Does a believer need to be water baptized for salvation?
First of all, the English word “salvation” is from the Greek word #4990 “soter”. Although this Greek word can have a general meaning of “deliverance” or “preservation”, the meaning of salvation we are using is the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted by Yahweh to receive his inheritance (i.e. all of His promises).
For believers of this age, receiving salvation includes being priests and kings with Messiah for 1,000 years on earth (Revelation 20:6), not going to the Lake of Fire at the end of the ages, and being able to enter the gates of New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:14). For believers during the Last Great Day (i.e. after the 1,000 years), salvation also means not going to the Lake of Fire at the end of the ages and being able to enter the gates of New Jerusalem. Therefore, the people who receive salvation, also Scripturally called the Bride of Messiah or First Born, will be those who reside in New Jerusalem with Yahweh and the Lamb for eternity.
Let us begin this study to see if water baptism is part of Yahweh’s salvation plan. We begin this study by looking at Messiah’s teaching on water baptism.
Mark 16:15 And he (Messiah) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the evangel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matthew 28:18 And Yah’shua came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Before YahwehShua ascended into heaven, He clearly instructed His disciples to water baptize those who believe. YahwehShua’s final instruction in Matthew 28:20 was “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”. If we want to obey Messiah’s commandments, then water baptism is essential.
So how is obedience to Messiah tied to salvation? It is clear from the following Scriptures that salvation is granted to those who obey Messiah. Yahweh will only give His Holy Spirit (i.e. the seal of salvation) to those who obey Him and His Son.
Hebrew 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh hath given to them that obey him.
1 Peter 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 Yahweh,) by the resurrection of YahwehShua Messiah:
While Messiah was on earth, he proclaimed to Nicodemus that a man must be born of the water and of the spirit, if he wants to see the Kingdom of Yahweh. Being able to see the Kingdom of Yahweh based on the Scriptures is equivalent to receiving salvation (see Matthew 7:21, 13:37-43, 18:1-5, Acts 14:21-22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Galatians 5:19-21).
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Yah’shua by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from Yahweh: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except Elohim be with him. 3 Yah’shua answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Yahweh. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Yah’shua answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, and Yah’shua was a Jewish Rabbi. Let us look at rabbinic literature of the time to gain insight into what Messiah was trying to tell Nicodemus. Mikveh is a type of water baptism ordained by Yahweh and used by the ancient Israelites for many purposes. In rabbinic literature Mikveh was referred to as the “womb of the world”, and as a convert came out of the water it was considered a new birth separating him from the pagan world. As the convert came out of the water his status was changed and he was referred to as “a little child just born” or “a child of one day” (Yeb. 22a;48b;97b). This is strong evidence that Messiah was talking about water baptism when he said you must be born of the water (and of the Spirit) to enter the kingdom of Yahweh.
The doctrine of Messiah confirms the importance of water (and Spirit) baptisms.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward Yahweh, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
An interesting side note is that the connection between water and the Spirit was from the very beginning.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Elohim moved upon the face of the waters.
Not only did Messiah tell His disciples to water baptize those who believe, Yah’shua was water baptized while He was on earth. This illustrates Messiah’s obedience to the Father and our need to be obedient to the Father and the Son and to follow Messiah’s example.
Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Yah’shua from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Yah’shua answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Yah’shua, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of Yahweh descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (also see Luke 3:21-22)
And we know as followers of Messiah, we are commanded to emulate His conduct while a man on this earth (1 John 2:4-6 and 1 Peter 2:21). Messiah stated “that a servant is not greater than his master” (John 13:14-17). If Messiah was Yahweh in the flesh and was water baptized shouldn’t we be water baptized?
Here is an interesting observation about Messiah’s water baptism. When Yah’shua went straight out of the water, it implies that he was fully immersed in water and was standing in an upright position. If we want to be like Messiah, then being completely immersed in a body of water and being in an upright position is essential to water baptism. Also it is clear that it was after water baptism when Messiah received the Holy Spirit. Selah (i.e. think about it).
Did the need to be water baptized change when Messiah ascended to heaven? Let us look at the book of Acts and what the early assembly did.
How about the day of Pentecost?
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And after the Spirit was poured out, the people who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit asked Peter the following:
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? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission (2) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Soverign our Yahweh shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
The first big event after Messiah ascended to heaven was believers being water baptized. Also notice that water baptism was in the singular name of Yahweh(Shua) and this name is required for the remission of sins as we just read in Acts 2:38. And without the remission of sins, a believer can not stand in the presence of a Holy Mighty One.
