Is Water Baptism in the Plan of Salvation?

Dennis Edwards

Baptism is perhaps a more complicated matter, though it shouldn't be. We find no certain doctrine in the early church about baptism from the writings of the Church Fathers, those who came after the disciples. That is probably the reason there is so much a difference of opinion on the subject. There was no clear doctrine left to us by the early Christians. 

Paul thanked God he hadn't baptised many, as he said he was sent to preach the gospel not to baptise. 

"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.1 Corinthians 1:14-18. 

Baptism becomes a ritual or ceremony that each denomination has a different opinion on and condemns the others who differ. Jesus himself did not baptise with water. 

"When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptised more disciples than John, (though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples.) John 4:1-2.

In the four Gospels we find John the Baptist saying, "I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." Mark 1:8. "John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." Luke 3:16. "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Matthew 3:11. "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the holy Ghost." John 1:32-33.

In the Acts of the Apostles the narrative continues. with Jesus promising the disciples the baptism of the Holy Ghost. "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:5. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8. 

During the Reformation period in Europe, Christians killed one another over their differences in their interpretation of how baptism should be done. Was it infant baptism, or adult baptism? The anabaptists from whom came the Mennonites, the Amish, and others, adhered to adult baptism or age of consent baptism. The child had to be old enough to confess Christ. 

In the book of Acts, we see that as Apostle Peter preached the gospel the Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles as he spoke, and they began to speak with tongues as they received the gift of the Holy Ghost. After having already received the Holy Ghost, the new converts were  ritualistically baptized. 

"While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 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. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:44-48.

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." Acts 11:15-18.

In Acts 8, we see the Apostles laid hands on the new believers who had been baptised in water, but had not received the Holy Ghost. It was through the laying on of hands that the Holy Ghost was received in that case. 

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." Acts 8:14-19.

For these reasons, we can see there is no specific doctrine of water-baptism found in the Scriptures. I believe the emphasis on water baptism, rather than baptism of the Holy Spirit, is a hang over from the church in Jerusalem, and not from the teachings of Jesus or Apostle Paul. Apostle Peter mentions that water baptism is only symbolic of what is suppose to be happening in our hearts, "the answer of a good conscience toward God." 

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21.

Is water baptism necessary for salvation? Obviously not, as some received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost without having received any type of baptism by water. When Jesus said to go and baptise, was He speaking of water baptism or Baptism by the Holy Ghost? In the Scriptures we see at least one example of Baptism of the Holy Ghost taking priority to baptism by water. As Apostle Peter had the tendency to conform to the influence of the conservative Jerusalem church, I am of the opinion that water baptism is a left-over ritual or ceremony for new converts from the time of John the Baptist and even formerly from Judaic tradition. It is not necessary for salvation or for receiving the Holy Ghost. 

"Jesus, himself baptised none, though His disciples did." John 4:2. Apostle Paul spoke plainly, "I came not to baptise, but to preach the gospel." 1 Corinthians 1:17. As far as Apostle Paul was concerned, water baptism was already causing division and he was glad he had only baptised a few. Paul was more interested in preaching the gospel, which seems to indicate that water baptism was not part of the plan of salvation. 

Some Christians believe that water baptism can serve as a declaration of the new believer's faith in Jesus, and as a testimony of his/her new faith. Let each man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 

Originally published October 31, 2024