Do You Need To Be Baptized
Faith Development
Saving Grace
Another Look At The Word And The Sacraments
Grace Livingstone was nervous about what the pastor would say about the necessity of being baptized. She was sitting next to Mary Anderson in the class. Sarah Williams who had attended the previous class with her was sick. Mary reached over and touched Grace's hand, as if to say, "Everything will be okay, Grace."
Pastor Jeff Jackson started the Pastor's class by reviewing the previous week's teachings about Baptism.
There were three primary kinds of baptism in the time of Jesus:
• proselyte baptism for Gentiles to become Jews,
• baptism of repentance taught by John the Baptist for Jews to renew their faith and anticipate the coming of the kingdom of God, and
• the sacrament of Baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as instituted by Jesus himself.
Only the third kind is Christian Baptism. The first two were for adults who were called to make good decisions for God. The third was understood as a way in which God established a new covenant with his children, the new Israel, Christians. New Testament Baptism parallels Old Testament circumcision which was generally performed when a child was eight days old.
Infants and adults may receive the gift of grace in the sacrament of Baptism. In the Lutheran Church, the mode used is not prescribed. Jesus did not tell us how much water to use, only that we should use water combined with his word. When asked why we use water, we reply, "Jesus said so."
While any Christian can baptize in an emergency, usually the pastor does it in the church. Baptism is a once-and-forever act of God, so it should not be repeated, but it must be renewed. Luther said we must renew our Baptism daily by repentance. That brings me to the big question: "Do you need to be baptized to be saved?"
Let's start by looking at two important Bible verses. The first is John 3:5. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." We understand that passage to refer to Baptism, the act of God by which he gives us the Holy Spirit. Notice, Jesus' strong emphasis on the necessity of Baptism. Jesus doesn't teach that Baptism is optional. "I tell you the truth," he says. He says this is the way into his kingdom.
In Mark 16:16 Jesus says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved...." In most translations, this passage is footnoted because it may have been added at a later time to the rest of the Gospel of Mark.18 For our purpose here we see that the passage says two things are necessary for salvation: faith and Baptism.
On the other hand, the second half of Mark 16:16 (sometimes called 16:16b) says, "But whoever does not believe will be condemned." In other words, two things are needed for salvation: 1) Baptism and 2) faith, but one thing condemns, namely not believing. While this may seem like an inconsistency at first, on closer examination we discover it is a profound paradox. A paradox is two seemingly opposite ideas, both of which are true, e.g. God is distant and close; Jesus is God and man.
The paradox we see here is on the one hand, we need both Baptism and faith for salvation, and on the other hand, one thing will separate us from God, the lack of faith. Of course, if we have faith in Jesus as Lord, we will do what he says. One of the commands Jesus gives is to be baptized.
Before we look further at the necessity of Baptism and the connection between Baptism and faith, let's examine the Roman Catholic answer to the question, "What happens to un-baptized people (including un-baptized babies) when they die?" Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that you can't get into Heaven without Baptism.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there are three levels in the afterlife: Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. Heaven, it is taught, is where saints go directly upon death. Within this system, saints are defined as exceptional baptized believers who have done more good than evil in life. Some of their good works are "left over" and go into what is called "a treasury of merit." Other baptized believers can draw on this "treasury of merit" to shorten their time in Purgatory. Masses said for the dead are for this purpose.
Purgatory, it is taught, is a place where most baptized believers go. They will eventually go to Heaven, but first they must pay for the sins they have committed on earth. After a year or two or a hundred years of penalty, believers go on to Heaven. Time there can be shortened by people buying indulgences from the church or having masses said for the dead.
Of course, there is nothing in the Bible about Purgatory or a "treasury of merit." As a matter of fact, Martin Luther was so outspoken against this theological system, he protested vociferously against it. From these protests Protestantism got its name.
Un-baptized babies, good philosophers, and moral people who are not baptized, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, go to the top circle of Hell. Hell, it is taught, is a series of concentric circles descending to the headquarters of the Evil One. The top circle of Hell is called Limbo. Limbo, it is taught, is better than anything you have experienced in life, but there is no vision of God there. According to this teaching, the best chance un-baptized people have in the afterlife is Limbo.
Lutherans and other Protestants do not believe in Purgatory or Limbo. Quite the opposite! The Bible teaches salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible says after we die there is only Heaven or Hell.
We have taken this side journey to show what one denomination has done to try to resolve the question of the necessity of Baptism and faith and what happens in eternity to those not baptized, according to this view.
