Can We Be Saved Without Baptism?

Name: Robin
Question: Is being baptized as a baby acceptable, or is that something to be done when older and there is understanding? If we are not baptized in this life, as a believer, will God still accept us?

Answer: Thank you for the question Robin, you hang in there. It is obvious you love God from your email. He loves those who love Him, always remember that, (Psalms 145:20).

Baby Baptism

Baptism for babies is a nice gesture for some, but it holds no real value to God or the baby. When we become Baptised it means we have accepted Jesus Christ into our heart, mind and soul. It documents we are a believer in Jesus Christ and we go through the Baptism process as Christ did and He is our example, (Matthew 3:13-17).

Each of us then must have the opportunity to make up our own mind if we are going to follow Christ or not, (Romans 10:9, John 3:16).

The Malefactors

One of my favorite accounts in the Bible concerns the two malefactors (criminals) who were crucified on each side of Christ. Let that set the stage and turn with me to,

Luke 23:39
39 “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”

One of the criminals was only concerned with saving his own skin. While hanging on the cross in the presence of our Lord and Savior, even he challenged Jesus Christ.

Luke 23:40
40 “But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?”

The other criminal fired back and documented he believed Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

Luke 23:41
41 “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.”

He continues and explains to the criminal who railed against Christ, they deserved their punishment, but Christ had done nothing wrong. So this criminal certainly understood who Christ was and understood that He was being crucified for something He did not do.

Luke 23:42
42 “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

What a humbling experience this must have been for this criminal. To be there in the presence of Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to be able to defend Him. Then the simple request, ‘remember me in Your Kingdom‘.

Luke 23:43
43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Jesus just made a promise, a guarantee to this criminal that he would be with Christ today, this day, meaning as soon as they die in the flesh, they will both be resurrected and in Heaven, in Paradise.

The criminal did not come down from the cross and go jump into a creek to become Baptized. He remained on the cross until death. This documents Baptism is not required in order to be saved, though I do believe we should become baptized if we believe in Christ, (John 3:16, Romans 10:9).

Being Afraid

Robin, there is no reason to fear God if you are doing your best to live by His Word. Our Father is only angry with those who hate Him and despise His Law.  As a matter of fact, God wants everyone to come to repentance, He does not want any of His children to perish, (2 Peter 3:9).

Stop being afraid. Stop the paranoia. We have our Heavenly Father to comfort us in our daily life. Reach out to Him, tell Him you love Him and the pain you have. Ask Him to heal that pain, ask Him to remove it and close your prayer, “in Jesus Christ name, amen“. Continue to talk to Him and meditate on His Word.

I feel like this is a good opportunity to share…

A few months ago I received an email from a reader who suffered from paranoia as well. They explained how a family member wanted them to go visit them in a big city. This individual lives in a very rural location far away. They explained how they were terrified at the thought and felt it was too dangerous.

In so many words, I explained how we need to break out of our shells, we need to break out of our comfort zones and go experience and enjoy life. We are not meant to sit around idle and wait for Christ’s Return. We may not even live to see the day. We need to go out into the world and enjoy what it has to offer, nature is a wonderful thing.

A few weeks later I received another email from the reader and they explained how they went and visited their family in that big city and felt so good and refreshed after doing so. They explained how all the fear and anxiety went away and they were able to enjoy time with their family and see new things.

We must face our fears in order to conquer them, God will be there for you, but you must take that first step.

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