Can Someone be Saved Without Being Baptized?

When speaking about Baptismal regeneration, the question is often asked: What about someone who isn’t Baptized, but believes? Can they be saved?

There are some important distinctions we need to make when answering this question. There is a difference between something being a relative necessity and an absolute necessity. A relative necessity is something that is necessary in ordinary circumstances; an absolute necessity is something that is necessary in every circumstance. If Baptism were an absolute necessity, then no one could be saved without it. If it is instead a relative necessity, then one can be saved without Baptism. The correct position is the latter.

Baptism is the ordinary means that God uses to regenerate His people. However, God is not limited in what He can do. Scripture testifies that there are two means that God uses to regenerate: Baptism (Titus 3:5), and the Word (1 Peter 1:23). Someone can hear God’s Word and be regenerated, but not get Baptized. If they die before they are able to get Baptized, they will still be recieved into God’s kingdom. Baptism is not a human work that God is going to condemn someone for not doing; rather it is a divinely appointed means of grace. However, the lack of Baptism is a sign of unbelief. Thus, it is not the lack of Baptism that condemns but the rejection of Baptism. If you refuse to get Baptized, you are telling God: I don’t want your gift of grace. I don’t want your forgiveness. I don’t want to do what you have commanded your people to do. Rejection of Baptism is the rejection of the Gospel itself.

There are of course exceptions to this. Some people simply aren’t taught correctly about Baptism and why it is important, and so they don’t get Baptized. This is the unfortunate result of a faulty view of the Sacrament at work in American culture. Many people see Baptism as an optional way to express their faith in God, rather than God’s gift to his people. There are also some who are taught that they somehow have to come to a certain point of “worthiness” or “holiness” before they can get Baptized, and thus don’t receive the Sacrament. These people, if they truly have faith in the Gospel, will be saved.

So the answer to the question is: yes. Someone can be saved without Baptism. This, however, is not ordinary or desirable.