Excellent & compassionate contextual teaching from you for both of those souls. One with good questions and one with a statement that doesn’t save in these N.T. days.
I pray 🙏 they follow thru and come to the fullness of the truth, in order that they might respond properly to the gospel, that they might be saved.
I think you need to dig deeper. Look at John 3:5. What does “born of water” mean? He is not talking about physical water, but a metaphor for the spiritual regeneration of the soul. Was the thief on the cross “baptized”, or was he immersed in Christ?
My son is getting baptized next month and asked me the same question, "Do I need to be baptized to be saved?" My answer was, "It depends what you mean by baptism, and it depends what you mean by saved."
Please let me explain.
OT jews had 3 types of baptisms, one for ceremonial cleansing, one for repentance, and one for discipleship. Jesus calls us to all three. We recognize that only He can atone for us, we turn towards Him, and we commit ourselves to Him. That's baptism.
Salvation is being "in Him". We 'get' saved by belief (and by grace), but we 'are' saved by joining in the divine. Not being 'in Him' means joining with corruption, which certainly leads to death.
So if by baptism you mean just a perfunctory act, then 'no'. Baptism doesn't save you.
If by baptism you mean a true, repentant, committed life towards Jesus, the 'yes'. You certainly need to be baptized.
I don't get hung up on the immersion aspect. It's the heart that matters. I also don't let my children get baptized until the are 16. Not one of them has rushed to the baptismal at that age. They all made adult decisions about what a commitment it is.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message — and how awesome that you and your son are discussing baptism with such sincerity. I really appreciate the heart you bring to this, and I think it’s a powerful thing when parents lead their children in conversations about faith and salvation.
You made some great points, especially your emphasis on salvation being about being "in Him." That’s right on — the big question is how we get "into Christ." And that’s where I believe the Scriptures speak with clarity and consistency.
You mentioned the Old Testament ceremonial washings — which were important in their context — but Paul tells us that there is one baptism today (Ephesians 4:5). That one baptism isn’t symbolic or varied; it’s the baptism we see preached and practiced in Acts — a water baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
You’re absolutely right to say that salvation is found "in Him." But when we ask how someone actually enters into Christ, the Bible gives one consistent answer: baptism.
Romans 6:3-4 – “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
Galatians 3:27 – “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
If we are not baptized for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus, we are not “in Christ” where salvation is found. That’s not my opinion; that’s what the Scriptures teach.
You said that baptism doesn’t save — but I’d encourage you to really take another look at what the Bible says about that. It’s actually quite direct:
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism… now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience…”
Both Jesus and Peter both explicitly say that baptism is part of what saves you.
Do you need your sins forgiven to be saved? Yes! How does that happen? In baptism. A further point that baptism is part of what saves.
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins…”
Acts 22:16 – “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.”
As for the mode of baptism — the word in Greek (baptizō) literally means to immerse. That’s how Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16), how the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized (Acts 8:38-39), and how Paul describes it — a burial in water (Romans 6:4). Sprinkling and pouring are not baptism.
If we truly want to be "in Him," we need to come to Him on His terms — and that begins with hearing, belief, repentance, confession, and baptism. All are acts of faith, not works.
Let me know if you have any further questions!
(I would encourage you to visit my profile where I have several articles on baptism that go into more depth)
" that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." What about this?
Romans 10:9–10—is a powerful passage. But I believe it’s essential to step back and look at the whole counsel of God’s Word when it comes to salvation.
Here are a few things I’d like you to consider:
Romans 10:9–10. Great verse. But does it cancel out what Jesus said?
Jesus Himself said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).
If Romans 10 says nothing about baptism and Mark 16 says nothing about confession, are they contradicting each other—or are they both part of the full picture?
The Romans had already heard the message of baptism.
In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, people from Rome were present (Acts 2:10).
What were they told when they believed? “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
Paul didn’t need to repeat what they already knew when he wrote Romans—he built on that foundation.
Paul had already taught the Romans about baptism.
Just a few chapters earlier, he says: “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3)
He goes on to say that in baptism we are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4–5).
That’s not symbolic. That’s transformational.
Romans 10:9–10 also doesn’t mention repentance.
So, are we to believe that repentance is not required either?
Yet Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
Clearly, salvation is not based on one verse, but on the full teaching of Scripture.