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Messiah to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
The Greek word for “remission” is “aphesis”.
(2) 859 aphesis {af’-es-is}
- from 863; TDNT – 1:509,88; n f • AV – remission 9, forgiveness 6, deliverance 1, liberty 1; 17 • 1) release from bondage or imprisonment 2) forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty
By what authority did Peter tell believers to be water baptized in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for remission of sins?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my kahal; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
We see that Messiah gave Peter the keys of the Kingdom. Peter clearly offers these keys of the Kingdom in Acts 2:38, which include: 1) repentance, 2) water baptism, and 3) receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Let us continue on in Acts. Event number two: Philip in Samaria.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Messiah unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things
which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of Yahweh, and the name of YahwehShua Messiah, they were baptized, both men and women.
Again we see that when the Samaritans believed they were immediately water baptized in the name of YahwehShua Messiah.
Event #3: Phillip in Gaza.
Acts 8:26 And the angel of Yahweh spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him YahwehShua. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that YahwehShua Messiah is the Son of Yahweh. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
The underlined Scriptures above show us the confession of faith before water baptism. It is also interesting to note that Philip commanded in verse 38 that the chariot stop so he could water baptize the Eunuch even though the Eunuch already believed. This shows that belief alone with no action was not enough. Again, we see the full immersion of the believer into a pool of water during baptism.
Was Paul water baptized when he was converted on the road to Damascus? Event #4.
Acts 22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The Yahweh of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Sovereign. (Also see Acts 9:17-18)
I underline the above to again emphasize that water baptism in the name of Yahweh(Shua) is essential for washing away sins (i.e. remission of sins).
What if the Holy Spirit is poured out before water baptism? Do we still need to be water baptized? As a side note this could parallel the Last Great Day when the Holy Spirit is poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28). Event #5: The house of Cornelius.
Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that Yahweh is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of Yahweh to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify Yahweh. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Sovereign.
The first underline shows again that through the name of Yahweh(Shua) we receive remission of sins, making the name Yahweh(Shua) critical in water baptism. I also underline the word “commanded”. According to Peter, water baptism was not an option, even though they had already received the Holy Spirit.
You can read Event #6, #7, and #8 in the book of Acts on your own. Again, believers were water baptized.
Event #6-Acts 16:13-15
Event #7-Acts 16:25-33
Event #8-Acts 18:5-8
The importance of water baptism can also be seen with its symbolism in the second High Day of Unleavened Bread. The first High Day of Unleavened Bread represents our initial decision for coming out of sin or repentance, just as Israel departed from Egypt. The next five days of Unleavened Bread represents our struggle to overcome sin (i.e. the wilderness experience). The 7th day, a High Sabbath Day, represents the Israelites crossing of the Red Sea and leaving Egypt (i.e. sin), paralleling believers’ water baptism and commitment to a new life.
1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah.
We have talked about the name of YahwehShua being critical in water baptism. It is not the intent of this article to prove the name of Messiah after His resurrection is Yahweh(Shua). For more information on the name, please read “The Great Riddle” and “The Name of Inheritance” by George Gabler.
But what about being water baptized into the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
Matthew 28:18 And Yah’shua came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
First of all the word “name” is singular not plural. Therefore there can only be one name into which we must be water baptized for salvation. Also notice that the Father and Son are titles, not names. Therefore the name must represent these titles. Just like my name is Chuck Brooks and I am a father and son. One name and two titles. Knowing the correct name to use in water baptism is critical. We see the importance of the name in Acts 4:12.
Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Scriptures are clear about what name we must call on to be saved.
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of Yahweh Shall be saved. (NKJ)
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of Yahweh Shall be saved. (NKJ)
Romans 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of Yahweh shall be saved.” (NKJ)
What about being water baptized into Messiah’s name Yah’shua, which was his flesh-and-blood name? Excerpts from the “Mikveh” article clearly explain why Yah’shua cannot be the name of salvation.
“The focus in Mikveh is not death, but LIFE! So as Messiah was raised in the Father’s name, Yahweh, we are raised in Messiah’s name, YahwehShua…so we are in both the name of The Father and The Son.
Remember, Yah’shua’s blood was poured onto the ground after His death, thus not a part of the resurrection. The name which identifies this sin-offering is His prophetic human name, which is not subject to the resurrection. This harmonizes with Deuteronomy 29:20 as to why His Name is blotted out of the Book of Life.
