Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

After Paul was identified as a chosen instrument - he was told to be baptized. Similarly, after God sent an angel to Cornelius he was ordered to be baptized. Both Paul and Cornelius had obviously already been called by God. However, even though they were already called by God they were still ordered to be baptized. Paul was specifically told to be baptized to wash away his sins. Additionally, 1Peter 3:20-22 states that “baptism now saves you” – “20…when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers subject to him.”

1.     After Paul had his event on the road to Damascus while he was still blind Jesus told him to enter the city and he would be told what he must do. A man named Ananias was visited by Jesus in a vision and he was told to go to Paul. According to Acts 9:15 Jesus told Ananias that Paul was his chosen instrument. According to Acts 9:18 and Acts 22:14-16 Ananias baptized Paul. Look closely at Acts 22:14-16, Paul was told by Ananias the following:

Acts 22:14 “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

If Paul who was already a chosen instrument according (Acts 9:15) was baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 9:18), then the rest of us should do likewise. The point is that even though Paul was already chosen his next step was to be baptized. Remember Jesus told him that he would be told what he must do – Acts 9:6 “and Ananias told him to get up and be baptized.”

2.     Cornelius saw an angel who told him to send for Simon Peter – Acts 10:1-5. In Acts 10:48 Peter ordered everyone at Cornelius’ house to be baptized.

Paul, Cornelius and many others are hoping to see you in Heaven!

Scripture citations from “The Comprehensive New Testament.”

Dr. J. Clontz