Romans 10 teaches more than just belief and confession.
It says faith comes by hearing the word (Romans 10:17).
It says one must obey the Gospel (Romans 10:16).
It says people must call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13).
But what does it mean to call on His name?
Acts 2:21 says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But then Peter tells them how—“Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38).
Acts 22:16 says, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
In both cases, calling on the name of the Lord = being baptized.
We should not practice One-verse theology
We wouldn’t build a doctrine on just John 3:16, ignoring repentance.
We wouldn’t base salvation only on Ephesians 2:8–9, ignoring obedience.
So we shouldn’t build a salvation doctrine on just Romans 10:9–10 while ignoring Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Romans 6, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21.
In the end, salvation is not about choosing between verses—it’s about believing and obeying all the verses that talk about what is required to be saved.
We we put it all together we understand one must: hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and live faithfully to be saved.
If a member in the John Calvin cult believes we’re a blind, spiritually dead lump of clay in the Potter’s hands, born with Esau’s uncircumcised, sin-enslaved, truth-hating (reprobate old wineskin) heart that inherently is self-righteous, unable to repentantly seek salvation in the LORD Potter (original sin). We’re only saved if God’s sovereign free-will graciously chooses to give us a repentant, truth-loving (faithful new wineskin) heart that is filled with His Spirit (holy-theocratic New Wine) as Jacob (the unconditional election of God’s children of light). Esau and the Devil’s accursed children of darkness, blinded in sin’s spiritual death, were dishonorable clay vessels (used as a toilet) that never were foreknown in the love of God’s indwelling Spirit (New Wine)—NOT graciously chosen to be re-birthed from darkness out of sin’s spiritual death into Christ’s marvelous Light.
Self-willed foolish virgins from Christ’s Bride protest His sovereign choice in foreordaining the lump of clay’s destiny:
“So how can it be your fault if you were never given the self-righteous chance? You can’t hold people (spiritually dead sinners) accountable for a verdict they never had the (New Wine) power to self-righteously change.”
Thank you! I am glad we agree that we have to do something to be saved. If we have to hear, believe, repent, and confess to be saved (which are all things you do or put another way a work); then it is not out of the question that baptism is something we have to do. After all Jesus said it Himself, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Now to the next point. It is not a question of if God draws us, but how He he draws us. How does God draw us?
No, that doesn't mean we agree. Nice try. Works do not save. It is Christ alone. You love using semantics as a way to twist truth. Being confidently confused and then confusing others is something only the Holy Spirit can help you overcome.
The ancient Jews baptized, which is where Christian baptism came from. They baptized new converts to Judaism, and they were baptized as a sign of repentance... which is what John's baptism was. When you committed yourself to obeying God, you were baptized as a sign.
I appreciate your hard work at making sure your readers study the Scriptures well - super important - but I would be remiss in not mentioning Cornelius. Do you believe that unsaved, unregenerate, unbaptized sinners can receive the Holy Spirit in the same way the apostles did at Pentecost... or do you believe that those in Cornelius' household were saved before they were baptized?
Tony - thank you for your comments. Please consider the following points and questions that prove that Holy Spirit baptism does not save.
1. Did the Ancient Jews Baptize in the Old Testament?
Can you show me one example in the Old Testament of the Jews baptizing? There is no record of any such practice.
Ritual washings existed (Hebrews 9:10), but these were not full immersions for the remission of sins as taught in the New Testament.
Baptism, as instituted by John and commanded by Christ, was new, not a continuation of Jewish Scripural tradition. If it was we would find it in the Old Testament.
2. Was John's Baptism from God or Man?
Jesus directly challenged the religious leaders in Matthew 21:25, asking: “The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
This shows the origin of baptism matters deeply.
So the real question is: Are you saying Christian baptism is man-made or God-ordained?
3. Is Baptism a Sign of Obedience?
The Bible never says baptism is a “sign” of obedience.
Where is the verse that defines baptism as a symbolic act only?
Scripture actually gives explicit purposes for baptism:
Acts 2:38 – “For the remission of sins.”
Acts 22:16 – “Wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Romans 6:3-4 – We are “buried with Him” and raised to “walk in newness of life.”
Galatians 3:27 – We are “baptized into Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism now saves you.”
