Baptism

 
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 Baptism is a point of controversy between Christians.  Constantly arguing goes on between denominations over whether or not baptism is an essential part of salvation.  One side, Church of Christ, believes, according to their doctrine, that one can never get into heaven unless they have been baptized by water.  Another group, the Baptists, believe that baptism is an act of obedience, but isn't required to get into heaven.  These two denominations argue over this point when they should be embracing each other as Christian brethren.  Unfortunately, this issue is large enough to split the two into different denominations.

This is where I come in. Is baptism essential for salvation?  Think about it, if baptism was required of Christians in order for them to get into heaven, don't you think that the bible would place at least a little bit more emphasis on the topic?

Romans 10:9 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and savior, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, then you shall be saved.  Simple enough, right?  If baptism was a requirement for salvation (or becoming saved) then why wasn't it mentioned in this verse.  In fact, why wasn't the topic of baptism even spoken of in the entire chapter of Romans 10?  It doesn't matter what the book was written for historically, the chapter deals with salvation, so why is baptism not in it?  It is because baptism is not essential for salvation.

God's character is not to be misleading, but to be loving and faithful.  If baptism were required for salvation, then God would have said so in His Word.  If it were required and is missing, then it would be like giving directions on how to get to heaven, but pointing in the wrong direction.  It doesn't make sense, and God makes more sense than anyone else.  Reading God's Word and seeing what it says is the best thing to do.  The worst thing is reading and misapplying the material due to presuppositions.