In order to get at the question of what Lutherans and other Protestants teach about Baptism, faith, and eternity, it is helpful to consider the question, "Is there someone mentioned in the New Testament who was not baptized and yet clearly went to Heaven?" The answer is "Yes, there is." That person is the thief on the cross who by faith said to Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Today you shall be with me in Paradise."
No one got a ladder, crawled up on the cross, and baptized the believing thief who repented the last minute of his life, yet Jesus clearly told him he would go to Heaven that very day. What do we make of this? How can we reconcile this with John 3:5, Mark 16:16, and other Bible passages that imply the necessity of Baptism for salvation?
One way to view this problem is through the eyes of Hebrew thinking. It may help to compare Hebrew thinking to Greek thinking. The New Testament was written in Greek, but the writers were Jews. Greek thinking is definitive; Hebrew thinking descriptive. Jesus, a Jew, did not define God. Instead, he told parables about God. Greek thinking is built on the noun which is stable. Hebrew thinking is built on the verb, and is therefore action-oriented. If you want to know what God is like, look at what God did. Look at what Jesus did. From the cross Jesus announced the salvation of the thief. What does that tell us about God? In addition, two important distinctions between Greek and Hebrew thinking may help us wrestle with the question of the necessity of Baptism.
1.
In Greek thinking, man (or woman) is in the center of things. In Hebrew thinking, God is at the center.
2.
Greek thinking is speculative; Hebrew thinking practical. Concretely, in Hebrew thinking, God does his job and people are called to do their jobs. Who goes to Heaven is God's business. Only God can decide the answer to that question.
It is not our job to decide who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell. That's God's business, not ours. Our job is to do what Jesus told us to do, namely to preach, teach, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In other words, from our point of view, Baptism is necessary for salvation. Why? Jesus said so. On the other hand, as Lord, Jesus can make exceptions to his own rules, can't he? The thief on the cross is one such exception. Surely there are others, but it is speculation to determine who they are. We are called to the practical business of witnessing for the faith; not determining the outcome of those who have never heard the good news of Jesus or have never been baptized.
Grace was stunned by all this theology. She sat there motionless for the first minute of the coffee break. Her head was spinning. Mary asked her what she was thinking.
"I guess I'm thinking I should get baptized, but I'm afraid to do it."
"Can you tell me why you are afraid," Mary asked.
"I can't go up in front of all those people in church and get into a tank of water," she said. "I'm too embarrassed. I just couldn't do it."
"Grace, in our church we use just a few drops of water."
"I still can't do it in front of all those people. Walking down the aisle and all those eyes focused on me ... No way. People thinking, 'Why wasn't she baptized before now?' Standing there alone. I just couldn't do it."
"People wouldn't think that, but take your time. I'll pray for you."
Pastor Jeff finished the evening session with insights into what can be done if someone is not sure he or she is baptized.
What If You Aren't Sure You Are Baptized?
Some people aren't sure they are baptized. They say, "My parents are dead or don't remember. Other relatives are of no help. What should I do?"
Baptism is commanded by the Lord, so we try to follow that command, but in some cases, people just don't know if they have been baptized. God can save people without Baptism, but we should not expect him to do that since he has clearly told us that Baptism and faith are both necessary. What can be done?
In cases like this, there is something called "conditional Baptism" which can be practiced. In other words, if a person believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but is unsure about whether or not he or she has been baptized, the pastor can baptize that person with the prefacing words, "In case you have not been baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
"I can't come next week," Grace told Mary. "I have to work."
"There will be other classes later," Mary said.
Three weeks after the second class on Baptism, Grace was at a worship service with Mary. When she didn't see Sarah at church, Grace asked Mary about her.
"She's sick, very sick," Mary said. "We don't know what's wrong, but she's sick to her stomach all the time and her skin is turning yellow. She's in the prayers of the church today."
"I'll pray for her too. She is such a good woman."
When people in the Pastor's class went forward to join the church, ten people transferred to Messiah Lutheran from other Lutheran churches. Five joined by what the pastor called "profession of faith." Four children of class members were baptized. In addition, two adults were baptized, one conditionally.
Later in the service, the new members and the rest of the congregation went forward to the front of the church for Holy Communion. Grace sat still as a rock.
"You can come forward and receive a blessing at the Communion rail," Mary said.
"I'm just not ready. I'm not even baptized."
