Can I make it to heaven without being baptized?

[CobaltAngel]

Okay, this may sound really, really stupid, but its really worrying me...
I'm never benn baptised before... does that mean if I died tomorrow I would be more in danger of going to Hell than otherwise?

[Hitokiri]

Have you asked Jesus in your life, if so you're gaurenteed a ticket to heaven

Bieng baptized is just a public statement of your dedciation to Jesus

[Shao Feng-Li]

oh coby! no where in the bible doe it say you NEED to be baptizd! dont even talk like that. like hitokiri said, its only public statement, i picture of Jesus's blood washed over you.

[Debitt]

"Whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life". There's nothing there that says anything about being baptized. ^^ Baptism is a statement of your faith made before the church, but you don't need it to be saved! Salvation by faith, not by works. ^.~

[CobaltAngel]

Okay... thanks you guys.

[Enthralled]

still, if any questions come into mind after knowing that... hopefully they won't,
go read about the thief that was crucified next to Jesus. All he did was ask for Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom, and Jesus replied "Today you will be with me in paradise." This guy was probably a criminal (who knows what else he did, considering the severity of his punishment) right up to when he was crucified.

So, just keep that in mind as backup.

[martinloyola]

Not to take away from what they said Definitely all true, you should get baptized "...baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Spirit..." a direct command from Jesus to his disciples to baptize

Its not neccessary for salvation, but is a helping grace to overcome origional sin in your daily christian walk, baptism is a public statement of faith, but it is so much more...
It is becoming an adopted child of God, becoming a co-heir of the rewards of heaven with Christ, therefore it is part of being "born again" or being "born from above" into the family of God

all in all, I'd say you need to seriously consider it as a part of growing up in your faith, but do not fear for your salvation as your faith in Jesus is strong "Whosoever believes in me will have eternal life."

[cbwing0]

I agree: you should get baptized, but it is by no means necessary for salvation.

It is becoming an adopted child of God, becoming a co-heir of the rewards of heaven with Christ, therefore it is part of being "born again" or being "born from above" into the family of God

I wouldn't go that far, because you are already all of those things by virtue of your salvation.

Romans 8: 16-17 clearly states that we are children of God independent of baptism: "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we aer children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

[martinloyola]

Well...whate'er the theological reasonings...baptsim is still a good thing, or else Jesus wouldn't have commanded it, thanks for the scripture reference cbwing
I would rather speak my faith and be wrong and learn, than to remain silent and be stagnant in my ignorance

[cbwing0]

I would rather speak my faith and be wrong and learn, than to remain silent and be stagnant in my ignorance

That is admirable. Most people don't handle correction well.

I should clarify that I am not trying to diminish the importance of baptism. I am a Baptist, so as you can imagine I think it is very important.

There are many things that don't affect your salvation that you "should" do. Experiencing baptism is one of them, along with such acts as evangelism, worship, serving others, etc. After all, we are to be like Christ, and he was baptized.

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfull all righteousness.' Then John consented" (Matthew 3:13-15).

[Locke]

yup, take it from cbwing and martin up there !

but ya never feel the same

[The Grammarian]

Okay, this may sound really, really stupid, but its really worrying me...
I'm never benn baptised before... does that mean if I died tomorrow I would be more in danger of going to Hell than otherwise?

It's a somewhat unusual situation to be in that you've never been baptized before, at least in America. Essentially, the two main groups that can say "I've never been baptized before" are antipedobaptists (people against infant baptism) and people raised in a home with parents who were not attending a church that baptizes infants around the time of their birth. I don't know the exact family circumstances that you have, but it might be something about which it would be worth asking your parents.

But back to the main point, as has been stated several times already, no, you won't be in more danger than otherwise. Faith alone saves]IMARC[/URL].

[Mave]

I was just talking about this with my friend today after church.

The thief on the cross was in no ways of getting baptized in his condition and therefore, it wasn't important in his case. However, if you are given the opportunity to be baptized, go for it. If you are ready for a deeper relationship with Jesus, why not? Delaying it may reflect a hesitation to surrender completely to Jesus. Jesus did it and set an example for others. Just make sure you're doing it with the right heart.

[Saint Kevin]

I should get baptized myself. Although I was baptized three times already (due to my extenuating circumstances of my premature birth and the overwhelming belief of doctors that I would not survive long) I realize that these baptisms did not save me. I am saved by grace through faith in Jesus and His atoning death on the cross. Baptism is a picture of His death and resurrection, and is a powerful symbol of a believer sharing in His death and resurrection. Jesus not only was baptized himself, but commanded His disciples to baptize believers. I emphasize the word believers here, because baptism does not save (faith does). Because of this baptism is not for unbelievers, but for believers.

I have never been baptized since I became a believer, and I realize that I am ready for a deeper relationship with Him, and that I must yield to the Holy Spirit because I am convicted in this matter. In that respect, although I have been baptized enough times in my life, I still would like to get baptized as a public statement of my faith.

As a sidenote, I feel that I am very much a weak Christian if I have the both the opportunity and conviction to get baptized and I refuse it when other Christians have not been afraid to get baptized, even if it meant their death. I only wish I had a fraction of the courage and boldness of these martyrs.

[Mithrandir]

Thanks for keeping it "nice" everyone. We've had this issue come up before, and it's nice to see that it can be handled peacefully.

That being said, it looks like the question has been answered, and this is one of those topics that could blossem into something ugly (I'm always suprised what can spark a nasty debate). Anyway, I'm closing the thread, but not because anyone did anything wrong. It's just precautionary.

Thanks for understanding!