"Is Water Baptism essential to Salvation?"
While we should preach that all men are commanded to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), adding any other requirement to salvation by grace becomes "works" in disguise. Even though numerous Sciptures speak of the importance of water baptism, adding anything to the work of the Cross demeans the sacrifice of the Savior. It implies that His finished work wasn't enough. But the Bible makes clear that we are saved by grace and grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is simply a step of obedience to the Lord following our repentance and confession of sin. Our obedience - water baptism, prayer, good works, fellowship, witnessing, etc.- issues from our faith in Christ. Salvation is not what we do, but Who we have(1 John 5:12).
Good Messengers Ministries of Northwest Indiana (www.gotourtract.com) seeks to provide Biblically based answers to the many questions that we receive from honest seekers of truth. We provide Bible verses that relate to all questions. Those that are not directly addressed in the Bible, are answered according to the principles in the Word of God that relate to that subject. Many of the Question & Answers comes from the Evidence Bible (www.livingwaters.com) The real teacher is the Holy Spirit so we trust Him to help you understand His Word as we point you to the Bible for the answers to your questions. If your question is not listed or you need a more detailed answer, please contact us.