There are many religious people today who deny the essentiality of baptism. “We are saved by faith only” is the popular cry in religious circles. It is said that baptism is a work and that we are not saved by works; thus, baptism really isn’t necessary. First, the Bible does not teach that no work is involved in our salvation. It teaches that that we are not saved by a certain kind of works, that is, meritorious works or works of the law. One only needs to read the second chapter of James to see clearly that works of faith do have a part in man’s salvation. Second, one would be hard pressed to find any passage that says that we are saved by faith only. The truth is the scriptures teach us the very opposite (James 2:24).

Well, what can we tell people who are adamant about baptism not being necessary? To be sure, in some cases nothing can be said that will convince an individual of the truth on this matter. There are those who have made up their minds, not because of what the Bible teaches, but because of what a favorite preacher or teacher has so often said. A person will not listen to reason when he has elevated man’s word above or equal to God’s Word. However, there are some approaches that can be used with some success. One approach that I often use is simply telling one what baptism does. If what baptism accomplishes is essential, then baptism itself must be essential. Most people, or at least many people, can see the logic in this. So, what should we tell people who deny the importance of baptism?

Tell them that baptism puts one into Christ

That baptism puts one into Christ can be easily established. Paul said, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Romans 6:3 teaches the same thing. So then, whatever blessings are secured in Christ, one thing is certain, baptism puts us into Christ. At this time, it might be good to point out all of the blessings we have (salvation [2 Timothy 2:10]; no condemnation [Romans 8:1]; hope in death [Revelation 14:13]; reconciliation with God and fellow citizenship with saints [Ephesians 2:16-19]; access to God by one Spirit [Ephesians 2:18], etc.). Be sure to point out that all these spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). If one refuses to be baptized, he refuses all the blessings that are to be found in Christ because baptism is, according to scripture, what puts one into Christ.

 Tell them that baptism puts one into the kingdom of God

Jesus taught Nicodemus that one must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:1-5). Is baptism a part of being born again? Jesus said it is. One must be born of water. What else could water be referring to but baptism? Again, once it is established that baptism helps one become a citizen in the kingdom of God, it is good to point out the significance of being in the kingdom. Paul said when the end comes, Jesus is going to deliver the kingdom to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24). What happens to those who are not in the kingdom? Obviously, they will not be saved. There are only two places where one might spend eternity – heaven or hell. If one is not delivered to the Father to spend eternity in heaven, hell will be his destination. But who is it that is going to be delivered to the Father? Those in the kingdom. And how does one enter the kingdom? The answer is by being born again of the water and of the Spirit which involves baptism. The one who refuses to be baptized will never enter the kingdom. Therefore, he will not be delivered to God when the end comes.

Tell them that baptism puts one into contact with the blood of Christ

Now, one should not need very much convincing to see just how important the blood of Christ is. It is by the blood of Christ that we receive the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), and our sins are washed away (Revelation 1:5). But how and when do we contact the blood of Christ? We must be baptized into our Lord’s death (Romans 6:3). We figuratively contact the blood of Christ when we are baptized. How do we know this? Because baptism does the same thing for us as does the blood of Christ. Read Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16 and you will find that one receives the remission of sins when he is baptized, and that it is in baptism that one’s sins are washed away. Why does baptism do for us the same thing that the blood of Christ does? Because it is in baptism that we contact the blood. When one refuses to be baptized, he remains in sin.

These arguments won’t convince everybody, but reasonable people can see the essentiality of baptism once they realize what baptism does. Next time someone denies that baptism is necessary, just show them what baptism does and see what they think.