Is Water Baptism Required for Salvation?

When I was told water baptism was required for salvation, I thought, ‘really…, is that true?’  Because I had never really thought about it. I had to look to be absolutely sure.

What is a sign of salvation? The Holy Spirit living in you. 

So is water baptism first before Holy Spirit baptism or the other way around?

I thought, ‘well if I can find examples where people received the Holy Spirit before water baptism, then that would be that.’

So I found Acts 10, the centurion and his household who received the Holy Spirit baptism but had not been water baptized, but later did get water baptized.

Acts 10:24 And the next day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, You know that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God has showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore I came unto you without questioning as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent you have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call here Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside: who, when he comes, shall speak unto you.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you have done well that you are come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, you know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he who was ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them who heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to tarry certain days.

I believe we can find more if we look but one is enough. 

But wait, what about the guy on the next cross from Jesus, he wasn’t water baptized but he was saved. Some would say, ‘oh but that was Jesus.’…  but would Jesus break His own word?  No.

 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There are many reasons why for in Acts 2:38 does not necessarily mean “in order to achieve” forgiveness of sins. The Greek word eis (“for”) can mean “because of,” “as a result of,” or “in light of.”

“Acts 2:38  is one of the more controversial verses in the Bible regarding baptism and whether or not it is the requirement for salvation.  Some use this verse to say that one must be baptized in order to be saved.  But when you look at the verse, and others, you will see that it does not teach baptismal regeneration, that baptism saves, or that baptism is necessary for salvation.”   >link>Baptism and Acts 2:38

Baptism is a most important part of the Christian life. Since the earliest days, baptism has been consistently practiced by Christians to confirm their faith and relationship to Father, Son, And Holy Spirit. Certainly a person with a sincere saving faith will be baptized (or if they were baptized as an infant will acknowledge and cherish that fact).  Water baptism is a physical act that testifies to a spiritual event. But does the actual act of being baptized get one to heaven? >link> 101 Reasons Why Water Baptism is Not Necessary to be Saved