4. Cornelius and Receiving the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit coming upon someone does not prove salvation:
Balaam’s donkey spoke by the Spirit—was it saved? (Numbers 22:28)
Judas was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:1-4), yet he was called “the son of perdition” (John 17:12).
Matthew 7:21-23 – Many did miracles in Jesus' name but were still condemned: “I never knew you.”
The Holy Spirit is not the means of salvation—the blood of Christ is (Revelation 1:5).
5. The Purpose of the Spirit in Acts 10 (Cornelius)
Acts 11:14 says Cornelius would be told “words by which you will be saved.”
The Spirit fell on them before Peter finished his message—so what were those saving words?
Was the baptism of the Holy Spirit “words.” No.
The logical conclusion: the message was interrupted, but completed when Peter commanded them to be baptized in water (Acts 10:48).
6. If They Were Already Saved, Why Be Baptized?
If they were saved the moment the Spirit fell, why the urgent command for water baptism?
Peter didn’t see the Spirit as a substitute for baptism—but a confirmation that Gentiles, too, must obey the same gospel.
Again, baptism was for the forgiveness of sins, not after it. (Acts 2:38)
7. Conclusion: A United Testimony of Scripture
Baptism is consistently shown in Scripture as the moment one receives forgiveness, is united with Christ, and enters into new life.
The evidence is overwhelming:
Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 22:16 – “Be baptized and wash away your sins.”
Romans 6 – United with Christ in His death through baptism.
Galatians 3:27 – Baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism now saves you.”
Final Thought:
The Scriptures do not support the idea that water baptism is optional. It is a God-ordained response of faith, through which we contact the saving blood of Jesus. Any teaching that places salvation before baptism is out of step with the New Testament pattern.
Jesus never baptized anyone with water, only his disciples baptized with water. Jesus (God himself) baptized with the holy spirit, giving you a new heart to choose him and love him and have faith in him, thats what the baptism is
It’s true that Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. However, Holy Spirit baptism is only written of twice in the Bible—once in Acts 2 (Pentecost) and again in Acts 10 (Cornelius and the Gentiles). Both were special events to show God’s approval and to mark big turning points in church history.
But if you read Acts 8 and Acts 19, you’ll see people were water baptized before they received the Holy Spirit. The Samaritans in Acts 8 believed and were baptized in water, but didn’t receive the Spirit until the apostles came later. Same thing in Acts 19—Paul baptized them in Jesus’ name, and only after laying hands on them did they receive the Holy Spirit.
These are clear examples that Holy Spirit baptism and water baptism aren’t the same, and Holy Spirit baptism wasn’t something that just automatically replaced water baptism.
By the time Paul writes Ephesians 4:5, he says there is “one baptism.” That means the kind of baptism that’s still for today is the one the apostles consistently practiced: water baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38).
So no, there aren’t two baptisms going on today. Holy Spirit baptism was a special sign for key moments, but the ongoing command is still water baptism tied to faith and repentance.
I encourage you to read this post I did where I talk about the different types of baptism.
The key is the entire context of John 3. Most translations of John 3:36 say something to this effect “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; but he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” However, the second “believe” is a different word from the first and can be translated better. Translations like NASB and ESV translate this verse more accurately.
John 3:36 (NASB) - He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
John 3:36 proves that the idea of belief includes and means to “obey the Son.”
Hey Sid,
Excellent & compassionate contextual teaching from you for both of those souls. One with good questions and one with a statement that doesn’t save in these N.T. days.
I pray 🙏 they follow thru and come to the fullness of the truth, in order that they might respond properly to the gospel, that they might be saved.
God bless your ministry dear brother.
I think you need to dig deeper. Look at John 3:5. What does “born of water” mean? He is not talking about physical water, but a metaphor for the spiritual regeneration of the soul. Was the thief on the cross “baptized”, or was he immersed in Christ?
Geoffrey - Good Questions! I get these a lot.
I have posts that will answer each.
What type of baptism?
https://pressingforward.substack.com/p/is-water-baptism-required-to-be-saved?r=2iaybf
Purpose of baptism?
https://pressingforward.substack.com/p/does-the-reason-for-your-baptism?r=2iaybf
John 3:16?
https://pressingforward.substack.com/p/john-316-and-baptism-why-one-verse?r=2iaybf
The thief on the cross?
https://pressingforward.substack.com/p/why-the-thief-on-the-cross-doesnt?r=2iaybf
Let me know if you have more questions after reading!