I don't know if I'll ever be ready. It isn't just Baptism in front of all those people. It's also my lifestyle. These people just don't know the way I live. If they did, they wouldn't want me as a church member.
Questions For Personal Consideration
And/Or Group Discussion
1.
Do you know anyone like Grace Livingstone who is fearful of God and church? What are some of the possible reasons for these fears?
2.
Is the distinction between Greek thinking which is speculative and Hebrew thinking which is practical helpful to you in regard to the question of who goes to Heaven?
3.
What do you think about the Roman Catholic division of afterlife into three states: namely, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory?
4.
If Christ is the only way of salvation, what about people who have never heard the offer of salvation in his name? What about people of other religions? For some help with this question, see the Digging Deeper section for this chapter. Also see I Believe; Help My Unbelief (Ron Lavin, CSS Publishing Company, Lima, Ohio, 2001).
5.
How can we encourage people to come to faith in Jesus Christ?
Digging Deeper
1.
The New Testament teaches that Christ is the only way of salvation. For example, in John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Acts 4:10-12 reports Peter saying, "... Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
2.
Saint Paul, the apostle, the greatest missionary of all time, says, "We proclaim him [Jesus], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:28-29).
The word translated "perfect" in English in these verses comes from the Greek word telos which means whole or mature. One possible meaning here is that people who don't have faith in Jesus Christ are not yet whole or complete. That interpretation is supported by an understanding of the word "salvation." Salvation is not just what happens to us after death, but what happens in this life. Literally, salvation means "to be wide," or "spacious" or "to develop without hindrance."19 In other words, in this life by faith in Jesus Christ we are given space, made more complete or whole, and given greater maturity, all in preparation for eternal life where we will be fully who we were created to be.
3.
The Christian gets a foretaste of heavenly wholeness in the here and now. Those who are not baptized and do not have Christ as Lord and Savior do not have this foretaste of eternal perfection. We evangelize to try to help everyone come to this foretaste of wholeness.
4.
Baptism is a sacred act of God for forgiveness, containing an outward element (water) and the word of God ("In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"). The process of salvation is begun in us when God reaches across time and eternity and says, "You are my child. I have chosen you. You belong to me." That miracle of God's adoption into the faith family continues as we make personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, at the time of confirmation and at other times.
5.
We grow in Christ as we are nourished by the preaching of the word of God, receive Holy Communion, experience support from the fellowship of other believers, and use our spiritual gifts in the service of God and other people.
Pastor Jeff Jackson started the Pastor's class by reviewing the previous week's teachings about Baptism.
There were three primary kinds of baptism in the time of Jesus:
• proselyte baptism for Gentiles to become Jews,
• baptism of repentance taught by John the Baptist for Jews to renew their faith and anticipate the coming of the kingdom of God, and
• the sacrament of Baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as instituted by Jesus himself.
Only the third kind is Christian Baptism. The first two were for adults who were called to make good decisions for God. The third was understood as a way in which God established a new covenant with his children, the new Israel, Christians. New Testament Baptism parallels Old Testament circumcision which was generally performed when a child was eight days old.
Infants and adults may receive the gift of grace in the sacrament of Baptism. In the Lutheran Church, the mode used is not prescribed. Jesus did not tell us how much water to use, only that we should use water combined with his word. When asked why we use water, we reply, "Jesus said so."
While any Christian can baptize in an emergency, usually the pastor does it in the church. Baptism is a once-and-forever act of God, so it should not be repeated, but it must be renewed. Luther said we must renew our Baptism daily by repentance. That brings me to the big question: "Do you need to be baptized to be saved?"
Let's start by looking at two important Bible verses. The first is John 3:5. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." We understand that passage to refer to Baptism, the act of God by which he gives us the Holy Spirit. Notice, Jesus' strong emphasis on the necessity of Baptism. Jesus doesn't teach that Baptism is optional. "I tell you the truth," he says. He says this is the way into his kingdom.
In Mark 16:16 Jesus says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved...." In most translations, this passage is footnoted because it may have been added at a later time to the rest of the Gospel of Mark.18 For our purpose here we see that the passage says two things are necessary for salvation: faith and Baptism.
On the other hand, the second half of Mark 16:16 (sometimes called 16:16b) says, "But whoever does not believe will be condemned." In other words, two things are needed for salvation: 1) Baptism and 2) faith, but one thing condemns, namely not believing. While this may seem like an inconsistency at first, on closer examination we discover it is a profound paradox. A paradox is two seemingly opposite ideas, both of which are true, e.g. God is distant and close; Jesus is God and man.
