Yes. The New Testament repeatedly connects baptism with salvation and the forgiveness of sins. For that reason, we understand baptism as part of how a person comes to Christ.

If you were taught that baptism is only an outward sign of a salvation that has already occurred, that answer may sound bold. Therefore, it is an answer that deserves an open Bible and careful consideration.

A sincere concern usually lies beneath this question: Does making baptism necessary turn salvation into something people earn? That concern deserves a direct answer, too.

What the New Testament actually says

It is important to begin with the first gospel sermon preached after Jesus’ resurrection. When the people realized their guilt and asked what they should do, Peter answered:

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NIV)

In Peter’s answer, repentance and baptism are connected with the forgiveness of sins.

The same pattern appears in Saul’s conversion. Ananias told him:

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ (Acts 22:16 NIV)

Peter later wrote:

“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21 NIV)

Peter made clear that baptism is not about washing dirt from the body. Its saving comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as a person appeals to God in faith. The power belongs to Christ, but baptism is part of the response Scripture describes.

Isn’t this salvation by works?

No. Salvation is a gift, never a wage. Paul wrote:

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

Nothing we do purchases forgiveness. Jesus paid the price for sin through his death on the cross.

Baptism does not compete with grace. It is a trusting response to grace. Paul described Christians as having been “buried with him in baptism” and “raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God” (Colossians 2:12, ESV). The person being baptized is not performing an achievement but trusting in God’s work.

Baptism is therefore nothing to boast about. It is an act of surrender in which a person calls on God to do what only God can do.

What baptism actually pictures

The New Testament describes baptism as more than a small religious ceremony. Paul wrote:

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3-4 NIV)

Baptism portrays a burial and a rising again. This is why churches of Christ practice immersion in water and baptize people capable of hearing the gospel, believing in Jesus, and repenting of sin.

The water itself has no magical power. Apart from faith, repentance, and Christ’s saving work, immersion is only getting wet. Baptism matters because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and because the believer trusts in him.

Where baptism fits in the whole picture

Baptism is not the only response involved in coming to Christ, and it never stands alone. In the New Testament, people hear the gospel, believe in Jesus, repent of sin, confess him as Lord, and are baptized. They then begin a life of faithful discipleship.

At the Mannford Church of Christ, we would be glad to open the Bible and study baptism with you. Bring your questions, examine every passage, and reach your conclusion from Scripture. We want your faith to rest on God’s word—not on pressure, tradition, or anyone’s sales pitch.

Plan your visit with us: mannfordchurch.org — Come as you are and ask us anything.