Hi Sid,
My son is getting baptized next month and asked me the same question, "Do I need to be baptized to be saved?" My answer was, "It depends what you mean by baptism, and it depends what you mean by saved."
Please let me explain.
OT jews had 3 types of baptisms, one for ceremonial cleansing, one for repentance, and one for discipleship. Jesus calls us to all three. We recognize that only He can atone for us, we turn towards Him, and we commit ourselves to Him. That's baptism.
Salvation is being "in Him". We 'get' saved by belief (and by grace), but we 'are' saved by joining in the divine. Not being 'in Him' means joining with corruption, which certainly leads to death.
So if by baptism you mean just a perfunctory act, then 'no'. Baptism doesn't save you.
If by baptism you mean a true, repentant, committed life towards Jesus, the 'yes'. You certainly need to be baptized.
I don't get hung up on the immersion aspect. It's the heart that matters. I also don't let my children get baptized until the are 16. Not one of them has rushed to the baptismal at that age. They all made adult decisions about what a commitment it is.
Let me know what you think.
Peace to you.
- Ken
Hi Ken,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message — and how awesome that you and your son are discussing baptism with such sincerity. I really appreciate the heart you bring to this, and I think it’s a powerful thing when parents lead their children in conversations about faith and salvation.
You made some great points, especially your emphasis on salvation being about being "in Him." That’s right on — the big question is how we get "into Christ." And that’s where I believe the Scriptures speak with clarity and consistency.
You mentioned the Old Testament ceremonial washings — which were important in their context — but Paul tells us that there is one baptism today (Ephesians 4:5). That one baptism isn’t symbolic or varied; it’s the baptism we see preached and practiced in Acts — a water baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
You’re absolutely right to say that salvation is found "in Him." But when we ask how someone actually enters into Christ, the Bible gives one consistent answer: baptism.
Romans 6:3-4 – “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
Galatians 3:27 – “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
If we are not baptized for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus, we are not “in Christ” where salvation is found. That’s not my opinion; that’s what the Scriptures teach.
You said that baptism doesn’t save — but I’d encourage you to really take another look at what the Bible says about that. It’s actually quite direct:
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism… now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience…”
Both Jesus and Peter both explicitly say that baptism is part of what saves you.
Do you need your sins forgiven to be saved? Yes! How does that happen? In baptism. A further point that baptism is part of what saves.
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins…”
Acts 22:16 – “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.”
As for the mode of baptism — the word in Greek (baptizō) literally means to immerse. That’s how Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16), how the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized (Acts 8:38-39), and how Paul describes it — a burial in water (Romans 6:4). Sprinkling and pouring are not baptism.
If we truly want to be "in Him," we need to come to Him on His terms — and that begins with hearing, belief, repentance, confession, and baptism. All are acts of faith, not works.
Let me know if you have any further questions!
(I would encourage you to visit my profile where I have several articles on baptism that go into more depth)
Romans 10:9 NKJV
" that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." What about this?
Great question!
Romans 10:9–10—is a powerful passage. But I believe it’s essential to step back and look at the whole counsel of God’s Word when it comes to salvation.
Here are a few things I’d like you to consider:
Romans 10:9–10. Great verse. But does it cancel out what Jesus said?
Jesus Himself said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).
If Romans 10 says nothing about baptism and Mark 16 says nothing about confession, are they contradicting each other—or are they both part of the full picture?
The Romans had already heard the message of baptism.
In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, people from Rome were present (Acts 2:10).
What were they told when they believed? “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
Paul didn’t need to repeat what they already knew when he wrote Romans—he built on that foundation.
Paul had already taught the Romans about baptism.
Just a few chapters earlier, he says: “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3)
He goes on to say that in baptism we are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4–5).
That’s not symbolic. That’s transformational.
Romans 10:9–10 also doesn’t mention repentance.
So, are we to believe that repentance is not required either?
Yet Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
Clearly, salvation is not based on one verse, but on the full teaching of Scripture.
Romans 10 teaches more than just belief and confession.
It says faith comes by hearing the word (Romans 10:17).
