Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation? 

Baptism in water. Is it required for eternal life? In the world of Christianity, this is another highly debated topic. According to many, baptism in water is essential for salvation. Others believe baptism is important, but not a requirement to become a child of God. But what does the Bible have to say about water baptism? Is it necessary for salvation?

What is Baptism?

Since the word itself is a great source of confusion, let’s first examine the word baptize. The word baptize is not a translation, but a transliteration of the Greek word baptizō (βαπτίζω), and baptizō itself has nothing to do with water. It means to “dip,” “plunge,” “soak,” “drench,” or “flood,” and can take place in anything, including vinegar solutions as in this ancient recipe. 

As with the Ethiopian eunuch, baptism can refer to dipping the body in water (Acts 8:36-40). Mark chapter 7 verse 4 uses a form of baptizō to refer to the ceremonial washing of dishes. Also, in Luke 11:38, a Pharisee is amazed that Jesus didn’t wash (βαπτίζω) before eating. Some translations interpret this to mean he didn’t “wash his hands,” though it’s not explicitly stated in the original text. Assuming their interpretation is correct, this would refer to ritual hand washing before eating, especially before consuming meals with bread. This Jewish ritual involved pouring water over the hand.

The word baptizō has been used to describe sinking ships, drownings, and in figurative language, to refer to being overwhelmed by alcohol (aka drunkenness), or debt. Baptizō had a variety of uses in Ancient Greek, but in the New Testament, it often refers to washing, namely ritual washing, by dipping or plunging. 

Where Does Water Baptism Come From?

Why does water baptism exist in the first place? Let’s take a moment to explore the origins of Christian baptism. Many Christians believe it originated with John the Baptist. This is incorrect. This wasn’t a new thing instituted by John as some claim. In fact, before Jesus, some groups, which may have included John himself, were said to have baptized frequently, or even daily. That’s probably why the biblical authors didn’t feel a need to go into detail to explain it to the original audience. Water immersion for purification had been part of their culture at least since the Torah was given. Therefore, they would have already been familiar with the practice.

The Torah, for instance, commands people to wash after discharge. Women are to wash after their menstrual impurity, and men after ejaculation of semen (Leviticus 15). When any person ate an animal which died or was torn by beasts, they were to wash their clothes and bathe in water (Lev. 17:15). These are a few of many ritual washings prescribed by God to pronounce one ritually clean after being in a state of uncleanness.

Later, the Jews adopted the practice of full body immersion for other events such as before weddings, during pregnancy, before entering the temple, and when converting a foreigner to Judaism. These immersions were, and some still are, performed in what is called a mikveh. A mikveh refers to a collection, or gathering, of natural flowing water as is described in the Hebrew Bible (Gen. 1:10). In the beginning, a mikveh may have been limited to a natural body of water such as a lake or ocean, but it eventually evolved into a stepped pool. The pools of Siloam and Bethesda are believed to have been among these mikva’ot (plural form of mikveh).

Christian baptism comes from the Jewish custom of immersing in a mikveh. The two practices, however, have several differences. A notable difference is that Jews dip themselves in the mikveh. A person may supervise the immersion to prevent drowning or to make sure the one immersing goes all the way under, but no one is flipped over into a pool as in Christian baptism. It’s likely that John “performed” baptisms this way. In other words, he oversaw the immersions. No mention is made of him dipping Jesus or anyone else in water. 

Jesus would have dipped himself in the water as did all the Jews, but under John’s supervision. Additionally, we read that Jesus went up out of the water as soon as he was immersed (Matt. 3:16). No one lifted him out. He dipped and then immediately came up on his own. This is how immersions were done. This would explain the “mysterious” question of “Who baptized John the Baptist?” since the obvious answer would be “himself.” Furthermore, John’s head was cut off, so he wasn’t superhuman. He couldn’t have dunked all those people without losing an arm.

The truth is, before Christian baptism existed, water immersion for ritual purity was performed in Judaism, the religion that gave rise to Christianity. Therefore, there’s no reason to believe that baptism was performed in any other way and for any other purpose than that found in Judaism. So, in answering the question, Is water baptism required for salvation? It’s important to first recognize that baptism didn’t originate with John, Jesus, or Christianity, and is therefore not exclusive to Christians.

