Doesn't John 3:5 require baptism for salvation?

[A2J]

You don't need to be baptised or go to church to be saved/Born again.

[ithacagurl]

Thank God I am baptized and go to church.....just in case

[Steve53]

Thank God I am baptized and go to church.....just in case

Works and water can't save you.

Thread has been merged. Take the time to read it through....

[Damien1983]

I could do with some advice on baptism.

As of today I still don't have complete assurance of salvation but all I know is I feel the urge to be baptized somewhere. I have never felt this before.

Since first reading about the true Gospel on the net in early 2005 I have been spiritually here there and everywhere. I never got baptized anywhere - the only baptism I've ever had is when I was 9 years old, into the Catholic Church. Recently I've been reading Acts of the Apostles and also articles on the net about baptism and how Christians should do it if possible.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not trusting in water baptism for my salvation. I want to do it to make a statement - that I want to try and change my life for the better, leave all my bad habits behind, try my very best to sin as little as possible and finally leave behind the RCC once and for all in both my heart and mind.

The main problem I have is this. I can't seem to find any decent churches in my local area. The only churches I've ever attended in my whole life have been Catholic ones, as far as I recall, and I haven't been to any church at all for a good few years now. All the non-Catholic churches in my area seem to be either charismatic or have a female pastor. I would ideally like a decent, proper Bible-based place to speak with someone and maybe fellowship with others there, but I really don't think any of the churches in my area fit the bill. However I was wondering if it would be OK if I just used one of these churches for the sake of being baptized, which I very much want to do. Is there any particular criteria in a church I should look for/avoid concerning baptism ? Thanks for all your help in advance.

D

[Any Minute]

I could do with some advice on baptism.

As of today I still don't have complete assurance of salvation but all I know is I feel the urge to be baptized somewhere. I have never felt this before.

Your assurance of salvation will mature with faith, prayer, obedience, and study of the Word of God. Eternal security (OSAS) is a biblical doctrine that can be easily shown in Scripture. There is a monster thread here on the topic that might help you.

Since first reading about the true Gospel on the net in early 2005 I have been spiritually here there and everywhere. I never got baptized anywhere - the only baptism I've ever had is when I was 9 years old, into the Catholic Church. Recently I've been reading Acts of the Apostles and also articles on the net about baptism and how Christians should do it if possible.

I’m not quite sure what you mean by “spiritually here there and everywhere”. Have you responded (accepted the gift) of salvation in the time since you read the Gospel? You are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Properly placed faith in Christ alone is the requirement, so you can’t be everywhere spiritually. I would encourage every believer to be water baptized, though baptism is for believers only. Only you and God can know whether or not you understand the Gospel of salvation, do you understand the Biblical method and know that you are saved? I ask because of your opening sentences of this thread. Many here, including myself, would go through the Gospel of salvation with you if you are unsure if you are saved.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not trusting in water baptism for my salvation. I want to do it to make a statement - that I want to try and change my life for the better, leave all my bad habits behind, try my very best to sin as little as possible and finally leave behind the RCC once and for all in both my heart and mind.

Are you sure that you understand that water baptism adds nothing to Jesus’ sacrifice and His finished work of the Cross? Baptism is not what saves you nor does it cleanse you of sin. It doesn’t merit nor does it maintain salvation. It is a public proclamation of your faith in Christ alone for salvation.
If you are being prompted by the Holy Spirit (who you were baptized in when you were saved) to be water baptized, I would strongly encourage you to do so. There is no magic in the act itself though I will say for myself, there was a marked change in my walk from that day on. It was my faith that was demonstrated by that act obedience that really caused me and others around me to take notice.
I guess I’m trying to say that I knew I was saved before being water baptized (had been for years) and I know this may be a personal experience, but my faith and relationship has definitely taken on a deeper and more visible meaning since that time.

The main problem I have is this. I can't seem to find any decent churches in my local area. The only churches I've ever attended in my whole life have been Catholic ones, as far as I recall, and I haven't been to any church at all for a good few years now. All the non-Catholic churches in my area seem to be either charismatic or have a female pastor. I would ideally like a decent, proper Bible-based place to speak with someone and maybe fellowship with others there, but I really don't think any of the churches in my area fit the bill. However I was wondering if it would be OK if I just used one of these churches for the sake of being baptized, which I very much want to do. Is there any particular criteria in a church I should look for/avoid concerning baptism ? Thanks for all your help in advance.

I would definitely recommend a good Bible believing church to attend if you can find one (I know it is difficult these days) that demonstrates that they know and understand the Gospel, God’s Word, and what water baptism represents. I don’t know that it would be wrong to do so but I wouldn’t have a pastor baptize me who clearly doesn’t believe what the Bible teaches. Remember, it’s a public proclamation and you may understand what it is about but your witness does matter to those observing.

BTW, you don’t have to be baptized in a church or by an ordained minister.

[Kliska]

I could do with some advice on baptism.

As of today I still don't have complete assurance of salvation but all I know is I feel the urge to be baptized somewhere. I have never felt this before.

Just to clarify; you don't feel as though you have assurance, or you are unsure about what that assurance entails?

Now don't get me wrong, I am not trusting in water baptism for my salvation. I want to do it to make a statement - that I want to try and change my life for the better, leave all my bad habits behind, try my very best to sin as little as possible and finally leave behind the RCC once and for all in both my heart and mind.

Ok, this seems like it might connect back the the RCC views that you came out of perhaps, but the idea of baptism is a symbol or a statement about your faith in Christ, not any type of work. Meaning you are showing forth your faith in Christ and the fact that you are being "baptized" by faith into Christ's death (going into the water) and resurrection (coming out of the water). Just be careful about emphasizing works in what baptism symbolizes.

The main problem I have is this. I can't seem to find any decent churches in my local area. The only churches I've ever attended in my whole life have been Catholic ones, as far as I recall, and I haven't been to any church at all for a good few years now. All the non-Catholic churches in my area seem to be either charismatic or have a female pastor. I would ideally like a decent, proper Bible-based place to speak with someone and maybe fellowship with others there, but I really don't think any of the churches in my area fit the bill. However I was wondering if it would be OK if I just used one of these churches for the sake of being baptized, which I very much want to do. Is there any particular criteria in a church I should look for/avoid concerning baptism ? Thanks for all your help in advance.

Any believing Christian can baptize you; is there even an "elder" in the faith that you respect that would be willing to baptize you? The other consideration is as to where; all the baptisms in scripture would have been done "in public" or in the open as a public testimony of the person's faith. I always thought it more meaningful if the person doing the baptism knows you and is part of your walk with Jesus, but it isn't "necessary." Baptism is indeed a symbol and can be done by any believer.

[Geri7]

Water baptism doesn't save a person. Its just a symbolic act showing your faith to others that you're a believer and follower of Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection.

The thief on the cross after he recognized who Jesus truly was (the Son of God) was promised heaven. Jesus said to him "today thou will be with me in paradise". The thief never got down from that cross and was never baptized.