I've study this subject off and on for the past
seven years. I have went back forth between belief only and baptism
is required. I now believe that baptism is part of Yahuwah's salvation
plan. I have a better understanding of it now, although I still
learn more as time goes. Below you will see examples of what happened
in the Word of Yahuwah in the book of Acts.
It was pointed out to me that in Acts 2:37 they
believed that Yahushuah is the son of Yahuwah.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men
and brethren, what shall we do?
In Acts 2:40 They still needed saving.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify
and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
In Acts 2:41 They were added to the church.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand
souls.
Basically what I am pointing out is that in Acts
2:37 they believed in their hearts who Yahsua was and most mainstream
churches will say all you need to do is believe in your heart
and you will be saved. This very well maybe true and indeed is
the most important part of salvation and maybe all you need that
is up to Yah to decide not me. What I am trying to point out is
that salvation plan includes baptism, because as you can read
in Acts 2:40 they still needed saving. So please don't delay in
getting baptized.
Act 2:36 Therefore let
all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that
same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Act 2:37 Now when they heard this,
they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the
rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto
them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost. Act 2:39 For the promise is unto
you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even
as many as the Lord our God shall call. Act 2:40 And with many other words
did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward
generation. Act 2:41 Then they that gladly
received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls.
Graph of Conversions as Recorded in Acts
Scripture
Whom/When
Hear
Believe
Repent
Confess
Baptized
Result
Acts
2:7-41
Day
of Pentecost
X
X
X
X
Added To Church
Acts
4:4
5,000
X
X
Acts
6:7
Disciples
Multiplied
Acts
8:4-13
Samaritans
X
X
X
Acts
8:35-39
Ethiopian
Eunuch
X
X
X
X
Rejoicing
Acts
9:10-18, 22:14-16
Saul
(Paul)
X
X
Acts
9:40-42
At
Joppa
X
Acts
10:34-48
Cornelius
X
X
X
Acts
11:20-21
At
Antioch
X
X
Acts
13:47-48
Gentiles
X
X
Acts
16:13-15
Lydia
X
X
Acts
16:25-34
Jailor
X
X
Acts
18:8
Crispus
X
X
X
Acts
18:24-19:5
Ephesians
X
X
X*
Graph
Notes:
*
The people of Ephesus were baptized twice. Their first
baptism was John's baptism. Their second baptism was Christ's.
Questions for thought: If baptism is not important, why
then were these people, literally, re-baptized? What is
the difference between the two baptisms making one more important
than the other? What is given in one that is not found
the other? The following is a brief description of each.
The lists are by no means all inclusive but descriptive enough
to show their purposes.
John's
Baptism
Jesus'
Baptism
For
repentance & remission of sins, Matt 3:11, Mark 1:4,
Acts 13:24.
For
remission of sins and the giving of the Holy Spirit, Mark
1:7-8, Matt 28:19, Acts 2:38.
This verse clearly states baptism saves you.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism
doth also now save us, not the putting away of the filth of the
flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward YHWH, by the
resurrection of Yahushua the Messiah:
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
While not promoting gambling, just using this as
an example. Whoever buys a lottery ticket and claims his prize
shall win, but he that buys no ticket can not win. There is no
need to mention that baptism doesn't condem you just as it's not
necesary to mention claim your ticket since you have to buy one
to win, or believe to be saved.