 Most controversial subject in NT is probably baptism.  Most groups claiming to be Christians deny baptism is necessary for salva- tion.  “Outward sign of an inward grace.” 2

 Baptism “is an individual profession of personal faith in Jesus Christ and surrender to Him.”  “Baptism was the initiation rite into the fellowship of the local church of believers.”  “…the Bible commands baptism for every believer as the first step of obedience to the Lord following salvation.” 3 “How important is your baptism? It is your personal identification with the greatest act of human history—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism doesn't save you— salvation comes by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your guilt before God is removed the moment you trust in Christ. But baptism is your personal testimony to, and the inward assurance of, your passage from the old life to the new life...”

 There is no clearer doctrine taught in the New Testament! Mk. 16:16  Most flatly deny what Jesus says in Mk. 16:16  Who does Jesus say “will be saved”? “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”  Who will be lost? “he who does not believe”  The little word “and” inseparably links “believes” and “is baptized” together as they both relate to “shall be saved.” 5 Does Baptism Save?

 That’s what Paul said in Galatians 3:27.  Let’s ask Paul a question:  How many are “sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” ?  Paul gives us an exact number: “as many of you as were baptized into Christ…”  Can anyone be saved who are not “sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”; who have not “put on Christ” ? 6 Does Baptism Save?

 Surely no one claiming to be a Christian would deny we are saved by the blood of Jesus: Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Rom. 3:24-26; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 Jn. 1:7  How do we contact Jesus’ blood? Rom. 6  Can one be saved without the application of Christ’s blood? No! Rom. 6; Matt. 26:28; Acts 2:38; 22:16 7 Does Baptism Save?

 Peter makes this crystal clear in the very first gospel sermon: Acts 2:38  What is “the gift of the Holy Spirit” ? Acts 2:21  What happened to these folks? Acts 2:41, 47  So, can one be saved without baptism? No! Acts 22:16; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23 8 Does Baptism Save?

 That’s what Peter says in 1 Peter 3:21  What is the “answer of a good conscience toward God” ? Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 2:21, 38  Salvation in baptism is parallel to Noah’s salvation: 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Gen. 6:8; Titus 2:11- 12; Rom. 5:1-2; Heb. 11:7  God’s grace teaches us baptism is a “must” for salvation: Acts 9:6; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38 9 Does Baptism Save?

 That’s what Paul says in Romans 6:4  Prior to baptism:  We are described as the “old man” not yet having “died to of sin” (6:2).  Described as one not yet “crucified with Him” (6:6); because “the body of sin” has not yet been “done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (6:6); we are not yet “dead indeed to sin” (6:11). 10 Does Baptism Save?

 That’s what Paul says in Romans 6:4  After baptism:  Just as “Christ was raised from the dead” (6:4) we also are raised to “walk in newness of life” (6:4).  The “old man was crucified with Him” (6:6); “the body of sin…done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (6:6).  We are now “freed from sin” (6:7); we now “live with Him” (6:8).  We are now “dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (6:22). 11 Does Baptism Save?

 If one can be save before or without baptism, one can be saved: 12 Does Baptism Save? While the “old man” with “the body of sin” remains alive. Before we “live with Him.” Before we have been raised to “walk in newness of life.” Before we are “dead indeed to sin.” While we are yet “slaves of sin.” Before we are “alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Before we’ve been “freed from sin.” IMPOSSIBLE!

 That’s what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:13  That “body” is the “church”: Eph. 4:4  Jesus is “the Savior of the body”: Eph. 5:23  If one can be saved without baptism, one can be saved and not be in Christ’s body!  If one can be saved outside the body of Christ, one can be saved without the blood of Christ! Acts 20:28 13 Does Baptism Save?

 That’s what Paul says in Colossians 2:12  Most say baptism is a “work” of man: Eph. 2:8-9  Not so! Eph. 2:10  Certain “works” do save! Doing what God says is required! 1 Jn. 2:3-4; Jn. 15:10, 14; Jas. 2:24 What “works” save? Jas. 2:14; Eph. 2:10  What is baptism? “faith in the working of God” Col. 2:12 14 Does Baptism Save? If baptism does not save, then one can be saved without “faith in the working of God” !

 Have you been baptized?  If baptized, why were you baptized?  Eph. 4:5; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21 15 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16