He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved
William MacDonald teaches that while salvation is by faith alone, believer's baptism is an essential act of obedience and public identification with Christ.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the biblical teaching on faith and baptism, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith alone while baptism remains an essential act of obedience. He carefully explains the New Testament practice of believer's baptism as a public declaration of faith and commitment to Christ. MacDonald challenges misconceptions about baptismal regeneration and encourages believers to be baptized promptly as a vital step in their spiritual journey.
Text
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mk. 16:16)
If this were the only verse in the Bible on the subject, we might justifiably conclude that salvation is by faith plus baptism. But when there are 150 verses in the New Testament that condition salvation on faith alone, we must conclude that those 150 verses cannot be contradicted by one or two like this one.
However, although baptism is not essential for salvation, it is essential for obedience. God’s will is that all who have trusted His Son as Lord and Savior should publicly identify themselves with Him in the waters of believer’s baptism.
The New Testament does not contemplate any such anomaly as an unbaptized believer. It assumes that when a person is saved, he will be baptized. In the book of Acts, the disciples practiced what we might call “instant baptism.” They didn’t wait for a formal service in a church setting, but baptized immediately on the basis of a person’s profession of faith.
The sequence of belief and baptism is so close that the Bible speaks of them in the same breath— “He that believeth and is baptized…”
In our desire to avoid the unscriptural teaching of baptismal regeneration, we often allow the pendulum to swing too far in the opposite direction. People are apt to go off with the false idea that it doesn’t really matter whether they are baptized. But it does matter.
We hear some saying glibly, “I can go to heaven without being baptized.” I always answer them, “Yes, that is true. You can go to heaven without being baptized, but if you do, you’ll be unbaptized for all eternity.” There will be no opportunity for baptism in heaven. It is one of those acts in which we can obey the Lord now or never.
All who have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should lose no time in being baptized. In this way they publicly identify themselves with Him in His death and resurrection and they publicly commit themselves to walk with Him in newness of life.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Examination of Mark 16:16 on faith and baptism
- Clarification that salvation is by faith alone
- The role of baptism in obedience, not salvation
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II
- The New Testament expectation of believer's baptism
- The practice of immediate baptism in the book of Acts
- The close sequence of belief and baptism
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III
- Warning against the error of baptismal regeneration
- The danger of neglecting baptism as unimportant
- The eternal significance of baptism as an act of obedience
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IV
- Call to immediate baptism following salvation
- Baptism as public identification with Christ's death and resurrection
- Commitment to walk in newness of life
Key Quotes
“If this were the only verse in the Bible on the subject, we might justifiably conclude that salvation is by faith plus baptism.” — William MacDonald
“God’s will is that all who have trusted His Son as Lord and Savior should publicly identify themselves with Him in the waters of believer’s baptism.” — William MacDonald
“You can go to heaven without being baptized, but if you do, you’ll be unbaptized for all eternity.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Respond to salvation by publicly identifying with Christ through believer’s baptism without delay.
- Understand that baptism is an act of obedience that reflects your commitment to walk in newness of life.
- Avoid minimizing baptism’s importance by recognizing its eternal significance as taught in Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
No, salvation is by faith alone, but baptism is essential for obedience and public identification with Christ.
What does Mark 16:16 teach about baptism?
It links belief and baptism closely, emphasizing that both are important, but faith is the basis for salvation.
Can a believer skip baptism and still be saved?
Yes, a believer can be saved without baptism, but baptism is a commanded act of obedience that should not be neglected.
Why is baptism important if it doesn't save?
Baptism publicly identifies the believer with Christ’s death and resurrection and demonstrates commitment to a new life.
When should a believer be baptized?
A believer should be baptized immediately after trusting Christ, following the example of the early church.