Baptism plays a vital role in the process of salvation according to Jesus and the early church. While salvation begins with faith in Christ, the Bible consistently shows that belief is followed by repentance and baptism—not as a meaningless ritual, but as a key step in responding to the gospel. Jesus Himself was baptized, commanded His followers to baptize others (Matthew 28:19), and linked belief and baptism to salvation (Mark 16:16). The early Christians took this seriously, baptizing new believers immediately as a natural part of accepting Jesus.
Baptism isn’t just symbolic—it’s where sins are washed away, a person is united with Christ, and they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:4). It’s not about earning salvation but obeying what Jesus clearly taught. If you’ve been wondering whether baptism is necessary, the answer is simple: Jesus said it is. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what Scripture actually says and how it applies to your walk with Christ today.
When it comes to salvation, one of the most debated questions among Christians is this: Is baptism necessary to be saved? Maybe you’ve asked this yourself. Maybe you’ve heard conflicting answers from pastors, churches, or online. So let’s clear it up—straight from what Jesus said, along with the broader context of the New Testament.
Let’s dive in (pun intended).
What Is Baptism, Really?
Before answering whether baptism is necessary for salvation, let’s define it. Baptism is a physical act where someone is immersed in water (or sometimes sprinkled), symbolizing the washing away of sin and a new life in Christ.
But it’s more than just a symbol.
- It’s a command from Jesus (Matthew 28:19)
- It’s an outward sign of an inward faith (Romans 6:3–4)
- It’s closely tied to repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
Let’s go step-by-step through what Jesus said about salvation and how baptism fits in.
1. What Did Jesus Say About Baptism?
Jesus directly mentioned baptism several times. Here are the key moments:
a) The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”
Here, Jesus commands His followers to baptize new disciples. Notice the sequence: make disciples → baptize them → teach them. Baptism isn’t optional—it’s part of the process of becoming a disciple.
b) Jesus Was Baptized (Matthew 3:13–17)
Even though Jesus was sinless, He got baptized by John “to fulfill all righteousness.” He didn’t need to repent, but He modeled obedience. If Jesus saw it as necessary for righteousness, why wouldn’t we follow His lead?
c) Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
This verse is one of the clearest links between baptism and salvation. Some argue that the second half only mentions unbelief leading to condemnation, not a lack of baptism. That’s true—but Jesus still puts believing and baptism together as the path to salvation.
2. What Did the Apostles Teach?
Jesus’ followers—those who actually walked with Him—continued the connection between baptism and salvation.
a) Acts 2:38 – Peter’s First Sermon
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This was the response to people asking, “What should we do?” after hearing the gospel. Peter doesn’t say “just believe.” He says: Repent. Be baptized. Receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit.
b) Acts 22:16 – Paul’s Testimony
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”
Paul (formerly Saul) was literally blinded by Jesus in a vision. Even he had to be baptized to wash away his sins.
3. So, Is Baptism Required to Be Saved?
Here’s where it gets nuanced. Let’s break it down:
Baptism Alone Doesn’t Save
- You can’t just go through the motions.
- Getting wet without faith is just a bath.
- Jesus cares about faith, repentance, and obedience—baptism is part of that obedience.
Faith Alone Isn’t Disconnected From Baptism
- Biblical faith includes obedience.
- When people believed in Jesus, they were immediately baptized (Acts 8:36–38, Acts 16:33).
What About the Thief on the Cross?
This is the go-to objection. In Luke 23:42–43, Jesus tells a dying criminal:
“Today you will be with me in paradise.”
The thief wasn’t baptized. So does this mean baptism isn’t necessary?
Here’s the important context:
- Jesus hadn’t died yet—the New Covenant hadn’t started.
- The thief’s situation was unique: he couldn’t be baptized, and Jesus had the authority to save directly.
It’s dangerous to build your theology on an exception.
4. Early Church Practice Confirms It
The earliest Christians took baptism seriously—immediately.
