Can you be saved and not baptized? Don't confuse physical baptism, with God's grace-saving salvation.

Did Jesus say you have to be baptized, in order to be saved?

As Scripture has revealed to us, both John 3:3 and John 3:5 do not say we have to be baptized to be saved. Neither is this command found anywhere else in Scripture.

Baptism is an important act of obedience and public declaration of faith, but it is not a requirement for salvation. Scripture confirms that salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, and His sacrifice.

Baptism never initiates a person into the Christian faith, nor cleanses them from original sin.

John 3:16 alone, does not say "whosoever believes in baptism, shall be saved." It says whosoever believes in and trusts the person of Jesus to save them, shall be saved. It is HIS "work" on the cross that saves our soul. According to scripture, Baptism does not, cannot, and does not have the power, to save souls. Only the blood of Jesus has the power to raise the dead and obliterate sin.

The thief on the cross disproves the belief that you have to be baptized in order to be saved. But again... if you are able to be baptized, you should be, according to the Word.

Luke 23:42-43 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

There is no power in baptism, but in the One in whom you place your faith or to whom you pray. Baptism is not to replace nor undermine "grace". Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning death on the cross. This faith is a personal and inward commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Salvation does not depend on our performance. Baptism is an outward symbol or public declaration of inward faith. It's a way of identifying with Christ and his death and resurrection. Not a prerequisite for salvation. Salvation is ultimately a gift of God's grace, and that God's mercy extends to those who may not have had the opportunity to be baptized.

Paul strictly emphasized salvation by grace, faith, and Christ alone. Paul taught that physical baptism does not, in itself, save a person's soul. Paul confirms this in Romans:

Romans 3:28: “For we hold that one is justified by faith APART from works of the law.”

Baptism is not the new birth, in any way, shape, or form. Don't confuse physical baptism, with God's grace-saving salvation. Physical baptism, is an outward expression symbolizing dying to one's old life and sinful ways (as one goes under the water) and rising from the old dead self, to a new life in Christ (as one comes up from the water.) That "work" saves no one. It is not "baptism of the Soul". It serves no purpose in saving the soul, nor does it have anything to do with our spirit or soul. It is merely a public confession of faith, showing that one is not ashamed of Christ and has given their heart and life to Christ.

If one could get saved by physically going to get baptized, that would be considered a works-based salvation, which Paul spoke against in Romans 3:28. Don't forget about those who may have been born, but shortly after, passed away because of complications or defections. Babies are not held accountable for their sins. They go straight to heaven with Jesus.

There are even some that received Jesus right before they die, as they realized they were not sure where they might spend eternity, as the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts, and they asked Jesus to save their soul. Those shall definitely go to heaven. They had no time to be baptized.

Have you prepared your soul for eternity? If not, Jesus says to do that now, while you can. Anyone who comes to Jesus, will be embraced by Him.