Common Misconception when it Comes to the Gospel?

By Edwin Ambrose

 

One of the misconceptions is you have to be water baptized to be saved.  Water baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It is a picture of our new identity in Christ. Although there are a few verses that are misinterpreted by some that say it is necessary for salvation Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16.

 There are over 200 verses in the New Testament that make it clear that salvation is a matter of faith alone in Christ alone. If baptism were necessary for salvation then it would have to appear as a requirement for salvation every single time the word”faith” or “believe” or “repent” does.

As a matter of fact, in Acts 10:44-47 some people trust in Christ as a result of Peter’s preaching. Notice what he says in verse 47, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

They received the Spirit before they were baptized. According to Ephesians 1:13 we receive the Spirit as soon as we believe. In other words, they were saved before they were ever water baptized.

to be continued >>