Topic(s): Baptism, Salvation, Sin

The jailor’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) is still on the minds of thinking individuals. According to the Bible, the answer is: Hear the Gospel of Christ (John 6:44) and believe in Jesus as God’s Son (Acts 16:30–34; John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6). Next, one must repent of sins (Acts 17:30–31; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38) and confess faith that Jesus is the Christ (Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33; Acts 8:37). Then, the consummating act of one’s obedience is to be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16). When these matters are discussed, sometimes a question arises: “Why stress the importance of baptism so much?” The answer to this question is well answered in the following list of Bible references.

Water stands between:

• the sinner and cleansing (Ephesians 5:26).

• the sinner and sanctification (Ephesians 5:26). 

• the sinner and putting away sins (Colossians 2:11–13)

• the sinner and new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:6).

• the sinner and quickening with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).

• the sinner and forgiveness (Colossians 1:13–14).

• the sinner and the kingdom (John 3:5).

• the sinner and the blood of Christ (John 19:34).

• the sinner and a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21).

• the sinner and the promise through Christ (Acts 2:39).

• the sinner and the body (1 Corinthians 12:12).

• the sinner and salvation (1 Peter 3:21).

• the sinner and sonship (Galatians 3:26–27).