Q: Do we have to be baptized, either as a baby or an adult, in order to be saved?

A: Peter declared, “Repent and be baptized every one of you,” (Acts 2:38). Babies are unable to repent of anything, and there is nothing in Scripture instructing us to baptize infants. Since Jesus was dedicated at the temple on the eighth day, many churches will have baby dedication days. Parents profess before the congregation that they will nurture and admonish their child in the love and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The infant will be reminded of their dedication when they grow older, but obviously have no idea what is going on at the time. Baby dedications are one of my favorite events, and it gives me an opportunity to hold everyone’s baby for the camera.

There is an adage that says, “Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny your own experience or convictions.”

A segment of professing Christianity declares their surrender to Jesus, yet refrains from water baptism–perhaps due to pride or fear. Thus, they deny their personal experience and inner conviction by not making waves.

Jesus promised the repentant thief that he would be in paradise that very day. Jesus did not promise him limbo or purgatory, but paradise; and the thief was never water baptized. Since Jesus expired first, this repentant sinner was now living his remaining minutes under the new covenant. Being strapped to a cross would definitely hinder the baptism process, but most of us do not have that good excuse. Since Jesus was baptized, shouldn’t we all be? (See Mat 3:16.)

“There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness,” (Pro 30:12). Call me a legalist, but since Jesus is both king and friend to the born again believer, should we not simply do what His word instructs? I realize we are completely saved by grace through faith, but with a view to our salvation, the Bible declares we ought to be baptized.

In so doing, we demonstrate publicly that we have been buried with Christ, and have been raised to walk in the newness of eternal life. The letters to the Colossians and 1 John speak of doing things pleasing in His sight, and baptism is something which pleases God.

It is a memorable day when new believers declare what Jesus Christ now means to them. Joy knows no bounds when six people have signed up to be baptized, but 22 step out of the crowd, and into the water as the Holy Spirit leads them. I have never heard anyone say they were sorry they got baptized.

Romans 6:4