- Acts 8:12 – When people believed Philip, “they were baptized, both men and women.”
- Acts 16:33 – The Philippian jailer was baptized “at once,” even in the middle of the night.
- Romans 6:3–4 – Paul says baptism unites us with Christ’s death and resurrection.
To them, belief and baptism weren’t separate steps. They were part of one response to the gospel.
5. What Happens in Baptism?
According to the Bible, here’s what happens when someone is baptized:
1. Sins are washed away (Acts 22:16)
2. You’re buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6:4)
3. You’re clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27)
4. You receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
That’s a lot more than just a symbol. Baptism is where your old life ends, and your new life begins.
6. So, What Should You Do?
If you’re a believer in Jesus and haven’t been baptized—what’s stopping you?
Here’s what Jesus says to do:
- Believe in Him (John 3:16)
- Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3)
- Be baptized in His name (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)
- Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10)
You can’t earn your salvation—but Jesus clearly calls you to respond. And baptism is part of that response.
Conclusion: Jesus Says Baptism Matters
To answer the question plainly:
Yes—according to Jesus, baptism is necessary for salvation.
It’s not the only part. But it’s a non-negotiable step in truly following Him. Jesus commands it. The apostles practiced it. And the early church taught it.
If you’ve believed but haven’t been baptized yet, don’t wait. Do what Jesus said. Not because you’re trying to earn anything—but because He already gave everything.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus included baptism in His final command (Matthew 28:19)
- He said belief and baptism lead to salvation (Mark 16:16)
- The early church baptized immediately after belief (Acts 2:38)
- Baptism is where sins are washed away, and new life begins (Romans 6:4)
Still have questions? Talk to a trusted pastor or Bible teacher. But don’t let uncertainty or fear keep you from obeying Jesus. If He says do it—it’s worth doing.
Need help finding where or how to get baptized? Let’s talk about it.
10 FAQs for “Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation According to Jesus?”
1. Is baptism absolutely required for salvation?
Baptism is a clear command from Jesus and closely tied to salvation in Scripture. While it’s not the only part of salvation, Jesus and the apostles included it as an essential step of obedience and response to the gospel.
2. What did Jesus say specifically about baptism?
In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” He also commanded His followers to baptize new disciples in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).
3. If I believe in Jesus but haven’t been baptized, am I saved?
Biblically, belief and baptism go hand in hand. If you truly believe, baptism should follow as a step of obedience. Deliberately refusing it raises questions about the sincerity of your faith.
4. What about the thief on the cross? He wasn’t baptized.
The thief’s situation was unique. Jesus had not yet died and risen, and He had the authority to forgive directly. His case doesn’t override the commands Jesus gave after His resurrection.
5. Is baptism just a symbol, or does something spiritual happen?
According to the Bible, baptism is much more than symbolic. It’s when sins are washed away (Acts 22:16), you’re united with Christ (Romans 6:4), and you receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
6. Can infants or children be baptized?
The Bible consistently shows baptism following personal faith and repentance. Infant baptism is a tradition in some churches, but it’s not modeled in the New Testament.
7. How soon should someone get baptized after believing?
Immediately. In the book of Acts, new believers were baptized the same day they accepted Christ. There’s no biblical reason to delay it once you’ve decided to follow Jesus.
8. Do I need to be baptized again if I was baptized as a baby or without understanding?
If you were baptized before you believed or without a personal decision to follow Jesus, many churches recommend being baptized again as a conscious act of faith and obedience.
9. What’s the correct method of baptism—sprinkling or immersion?
The Greek word for baptism, baptizo, means “to immerse.” Biblical examples show people going into and coming up out of the water, indicating immersion as the method used.
10. Can someone be saved without being baptized?
God knows every heart and shows grace, but the consistent teaching of the New Testament is that baptism is part of how we respond to the gospel. If you’re able to be baptized, Scripture says you should.
