What Jesus Said About Baptismናሙና

What baptism is not

Firstly, baptism does not wash away our sins. We are cleansed from our sins by the blood of Jesus. Baptism uses the symbolism of water to explain that the blood of Jesus washed us. But it is not the water of baptism as such that washes away our sins.

Secondly, baptism follows salvation. Baptism never leads to salvation, and it is not necessary for receiving salvation. Nowhere in the New Testament is baptism mentioned as something that comes before conversion and that baptism is required to be saved. Nowhere is baptism referred to as a means of salvation, proof of salvation, or a sign that someone is saved. Baptism doesn't save. In denominations where infants are baptised, it is also not believed that baptism saves someone.

Jesus' death alone paid for our sins:

·While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

·God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus' payment for our sins is appropriated to our "account" by faith alone:

·For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

·Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31).

·For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).