Salvation & Baptism

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”-Matthew 3:11 NIV version

How do human beings go to Heaven?  They go through the forgiveness of God through His Son Jesus Christ.  In other words, they go to Heaven if they accept Jesus’ great gift of Salvation before they die.  For like any gift, to enjoy all of its benefits, we have to accept it ?

Often, I hear people wondering if they have to be baptized in water in order to go to Heaven, but the truth is the minute we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are born again in the Holy Spirit.  It is that which saves us and brings us to Heaven.

So how important is it to be publicly baptized with water?  It’s really important, but not necessary for Salvation. So if you know someone who is sick, or someone who can not get to a church, do not fear.Each person is saved the moment they accept Jesus as their Savior. 

For those who wonder, being baptized publicly in water is important too.  In the tradition of John the Baptist, It’s one way of letting others know that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and that we have been born again in the Holy Spirit.  And whether one is immersed in water or sprinkled with water does not matter.  It is the dying to ourselves and being born again in the Holy Spirit that counts.

What does matter is our commitment to actively follow Jesus for the rest of our lives.  That matters-a lot. 🙂