The paradox we see here is on the one hand, we need both Baptism and faith for salvation, and on the other hand, one thing will separate us from God, the lack of faith. Of course, if we have faith in Jesus as Lord, we will do what he says. One of the commands Jesus gives is to be baptized.
Before we look further at the necessity of Baptism and the connection between Baptism and faith, let's examine the Roman Catholic answer to the question, "What happens to un-baptized people (including un-baptized babies) when they die?" Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that you can't get into Heaven without Baptism.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there are three levels in the afterlife: Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. Heaven, it is taught, is where saints go directly upon death. Within this system, saints are defined as exceptional baptized believers who have done more good than evil in life. Some of their good works are "left over" and go into what is called "a treasury of merit." Other baptized believers can draw on this "treasury of merit" to shorten their time in Purgatory. Masses said for the dead are for this purpose.
Purgatory, it is taught, is a place where most baptized believers go. They will eventually go to Heaven, but first they must pay for the sins they have committed on earth. After a year or two or a hundred years of penalty, believers go on to Heaven. Time there can be shortened by people buying indulgences from the church or having masses said for the dead.
Of course, there is nothing in the Bible about Purgatory or a "treasury of merit." As a matter of fact, Martin Luther was so outspoken against this theological system, he protested vociferously against it. From these protests Protestantism got its name.
Un-baptized babies, good philosophers, and moral people who are not baptized, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, go to the top circle of Hell. Hell, it is taught, is a series of concentric circles descending to the headquarters of the Evil One. The top circle of Hell is called Limbo. Limbo, it is taught, is better than anything you have experienced in life, but there is no vision of God there. According to this teaching, the best chance un-baptized people have in the afterlife is Limbo.
Lutherans and other Protestants do not believe in Purgatory or Limbo. Quite the opposite! The Bible teaches salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible says after we die there is only Heaven or Hell.
We have taken this side journey to show what one denomination has done to try to resolve the question of the necessity of Baptism and faith and what happens in eternity to those not baptized, according to this view.
In order to get at the question of what Lutherans and other Protestants teach about Baptism, faith, and eternity, it is helpful to consider the question, "Is there someone mentioned in the New Testament who was not baptized and yet clearly went to Heaven?" The answer is "Yes, there is." That person is the thief on the cross who by faith said to Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Today you shall be with me in Paradise."
No one got a ladder, crawled up on the cross, and baptized the believing thief who repented the last minute of his life, yet Jesus clearly told him he would go to Heaven that very day. What do we make of this? How can we reconcile this with John 3:5, Mark 16:16, and other Bible passages that imply the necessity of Baptism for salvation?
One way to view this problem is through the eyes of Hebrew thinking. It may help to compare Hebrew thinking to Greek thinking. The New Testament was written in Greek, but the writers were Jews. Greek thinking is definitive; Hebrew thinking descriptive. Jesus, a Jew, did not define God. Instead, he told parables about God. Greek thinking is built on the noun which is stable. Hebrew thinking is built on the verb, and is therefore action-oriented. If you want to know what God is like, look at what God did. Look at what Jesus did. From the cross Jesus announced the salvation of the thief. What does that tell us about God? In addition, two important distinctions between Greek and Hebrew thinking may help us wrestle with the question of the necessity of Baptism.
1.
In Greek thinking, man (or woman) is in the center of things. In Hebrew thinking, God is at the center.
2.
Greek thinking is speculative; Hebrew thinking practical. Concretely, in Hebrew thinking, God does his job and people are called to do their jobs. Who goes to Heaven is God's business. Only God can decide the answer to that question.
It is not our job to decide who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell. That's God's business, not ours. Our job is to do what Jesus told us to do, namely to preach, teach, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In other words, from our point of view, Baptism is necessary for salvation. Why? Jesus said so. On the other hand, as Lord, Jesus can make exceptions to his own rules, can't he? The thief on the cross is one such exception. Surely there are others, but it is speculation to determine who they are. We are called to the practical business of witnessing for the faith; not determining the outcome of those who have never heard the good news of Jesus or have never been baptized.
Grace was stunned by all this theology. She sat there motionless for the first minute of the coffee break. Her head was spinning. Mary asked her what she was thinking.
"I guess I'm thinking I should get baptized, but I'm afraid to do it."
"Can you tell me why you are afraid," Mary asked.
