Introduction
Baptism is an important sacrament in the Christian faith, and it is often considered a significant milestone in the journey of faith. However, not everyone gets baptized, either by choice or by circumstance. As such, it is a common question for many Christians to wonder what happens if they never get baptized.
In this blog post, we will explore the topic of what happens if you never get baptized and what the Bible has to say about it. We will delve into the significance of baptism and its relationship to salvation, as well as examine the reasons why someone should get baptized. By the end of this post, we hope to provide a clear understanding of the importance of baptism in the Christian faith and its role in the life of a believer.
Whether you are a new believer or someone who has been a Christian for a long time, understanding the significance of baptism can deepen your faith and help you to live out your commitment to follow Jesus. So, let us dive into this topic and explore what the Bible has to say about the importance of baptism.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a ritual act that involves the submersion of a person in water, symbolizing their identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also an outward expression of an inward faith, as the person being baptized is making a public declaration of their belief in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizo,” which means to dip, immerse or submerge.
The act of baptism is mentioned throughout the New Testament, starting with the baptism of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), who baptized people as a sign of repentance. Jesus himself was also baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), and he commanded his disciples to baptize others in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
The Importance of Baptism
Baptism is a significant event in the life of a Christian, as it marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Jesus, and it is a symbol of dying to the old self and being raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). Baptism also signifies a person’s acceptance of God’s grace and forgiveness, and their adoption into God’s family as a child of God (Galatians 3:26-27).
In addition, baptism is a sacrament, which means it is a visible sign of an invisible grace. It is a physical act that represents a spiritual reality, and it is a means of grace, through which the Holy Spirit works in the life of the person being baptized. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is an important step in the journey of faith, and it is a way for Christians to publicly declare their allegiance to Christ.
What Happens if You Never Get Baptized?
So, what happens if you never get baptized? Does it mean that you are not saved, or that you are less of a Christian? The answer to that question is not straightforward, as the Bible does not give a clear answer. However, we can look at what the Bible says about baptism and salvation to understand the importance of baptism.
First of all, we must remember that salvation is a gift of grace, which means it is not earned or deserved. It is given freely to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Therefore, baptism is not a requirement for salvation. It is a visible sign of an inward faith, but it is not the faith itself. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:21, “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Peter is saying that baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body, but rather the pledge of a good conscience toward God. In other words, baptism is a symbol of the inward transformation that has already taken place in the heart of the believer. It is a way of expressing our faith in Christ and our commitment to follow him. However, if someone has not been baptized, it does not necessarily mean that they are not saved.
In fact, we see examples of people in the Bible who were saved without being baptized. One example is the thief on the cross, who repented and put his faith in Jesus moments before his death. Jesus assured him of his salvation, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). The thief did not have the opportunity to be baptized, yet he was saved by his faith in Jesus.
Another example is Cornelius, a Gentile who received the Holy Spirit before he was baptized (Acts 10:44-48). This shows that the Holy Spirit can work in the life of a believer even before they are baptized.
However, it is important to note that while baptism is not necessary for salvation, it is still a commandment of Jesus. As he said in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, if someone has not been baptized, they are not fulfilling this commandment of Jesus.
Why Get Baptized?
So, if baptism is not necessary for salvation, why should someone get baptized? There are several reasons why baptism is important for a believer.
First of all, as we have already mentioned, baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus. It is a way of proclaiming to the world that we have put our trust in him and that we are committed to following him. It is a testimony to others of the work that God has done in our hearts.
Secondly, baptism is a way of identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus. As Paul writes in Romans 6:3-4, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Baptism is a symbol of our participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, and it signifies our commitment to live a new life in him.
Thirdly, baptism is a means of grace, through which the Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer. As Peter writes in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is a way of receiving God’s grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to live the Christian life.
Finally, baptism is a way of obeying Jesus’ commandment. As we have seen, Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize others in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Therefore, if we love Jesus, we will obey his commandments (John 14:15).
Conclusion
In conclusion, baptism is an important sacrament in the Christian faith, but it is not necessary for salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace that is given freely to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, baptism is still a commandment of Jesus, and it is an important step in the journey of faith.
If you have not been baptized, we encourage you to consider doing so. It is a way of publicly declaring your faith in Jesus, identifying with his death and resurrection, receiving God’s grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and obeying Jesus’ commandment. It is a way of living out your commitment to follow Jesus and a testimony to others of the work that God has done in your heart.
If you have already been baptized, we encourage you to remember the significance of this sacrament and to live out your commitment to follow Jesus. Baptism is not just a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of faith. As Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” May we all live our lives in such a way that reflects our baptism and our commitment to follow Jesus.