Spirit Baptism vs. Water Baptism

The second and probably most important thing to remember is that just because we see the word baptize in Scripture, it doesn’t automatically mean water baptism.  

After Saul lost his sight on the road to Damascus, Ananias told him, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength” (Acts 9:17-19).

These verses are often used to claim that Paul was baptized in water. But nothing in the passage indicates that that’s what happened. It’s just an assumption people make because it’s easy. Ananias himself stated that he came to Saul for two purposes: first, for Saul to receive his sight, and second, for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul received his sight, but it appears God dropped the ball when it came to filling him with the Spirit. At least it seems that way when we rely on our own understanding.

The most plausible explanation is that Ananias, with the Lord’s authority, laid hands on Saul, and because of Saul’s faith and submission, he was baptized, or immersed, in the power of Christ. This caused him to receive his sight and to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6). The same way a ship submerged in the ocean will eventually fill with water, so will those immersed in Christ and submitted under his authority be filled with the Spirit and power. That was the reason Ananias came. God didn’t send Ananias to perform a water baptism, so there’s no reason to believe that’s what he did. 

Many Christians have misunderstood baptism because of false teachings fueled by ignorance. Some preach a different gospel than Christ prescribed, because they automatically associate baptism with water, leading to misunderstandings of Scripture. For a better understanding of God and his teachings, we must learn to separate truth from tradition, and part ways with our own beliefs as needed.

Again, baptism in the Bible is not necessarily a reference to water immersion unless explicitly stated. The New Testament emphasizes Jesus and Spirit baptism. Therefore, placing such a high emphasis on water immersion takes the focus off Christ and his divine baptism, and places it on our own works which is the opposite of what John intended, and appears to be the pattern of Christian teaching today—a focus on self instead of God.

Why Was Jesus Water Baptized?

The next question that usually arises is: Why did Jesus baptize? Considering that Yeshua was Jewish and was raised among Jews, it’s unlikely that this was his first rodeo. He would have regularly practiced Jewish customs, including ritual immersion. Although Jesus probably immersed many times before, there was something unique about this time. There are practical reasons as to why Jesus might have dipped in the Jordan, and they have nothing to do with repentance or forgiveness of sin. 

Perhaps, the most likely explanation is that Christ immersed because he is the ultimate High Priest (Heb. 4:14-15). Jesus is said to have begun His ministry at 30 years old. This was the starting age mentioned in the Torah for priests to begin serving. Numbers 4:1-3 says: “Adonai said to Moshe and Aharon, “Take a census of the descendants of K’hat, who are among the descendants of Levi, by clans and families, all those from thirty to fifty years old; these will enter the corps doing the work in the tent of meeting.” (CJB) 

Additionally, a new priest would have been anointed with oil on his head to demonstrate that God had chosen him. (Lev. 8:10-12; Ex. 40:12-13) Christ, at the age of thirty, preparing to take on his priestly duties, which would include offering himself as the final sacrifice for sin, would have ritually washed (Ex. 29) and been anointed by God; not with oil but with the Holy Spirit, which descended upon him like a dove at his baptism (Jn. 1:32; Acts 10:38; Lk. 4:18).

When John tried to prevent Jesus from immersing, “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” (Matt 3:15 NIV) The righteousness he had in mind may have been fulfilling this command concerning the priesthood. 

But, putting speculation aside, what we know for certain is that Jesus didn’t baptize for forgiveness of sins, therefore he couldn’t have been setting an example for us so that we would get baptized and be forgiven of sins. That would be like comparing apples to oranges, or like someone with a perfect credit score and no bills showing me how to get out of debt based on their own circumstances. In the same way, to demonstrate sin forgiveness, one must first have sins to forgive, and while we have more than enough to qualify, Christ the Lamb of God was sinless.

So, as for why Jesus took the plunge, various explanations have been offered, ranging from him wanting to identify with sinners, to the absurd claim that he did it to purify the water. But, regardless of external reasons why Jesus was baptized, God had a greater purpose for his immersion. 

What Is The Purpose Of Water Baptism? 

Scripture never commands water baptism for the purposes of forgiveness of sins, or joining God’s people. Therefore, water baptism is not a requirement for eternal salvation. So, why did John come baptizing with water?

