Jesus Christ, the apostles and the New Testament Church practiced water baptism. Is baptism a required part of Gods plan of salvation?
Many have asked whether baptism is required or essential for salvation. The Bible shows that it is necessary. When thousands of convicted Jews asked Peter and the other apostles how to act on their conviction, Peter’s response was to the point: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The biblical record shows that the ministers baptized converts in water. The gift of the Holy Spirit begins a process, which eventually culminates in God changing Christians to spirit (1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). That change to spirit is the essence of salvation—being saved from eternal death. Many today fail to understand that conversion is a process, believing instead that it is only a momentary emotional experience. Without a complete understanding of the Scriptures, they don’t understand why baptism should be necessary. Of course, forgiveness is instantaneou