It says one must obey the Gospel (Romans 10:16).
It says people must call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13).
But what does it mean to call on His name?
Acts 2:21 says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But then Peter tells them how—“Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38).
Acts 22:16 says, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
In both cases, calling on the name of the Lord = being baptized.
We should not practice One-verse theology
We wouldn’t build a doctrine on just John 3:16, ignoring repentance.
We wouldn’t base salvation only on Ephesians 2:8–9, ignoring obedience.
So we shouldn’t build a salvation doctrine on just Romans 10:9–10 while ignoring Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Romans 6, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21.
In the end, salvation is not about choosing between verses—it’s about believing and obeying all the verses that talk about what is required to be saved.
We we put it all together we understand one must: hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and live faithfully to be saved.
If a member in the John Calvin cult believes we’re a blind, spiritually dead lump of clay in the Potter’s hands, born with Esau’s uncircumcised, sin-enslaved, truth-hating (reprobate old wineskin) heart that inherently is self-righteous, unable to repentantly seek salvation in the LORD Potter (original sin). We’re only saved if God’s sovereign free-will graciously chooses to give us a repentant, truth-loving (faithful new wineskin) heart that is filled with His Spirit (holy-theocratic New Wine) as Jacob (the unconditional election of God’s children of light). Esau and the Devil’s accursed children of darkness, blinded in sin’s spiritual death, were dishonorable clay vessels (used as a toilet) that never were foreknown in the love of God’s indwelling Spirit (New Wine)—NOT graciously chosen to be re-birthed from darkness out of sin’s spiritual death into Christ’s marvelous Light.
Self-willed foolish virgins from Christ’s Bride protest His sovereign choice in foreordaining the lump of clay’s destiny:
“So how can it be your fault if you were never given the self-righteous chance? You can’t hold people (spiritually dead sinners) accountable for a verdict they never had the (New Wine) power to self-righteously change.”
Then how is this not 'works'? Something we must perform in order to be 'saved'?
Mel - Great question. Let me ask you this: what do you believe we have to do to be saved?
Must we hear the Gospel? Must we believe? Must we confess Jesus? Must we repent?
Yes, but it is the Holy Spirit that draws men unto him. He is the one that makes all of this possible. No one comes to God on their own.
Thank you! I am glad we agree that we have to do something to be saved. If we have to hear, believe, repent, and confess to be saved (which are all things you do or put another way a work); then it is not out of the question that baptism is something we have to do. After all Jesus said it Himself, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Now to the next point. It is not a question of if God draws us, but how He he draws us. How does God draw us?
No, that doesn't mean we agree. Nice try. Works do not save. It is Christ alone. You love using semantics as a way to twist truth. Being confidently confused and then confusing others is something only the Holy Spirit can help you overcome.
Mel - I finished the post above with questions and you answered “yes.” That looked to me like you were agreeing.
Let's try again. Can you answer the questions directly?
Do we have to do anything to be saved? Must hear the Gospel? Must we believe? Must we confess? Must we repent?
God draws us, but how does he draw us?
The ancient Jews baptized, which is where Christian baptism came from. They baptized new converts to Judaism, and they were baptized as a sign of repentance... which is what John's baptism was. When you committed yourself to obeying God, you were baptized as a sign.
I appreciate your hard work at making sure your readers study the Scriptures well - super important - but I would be remiss in not mentioning Cornelius. Do you believe that unsaved, unregenerate, unbaptized sinners can receive the Holy Spirit in the same way the apostles did at Pentecost... or do you believe that those in Cornelius' household were saved before they were baptized?
Tony - thank you for your comments. Please consider the following points and questions that prove that Holy Spirit baptism does not save.
1. Did the Ancient Jews Baptize in the Old Testament?
Can you show me one example in the Old Testament of the Jews baptizing? There is no record of any such practice.
Ritual washings existed (Hebrews 9:10), but these were not full immersions for the remission of sins as taught in the New Testament.
Baptism, as instituted by John and commanded by Christ, was new, not a continuation of Jewish Scripural tradition. If it was we would find it in the Old Testament.
2. Was John's Baptism from God or Man?
Jesus directly challenged the religious leaders in Matthew 21:25, asking: “The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
This shows the origin of baptism matters deeply.