"I can't go up in front of all those people in church and get into a tank of water," she said. "I'm too embarrassed. I just couldn't do it."
"Grace, in our church we use just a few drops of water."
"I still can't do it in front of all those people. Walking down the aisle and all those eyes focused on me ... No way. People thinking, 'Why wasn't she baptized before now?' Standing there alone. I just couldn't do it."
"People wouldn't think that, but take your time. I'll pray for you."
Pastor Jeff finished the evening session with insights into what can be done if someone is not sure he or she is baptized.
What If You Aren't Sure You Are Baptized?
Some people aren't sure they are baptized. They say, "My parents are dead or don't remember. Other relatives are of no help. What should I do?"
Baptism is commanded by the Lord, so we try to follow that command, but in some cases, people just don't know if they have been baptized. God can save people without Baptism, but we should not expect him to do that since he has clearly told us that Baptism and faith are both necessary. What can be done?
In cases like this, there is something called "conditional Baptism" which can be practiced. In other words, if a person believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but is unsure about whether or not he or she has been baptized, the pastor can baptize that person with the prefacing words, "In case you have not been baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
"I can't come next week," Grace told Mary. "I have to work."
"There will be other classes later," Mary said.
Three weeks after the second class on Baptism, Grace was at a worship service with Mary. When she didn't see Sarah at church, Grace asked Mary about her.
"She's sick, very sick," Mary said. "We don't know what's wrong, but she's sick to her stomach all the time and her skin is turning yellow. She's in the prayers of the church today."
"I'll pray for her too. She is such a good woman."
When people in the Pastor's class went forward to join the church, ten people transferred to Messiah Lutheran from other Lutheran churches. Five joined by what the pastor called "profession of faith." Four children of class members were baptized. In addition, two adults were baptized, one conditionally.
Later in the service, the new members and the rest of the congregation went forward to the front of the church for Holy Communion. Grace sat still as a rock.
"You can come forward and receive a blessing at the Communion rail," Mary said.
"I'm just not ready. I'm not even baptized."
I don't know if I'll ever be ready. It isn't just Baptism in front of all those people. It's also my lifestyle. These people just don't know the way I live. If they did, they wouldn't want me as a church member.
Questions For Personal Consideration
And/Or Group Discussion
1.
Do you know anyone like Grace Livingstone who is fearful of God and church? What are some of the possible reasons for these fears?
2.
Is the distinction between Greek thinking which is speculative and Hebrew thinking which is practical helpful to you in regard to the question of who goes to Heaven?
3.
What do you think about the Roman Catholic division of afterlife into three states: namely, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory?
4.
If Christ is the only way of salvation, what about people who have never heard the offer of salvation in his name? What about people of other religions? For some help with this question, see the Digging Deeper section for this chapter. Also see I Believe; Help My Unbelief (Ron Lavin, CSS Publishing Company, Lima, Ohio, 2001).
5.
How can we encourage people to come to faith in Jesus Christ?
Digging Deeper
1.
The New Testament teaches that Christ is the only way of salvation. For example, in John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Acts 4:10-12 reports Peter saying, "... Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
2.
Saint Paul, the apostle, the greatest missionary of all time, says, "We proclaim him [Jesus], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:28-29).
The word translated "perfect" in English in these verses comes from the Greek word telos which means whole or mature. One possible meaning here is that people who don't have faith in Jesus Christ are not yet whole or complete. That interpretation is supported by an understanding of the word "salvation." Salvation is not just what happens to us after death, but what happens in this life. Literally, salvation means "to be wide," or "spacious" or "to develop without hindrance."19 In other words, in this life by faith in Jesus Christ we are given space, made more complete or whole, and given greater maturity, all in preparation for eternal life where we will be fully who we were created to be.
3.
The Christian gets a foretaste of heavenly wholeness in the here and now. Those who are not baptized and do not have Christ as Lord and Savior do not have this foretaste of eternal perfection. We evangelize to try to help everyone come to this foretaste of wholeness.
4.
Baptism is a sacred act of God for forgiveness, containing an outward element (water) and the word of God ("In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"). The process of salvation is begun in us when God reaches across time and eternity and says, "You are my child. I have chosen you. You belong to me." That miracle of God's adoption into the faith family continues as we make personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, at the time of confirmation and at other times.
5.
We grow in Christ as we are nourished by the preaching of the word of God, receive Holy Communion, experience support from the fellowship of other believers, and use our spiritual gifts in the service of God and other people.
