soul.
1 person likes this
• Indonesia
16 Jan 07
Baptism shows our community, our bonding with Jesus. It saves you? Have faith in Jesus, do His Words, those things saves you. Have faith and be baptized will saves you. Because alot of baptized people still act in the ways of the world, and they cannot be saved.
1 person likes this