So the real question is: Are you saying Christian baptism is man-made or God-ordained?
3. Is Baptism a Sign of Obedience?
The Bible never says baptism is a “sign” of obedience.
Where is the verse that defines baptism as a symbolic act only?
Scripture actually gives explicit purposes for baptism:
Acts 2:38 – “For the remission of sins.”
Acts 22:16 – “Wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Romans 6:3-4 – We are “buried with Him” and raised to “walk in newness of life.”
Galatians 3:27 – We are “baptized into Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism now saves you.”
4. Cornelius and Receiving the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit coming upon someone does not prove salvation:
Balaam’s donkey spoke by the Spirit—was it saved? (Numbers 22:28)
Judas was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:1-4), yet he was called “the son of perdition” (John 17:12).
Matthew 7:21-23 – Many did miracles in Jesus' name but were still condemned: “I never knew you.”
The Holy Spirit is not the means of salvation—the blood of Christ is (Revelation 1:5).
5. The Purpose of the Spirit in Acts 10 (Cornelius)
Acts 11:14 says Cornelius would be told “words by which you will be saved.”
The Spirit fell on them before Peter finished his message—so what were those saving words?
Was the baptism of the Holy Spirit “words.” No.
The logical conclusion: the message was interrupted, but completed when Peter commanded them to be baptized in water (Acts 10:48).
6. If They Were Already Saved, Why Be Baptized?
If they were saved the moment the Spirit fell, why the urgent command for water baptism?
Peter didn’t see the Spirit as a substitute for baptism—but a confirmation that Gentiles, too, must obey the same gospel.
Again, baptism was for the forgiveness of sins, not after it. (Acts 2:38)
7. Conclusion: A United Testimony of Scripture
Baptism is consistently shown in Scripture as the moment one receives forgiveness, is united with Christ, and enters into new life.
The evidence is overwhelming:
Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 22:16 – “Be baptized and wash away your sins.”
Romans 6 – United with Christ in His death through baptism.
Galatians 3:27 – Baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism now saves you.”
Final Thought:
The Scriptures do not support the idea that water baptism is optional. It is a God-ordained response of faith, through which we contact the saving blood of Jesus. Any teaching that places salvation before baptism is out of step with the New Testament pattern.
Jesus never baptized anyone with water, only his disciples baptized with water. Jesus (God himself) baptized with the holy spirit, giving you a new heart to choose him and love him and have faith in him, thats what the baptism is
It’s true that Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. However, Holy Spirit baptism is only written of twice in the Bible—once in Acts 2 (Pentecost) and again in Acts 10 (Cornelius and the Gentiles). Both were special events to show God’s approval and to mark big turning points in church history.
But if you read Acts 8 and Acts 19, you’ll see people were water baptized before they received the Holy Spirit. The Samaritans in Acts 8 believed and were baptized in water, but didn’t receive the Spirit until the apostles came later. Same thing in Acts 19—Paul baptized them in Jesus’ name, and only after laying hands on them did they receive the Holy Spirit.
These are clear examples that Holy Spirit baptism and water baptism aren’t the same, and Holy Spirit baptism wasn’t something that just automatically replaced water baptism.
By the time Paul writes Ephesians 4:5, he says there is “one baptism.” That means the kind of baptism that’s still for today is the one the apostles consistently practiced: water baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38).
So no, there aren’t two baptisms going on today. Holy Spirit baptism was a special sign for key moments, but the ongoing command is still water baptism tied to faith and repentance.
I encourage you to read this post I did where I talk about the different types of baptism.
https://pressingforward.substack.com/p/is-water-baptism-required-to-be-saved?r=2iaybf
Fully tracking what you are saying, but what do we do all the verses that simply say to “believe” … like all of John 3?
Please represent both sides of the argument 👍🏻
Ted - Thank you for the comment!
You ask a fantastic question! I did a post on this that I recommend you read that will answer your questions specifically: https://pressingforward.substack.com/p/john-316-and-baptism-why-one-verse
The key is the entire context of John 3. Most translations of John 3:36 say something to this effect “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; but he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” However, the second “believe” is a different word from the first and can be translated better. Translations like NASB and ESV translate this verse more accurately.
John 3:36 (NASB) - He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
John 3:36 proves that the idea of belief includes and means to “obey the Son.”