A Question of Necessity: Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?
The question of whether water baptism is necessary for salvation requires us to first establish the unwavering truth of God’s complete standard: the Holy Law is the definition of righteousness. The Law is necessary, not as a means to earn salvation, but as the perfect standard the believer is called to uphold out of love and obedience. Salvation is secured through faith in Christ alone, who perfectly kept the Law; our commitment to keeping the Law and being baptized is the evidence of our covenant fidelity.
Baptism as an Essential Act of Obedience
Water baptism is not the cause of salvation, but the mandated covenant seal and the public declaration that the believer has accepted Christ’s full Lordship, which includes His command to keep the Law.
When the Great Commission couples belief and baptism, it highlights that a genuine, saving faith produces an obedient response:
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” — Mark 16:16 (KJV)
The condemnation is placed only on the one who “believeth not.” Baptism is inseparable from belief because a person who truly believes—who accepts Christ’s command to live a life of righteousness (Law-keeping)—will naturally follow the command to be baptized. The unbaptized state of the thief on the cross is the exception that proves the rule; his inability to obey the ritual was overridden by the sincerity of his faith, but the command remains for all those who can obey.
Baptism as the “Answer” to a Good Conscience
The saving power of baptism, according to Peter, is not the physical wash but the spiritual commitment. This commitment is the foundation of a Law-keeping life:
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” — 1 Peter 3:21 (KJV)
The “good conscience” appeals to God for salvation, and then pledges obedience, which is manifested through a commitment to the Law and the command to be baptized. It is an act of righteousness that flows from salvation, just as keeping the Sabbath and the Commandments flows from a transformed heart.
Saved By Grace Through Faith Alone
The Scriptures are clear and uncompromising on the means of salvation: it is a free gift of God, received solely through faith, completely independent of any human work or ritual. To add any requirement, even a commanded one, would negate the nature of God’s grace.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
This truth confirms that salvation cannot be attained by any human effort. If water baptism is an act performed by man—a physical work—then it must be understood as the evidence of salvation, not the cause of it.
The Standard of Righteousness
The Bible teaches that the Law remains holy, just, and good. It is the perfect reflection of God’s character, and our inability to keep it is what reveals our need for a Saviour.
“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” — Romans 7:12 (KJV)
The Law is the indispensable standard, the mirror that shows us our sin, making it impossible for us to earn salvation through works:
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” — Romans 3:20 (KJV)
Salvation, therefore, is achieved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the one and only perfect Law-Keeper. This faith does not abolish the Law, but establishes it:
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” — Romans 3:31 (KJV)
Since the Law is established, the saved believer’s life must be characterized by an obedient response—a response that includes both keeping the Law and observing Christ’s ordinances, such as baptism.
Identification with the Law-Keeper
Water baptism by immersion publicly symbolizes the death of the old self (the one who failed to keep the Law) and the resurrection to a new life in Christ (the one who perfectly kept the Law). It is the believer’s sworn allegiance to His perfect example:
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4 (KJV)
This newness of life is the life of obedience and fidelity to God’s commandments—the life the Law-Keeper enables us to live. The deeper reality is found in the Holy Ghost baptism, which unites the believer to the body of Christ and empowers this new obedience:
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…” — 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
The Return Question
The salvation of the soul rests solely upon the perfect work of Christ accepted by faith. However, for those awaiting The Lord’s Return, the evidence of this saving faith is a life of obedience to God’s Law and His ordinances. Therefore, while water baptism is not the cause of salvation, it is an essential component of Christian faithfulness that demonstrates the believer’s commitment to walking in the righteous way, as commanded by the One who saved us. We are saved by faith to keep the Law and to be baptized.