Salvation - More Than Just Belief
The Biblical Necessity of Baptism
There is a common misconception in modern Christianity that one is saved at the point of belief. Many are taught that simply believing in Jesus is enough to secure salvation, implying that belief alone washes away sin.
While belief is essential, the Bible teaches that it is not the sole requirement for salvation.
Belief, repentance, and confession all bring one "unto" righteousness, but none of these alone place one "in Christ." The act that washes away sin and brings us into Christ is baptism, as clearly taught by Jesus and the apostles.
Belief is the Beginning, Not the End
Belief in Jesus is the first step towards salvation, but it is not the completion of salvation. In James 2:19, we see that even the demons believe:
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19, NKJV)
This verse shows that belief alone is insufficient to bring about salvation. Simply acknowledging Christ does not cleanse a person of sin. Belief leads a person to take action, but it is the act of obedience that leads to the cleansing of sin.
Repentance and Confession Bring Us Unto Salvation
Many agree that repentance is also necessary for salvation. Repentance is a turning away from sin and toward righteousness. However, repentance itself does not save; it brings one closer to God. In Romans 10:10, we read:
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10, NKJV)
Both belief and confession bring a person "unto" salvation, but they do not place one "in Christ." The language of this verse makes it clear that belief and confession are steps toward salvation but not the final step. They bring a person unto righteousness and unto salvation, but something more is required to wash away sins and place a person "in Christ."
Baptism Washes Away Sins and Puts Us In Christ
The Bible is clear that baptism is the act that washes away sins and places a person in Christ. In Acts 22:16, Ananias told Saul (later the apostle Paul):
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16, NKJV)
Paul, who had already believed in Jesus after encountering Him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), was still in his sins until he obeyed the command to be baptized. His belief did not wash away his sins; it was baptism that cleansed him.
Furthermore, Galatians 3:27 tells us how we are united with Christ:
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27, NKJV)
We are not "in Christ" until we are baptized into Him. Baptism is the point at which we put on Christ and enter into a saving relationship with Him. Without baptism, we remain outside of Christ, and our sins remain unforgiven.
The Pattern in Scripture: Belief, Repentance, Confession, Baptism
The New Testament consistently presents the same pattern for salvation: belief, repentance, confession, and baptism. Jesus Himself taught this in Mark 16:16:
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16, NKJV)
Jesus makes it clear that both belief and baptism are necessary for salvation. Belief alone does not save, nor does baptism without belief. They work together as part of God's plan for salvation.
The apostles followed this same pattern in their teachings. On the day of Pentecost, when the crowd asked Peter what they should do to be saved, he responded:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, NKJV)
Peter did not say that belief alone was enough. He called for repentance and baptism "for the remission of sins." It is at the point of baptism that our sins are forgiven, and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
While belief, repentance, and confession are all necessary steps toward salvation, they do not wash away sins. The Bible is clear that our sins are washed away at baptism, the point at which we enter into Christ and receive the remission of sins. Jesus and the apostles consistently taught that belief alone does not save. It is through obedience to all of God's commands—belief, repentance, confession, and baptism—that we are saved and placed "in Christ."
Baptism is the moment when we are united with Christ, cleansed of our sins, and receive the promise of eternal life.
As believers, we must understand that salvation is not achieved at the point of belief alone but through faithful obedience to all that Jesus has commanded.
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16, NKJV)