Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?

Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that Christ did not send him to baptize. Does this mean that baptism is not necessary for salvation? Karlo Broussard gives the reason why the answer is no and explains what Paul meant.

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About Karlo Broussard:

Karlo holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from Catholic Distance University and the Augustine Institute, and is currently working on his masters in philosophy with Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He also worked for several years in an apprenticeship with nationally known author and theologian Fr. Robert J. Spitzer at the Magis Center of Reason and Faith.

Karlo is one of the most dynamic and gifted Catholic speakers on the circuit today, communicating with precision of thought, a genuine love for God, and an enthusiasm that inspires.

Script:

St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:17, “Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel.” Many evangelicals see this passage as an indication that baptism is not necessary for salvation.

But is this true? The answer’s no and here are some reasons why!

First, Paul doesn't mean, “I don’t have authorization to baptize.” If he did mean that, then he would have acted in disobedience when he baptized Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas, which he tells us about in the preceding verses. Do we want to say that the great Apostle Paul was disobedient to Jesus’ instruction? Of course not!

Furthermore, it doesn’t make sense that Paul would not have a mandate to baptize when Jesus tells all the apostles in Matthew 28:19-20 to go into all the nations and make disciples by baptizing them.

So, what did he mean?

It’s much more likely Paul was using hyperbole in order to stress two important things: 1) the focus of his ministry was to preach the invitation to salvation and not so much the response to the invitation, namely baptism; and 2) it doesn’t matter by whom you’re baptized—whether it’s Cephas, Apollos, or Paul—it’s the same baptism and every Christian belongs to Christ. This is topic of the preceding verses leading up to the verse in question.

So, Paul doesn’t intend for his readers to think baptism is not necessary for salvation in 1 Corinthians 1:17. That’s simply a misunderstanding of the text.

For Catholic Answers, I’m Karlo Broussard. Thanks for watching

Catholic Answers, Dear Sir, Appreciate if you could supply me with some biblical evidence that say baptism is necessary for salvation. Thank you.

[dakotadustin]

We are saved by Faith alone, if by faith we mean doing the will of The Father, and keeping the commandments of Christ (one of which is baptism), and repenting when we fail to do so.
If by faith you mean only belief, you err greatly, and teach other to do so.

[Daniel.Ministry]

If your doctrine is correct concerning the method of salvation - that baptism is not the method of conversion, and that all you need to do is believe to be saved - then those that believe that baptism is necessary for salvation meet the requirements of your doctrine and they are saved! These people are not in jeopardy.

However, if they are correct - and baptism is the method of conversion and necessary for salvation - then all those that have taught and believed otherwise will be eternally lost.

Therefore, those that teach and believe that baptism is necessary for salvation are safe either way, whether their doctrine is true or not.
Yet those that believe baptism is not necessary for salvation are completely dependent upon their interpretation of scripture and doctrine to be true, otherwise they will be damned.
I dont know about you, but I would rather err on the side of caution!

Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:"

Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."


SPEAKING TO THE MAN IN THE VIDEO:
Concerning your understanding of 1 Corinthians 1, you need to have understanding of the complete context to see that Paul actually teaches that baptism is a part of conversion and salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:12-17
12. Some of you say, I am of Paul, another says I am of Apollos, and another says, I am of Cephas (Simon Peter); But I tell you, I am of Christ! (I am a Baptist, I am a Methodist, I am a Lutheran…)
13. I ask, has Christ been divided? It was not Cephas that was crucified for you; It was not in the name of Paul that you were baptized!
14. I give thanks unto God that I did not baptize any of you, except for Crispus and Gaius,
15. so that none might say that they were baptized in my name!
16. I also baptized the house of Stephanus, but I do not remember baptizing any other.
17. Christ did not send me to do baptisms, but to preach the gospel;
Continued...

1 Corinthians 3:4-8
4. For when one says, I am of Apollos, and another says, I am of Paul, is this not evidence of a worldly mindset? (1 Corinthians 1:12-17)
5. Who is Paul? Who is Apollos? Are they not simply servants through whom you have come to trust in God? Did not both give unto you as the Lord allowed?
6. I planted (brought the message), Apollos watered (baptized), but it is God who brought the growth!
7. So the one who planted and the one who watered, they are not what matters, but it is the Lord our God who brought the increase.
8. One planted and one did the watering, and each of us shall receive a reward according to each one’s work.

Can you see that your presumption concerning water baptism is in error? I pray that you can. Context matters.

[davidplatt]

So your saying if I’m getting baptized in a week and God comes back before then, I won’t be in heaven ?

[kenshiloh]

Catholic church: you must be baptized catholic and partake of Catholic communion.
Jesus the Christ: My Father will give the Holy Spirit to whoever asks of Him.
I choose to believe Christ. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

[cccalifornia]

You are WRONG!! A PERSON IS SAVED BY FAITH!! Not by baptism or by works!! You don't understand scripture!!

[zumamusa]

Too many false teaching around the world. They use Acts 2:37-38 to support water baptism for salvation. What if the word, baptized, in Acts 2:37-38 should refer to baptism in the Spirit instead of water baptism, water baptism could never save you.

[subscriberswithoutvideos-qcsj]

This is a Catholic YouTube Channel
This is not Christian

[UnknownUnknown-ovku]

Faith alone saves you. So if any of you in the comments are worried about your salvation always remember that we can’t earn our salvation. Salvation is a free gift. And to receive that gift all you have to do is believe the gospel.
GOD bless you all.❤️

[cjdunaway]

Baptism shows you’ve been saved! It’s not required.