This question has brought on long, drawn out debates. There is no doubt whatsoever that Jesus does command that we are baptized by fire and by water to enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5). Though most Christians acknowledge this, the question is, whether or not baptism in addition to reception of Jesus Christ in one’s heart and confession of the mouth, is what saves us.
Some denominations baptize babies with the belief, as good parents, they are allowing for the Holy Spirit to touch their child’s life since their baby or child is too young to request the baptism themselves. Though skeptics argue that baptisms in the Bible were done by choice and upon acceptance of Jesus; that babies aren’t old enough to make the choice of whether to choose Christ or not. Personally, I’m not convinced there is any harm in infant baptism, though I don’t believe it to be mandatory for the child’s salvation.
Most Christian denominations that I’ve heard of believe in an age of accountability. That until a child is capable of knowing right from wrong; their sin won’t be counted against them unto eternal death. I agree with this belief because of what John 9:41 states, “…If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” Since young children may be too young to understand the consequences of sin—or to even know what exactly sin is, I believe they are blind and therefore, covered by grace.
So now, looking at adults, what about those who have believed, and received Jesus as their Lord and Savior confessing Him but have not yet been baptized? I firmly hold on to the scripture that states in Romans 10:9-11, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” As you can see, the mention of baptism is not in here. I don’t believe that it was left out because it is not commanded. I believe to reject baptism is a sin as it’s commanded and ought to be done. However, if it is not completed because you were not aware that it needed to be, or because you were not in a position to physically make it to the baptismal, I don’t believe you will forfeit your salvation. I believe God is merciful and sees the heart’s true intention.
As we look in the Gospel of Luke chapter 23:39-43 we learn there were two criminals being crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemed Christ telling Him if He was indeed the Christ, to go save Himself. The other criminal rebuked that one and acknowledged Jesus as God and He was unjustly being put to death. In verse 42, he says to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus replies, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” As you can see here, as baptism was happening during these times, Christ accepted this man to be with Him in heaven based on His heart, with no baptism.
This is an area where I continue to seek the Lord on. I was baptized in 1997 with my husband as I felt called to by the Lord.
Scripture reference is quoted from the NKJV.