He tells the people in Matthew 3:11, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire “(NIV). By using the familiar concept of water immersion, John connected a new message to an old idea to point the people to the one who would come after Him – Jesus the Christ. This is how God used prophets in the Old Testament. To convey a spiritual message, he instructed them to use real-life situations as symbols (Is. 20:1-4; Jer. 27; Hos. 1:2; Ezek. 4-5).  

So, in other words, John says, “Just as I baptize with water, one is coming after me who will baptize, but in a spiritual sense. As you now immerse in water, he will immerse you in the power of God. Through him, the kingdom of heaven will manifest here on earth through all kinds of signs, miracles, and wonders and you shall be in the midst of it all. 

Just as you’re surrounded by powerful currents when you dip into the water, you will be surrounded by his power and glory when you submit to him. As water streams from your mouth, nose, and ears when you emerge from the lake, so will you rise to new life with living water flowing out of you (Jn. 7:38). I’m telling you this now, so you’ll remember my words when all of this comes to pass so you will put your trust in the Messiah.”

In those days, others claimed to be a messiah or an “anointed one.” How were the people to know who to trust? How would they know who to follow unless God clearly revealed his identity? Scripture says of John: “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:7-9 NIV).

In case that was misunderstood, John clearly states the reason for his baptism. He says, “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (Jn. 1:31 NIV) As a prophet of the Lord, John was sent to bear witness to the Messiah (Is. 40:3-5, Jn. 1:23). This was done through the method of water baptism. As people came to baptize, God used the opportunity to identify the Christ. His identity was unknown to John, but John was told that the one who would baptize with the Spirit would be revealed to him in a specific way. John said, “And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’” (Jn. 1:33) 

Matthew 3:16-17 reads, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Is. 42:1-4)  God wasn’t simply bragging about his Son. It’s as if he pointed a giant finger down from heaven saying: “In case you missed the sign, this is the man! This is my beloved Son, the one I have chosen! He’s the one I told you about. Obey Him!” 

Then, after witnessing this foretold event, and receiving confirmation of the Christ’s identity, John began to testify that Jesus, or Yeshua, was God’s Chosen One and he encouraged the people to believe in him.   

John 1:32… “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.” 

John 1:34… “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

 Acts 19:3-5 reads,“So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 11:16 “And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” 

The Bottom Line

It wasn’t for salvation that John immersed, but rather to point the people of Israel to the Messiah. By asserting any other purpose, we’re adding words to God’s mouth. Certainly, John’s baptism was for the sake of repentance, but not for “turning away from sin” as many define repentance, but rather its purpose was to turn people to Jesus, and therefore to God, which is what repentance for salvation entails.

As we see later in John’s Gospel, this purpose was somewhat fulfilled. After a dispute with Jewish opponents, we read that “…Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus “(Jn. 10:41-42).

Despite the disbelievers, many believed in Christ through John’s testimony. That was the goal of his baptism—Identify Christ and testify about him, so that Israel would turn and trust in him. Therefore, John’s immersion was a special event, and there’s no need for this baptism today.

So, for what reasons might one immerse?

Baptism was done in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and early Judaism for ritual purity or to indicate a change in physical or spiritual status. This should be the purpose for which we encourage Christian baptism today. Outwardly, it symbolizes a turning from rebellion to submission to the one true God. For some, it’s symbolic of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and of their new life produced by the Spirit. There’s no right or wrong reason to immerse. What’s important is that it’s done from the heart, with a good conscience toward God.

Those who’ve never been water baptized should know that it’s not a requirement for salvation. Water baptism is simply not used for this purpose in Scripture. Therefore, if you’re unable to be baptized for some reason, don’t let it hamper your faith or stunt your spiritual growth as I once did under misguided teachings. Salvation can only be obtained through repentance, that is, trusting wholly in the Lord, who is the God of Abraham, and Jesus Christ. 

However, water immersion is not a negative act as our Lord himself practiced it, and it’s good for us both spiritually and mentally. Additionally, water baptism can encourage new believers in their walk with Christ, energizing them for the journey that lies ahead. In my opinion, God smiles upon our public expression of faith through water baptism. Therefore, I encourage you to get water baptized if you can. It’s truly an awesome and humbling experience.