Pastor: How does baptism (immersion in water) fit in with your beliefs

about being saved? Don't you think it's necessary?

     Baptism is necessary as a Christian because Jesus himself went through it and commanded it. Baptism represents your death to the world (and worldly ways) by being submersed in water then your raising up to a new life in Christ Jesus where sin no longer has a hold on you. After Baptism you become a new creation in Christ, which goes right along with your Baptism in the Holy Spirit also.

     But now, if you are asking if one must be Baptized in order to be saved my answer is no. The only thing that saves us and gives us eternal salvation is our belief and faith in Jesus. We are saved by Grace from God through our Faith. Period! Baptism is an obedient act for Jesus but it does not give us salvation.

     Recall the thief on the cross alongside of Jesus? He was not baptized or any other act performed other than his own belief and statement to Jesus that he believed that Jesus was the Son of God. The answer Jesus gave was simple and straight forward, “today you shall be in paradise with me.” So this man was save simply by believing nothing else.

     So to answer your question Baptism is necessary to be obedient to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but is it mandatory to being saved, No.

I hope this answers what you wanted to know

God bless you

In Jesus Always