It was YahwehShua who rose from the dead, not “Yah’shua”. So understand the difference. Messiah was not raised from the dead in His flesh-and-blood name, but in The Father’s name, because Yahweh is the name of LIFE!”
Being water baptized into the name that was blotted out of the book of life cannot impart life. Therefore it would be a water baptism into death without the life that follows.
Paul warns against this practice.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Yahweh(Shua) is the name of LIFE. The following are Old Testament Scriptures showing Yahweh as our Savior!
Isaiah 43:3 For I am Yahweh thy Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith Yahweh, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no Elohim formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am Yahweh; and beside me there is no saviour.
Isaiah 49:26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I Yahweh am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. (Also see Isaiah 60:16)
Hosea 13:4 Yet I am Yahweh thy Elohim from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no mighty one but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
Not only does water baptism in YahwehShua’s name wash away our sins so the Holy Spirit can be placed in us, it also represents our death with Messiah’s death, covered by His blood, so we can be raised up in newness of life, or the type of life that Messiah currently has!
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 Yahweh forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into YahwehShua Messiah were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Messiah was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Messiah, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Messiah being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of Yahweh, who hath raised him from the dead.
Both water and blood are used in the Old and New Testaments as agents of Yahweh’s cleansing. Messiah, who came to cleanse us of all sin, came by water (i.e. water baptism) and blood (i.e. shedding of blood by death on the beam).
1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even YahwehShua Messiah; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Messiah’s blood sacrifice was the sacrifice once and for all to remove all sin! Therefore being baptized into his blood (i.e. death), we are being baptized into the final sacrifice that takes away sin for those that have been sanctified.
Hebrews 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of Yahweh; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the ekklesia, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious ekklesia, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 1:5 And from YahwehShua Messiah, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
What about the notion that all you have to do is mentally believe or have faith in Messiah and you will be saved? The following are Scriptures given to support this view.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Sovereign YahwehShua, and shalt believe in thine heart that Elohim raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
John 3:16 For Yahweh so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Yahweh:
We are told that verses like Romans 10:9, John 3:16, and Ephesians 2:8 prove that belief or mental faith is the only thing necessary for salvation, therefore making water baptism unnecessary.
First of all, faith without works (i.e. obeying Yahweh’s word) is dead. Second, the devil believes and trembles!
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one Elohim; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
If all you have to do is have a mental belief or confession of faith to receive salvation, then you are eliminating a lot of Scriptures that clearly show that we must do more than this.
You cannot take away from the Scriptures.
Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh.
Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Elohim which I command you.
The doctrine that salvation comes through just a one time mental belief or confession of faith demonstrates the inadequacy of the English translation of belief and faith. Therefore to be congruent with the Scriptures, the words “belief” and “faith” encompass more than a one-time mental thought or confession. It is an on-going oath to follow Messiah by being obedient to His Word. That would be all of it, not some of it, including water baptism. We cannot take away from the Scriptures.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Elohim, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
What have we learned?
- Salvation, including the Holy Spirit, is given to those who obey Messiah.
- Messiah instructed his disciples to water baptize those who believe.
- We know that Messiah was water baptized.
- We know that Paul was water baptized.
- We know that we must imitate Messiah and the Apostle Paul by being water baptized.
- We know Peter’s plan of salvation (Acts 2:38) included water baptism.
- We know Peter commanded believers to be water baptized after the House of Cornelius received the Holy Spirit.
- We know that Philip commanded the eunuch to be baptized after he believed.
- We know that the name (singular) in water baptism is essential for remission of sins.
- We know that the Father and Son are not names, but titles.
- We know that Yah’shua cannot be the name, since that name bore all sin and was blotted out of the Book of Life.
- We know that in the Old Testament, Yahweh was the name of salvation.
- We know that there is only one name that we must use in water baptism. It is the name of life…Yahweh(Shua)!.
- We know there must be a confession of faith prior to water baptism. This faith includes that YahwehShua is the Messiah, is the son of Yahweh, and that through baptism in YahwehShua name your sins will be remitted.
- We know that we must be fully immersed in water in an upright manner.
- We know that the Holy Days represent Yahweh’s plan of salvation and that High Day #2 during the Feast of Unleavened Bread represents our water baptism.
- We know that water baptism also represents the death of the believer’s old self, washed by Messiah’s blood, so he can be raised up in His likeness.
- We know the words “belief” and “faith” in the Scriptures encompass more than a one-time mental belief or confession of faith, but must represent an on-going oath to obey Messiah and all His commandments, including water baptism.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah.
HalleluYah
(7/14b)