I re-read those verses; very good by the way for pointing out the Biblical way to confess one's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. While it is very important for a Believer to be baptized it is not imperative for a Believer to be baptized to be saved.
I am not sure if that is what you wanted to point out when referencing those scriptures or not; but let me go over a few of them for those who feel you need to be immersed or sprinkled in water to be saved.
In Acts 10:43 Peter was preaching to some Gentiles. In verse 44 it says that while he was speaking to them they believed and were filled with the Holy Spirit. It was after that in verses 47 and 48 that he ordered them to be baptized. He ordered it only because there were Jewish Believers there that were shocked that Gentiles were filled with the Holy Spirit. These Gentiles were Believers and followed the commandment to be baptized.
Romans 6:3-4 is a very good verse! Paul is rebuking some Believers who are in sin. He is reminding them of their position in Christ. These may be Believers who Paul himself had baptized. I do not believe that Paul is saying that the baptism saved them only that they had believed and had been baptized. Baptized is only a symbol of being dead to sin and raised to new life; very much like communion bread and wine is a symbol of Christ's body and blood.
Jesus explained it very well in Mark 16; in His last appearance to His disciples He says "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." I believe Jesus mentions baptism is because it was a step of obedience. The second half of the verse ".... but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Jesus did not say he who has not been baptized shall be condemned. How could He? He told the thief on the cross, after the thief rebuked the other thief by saying "...Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." After that the thief turns to Jesus and asks Him to remember him when He comes into His kingdom (The thief believed). Jesus said to him, "....Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Jesus didn't say Oh no I am sorry you haven't been baptized, or I am sorry you have done so many things wrong. He replied that the thief would be in heaven with him.
Baptism as well as communion is important but they are both symbols of our believing and following Christ.
I am not sure if that is what you wanted to point out when referencing those scriptures or not; but let me go over a few of them for those who feel you need to be immersed or sprinkled in water to be saved.
In Acts 10:43 Peter was preaching to some Gentiles. In verse 44 it says that while he was speaking to them they believed and were filled with the Holy Spirit. It was after that in verses 47 and 48 that he ordered them to be baptized. He ordered it only because there were Jewish Believers there that were shocked that Gentiles were filled with the Holy Spirit. These Gentiles were Believers and followed the commandment to be baptized.
Romans 6:3-4 is a very good verse! Paul is rebuking some Believers who are in sin. He is reminding them of their position in Christ. These may be Believers who Paul himself had baptized. I do not believe that Paul is saying that the baptism saved them only that they had believed and had been baptized. Baptized is only a symbol of being dead to sin and raised to new life; very much like communion bread and wine is a symbol of Christ's body and blood.
Jesus explained it very well in Mark 16; in His last appearance to His disciples He says "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." I believe Jesus mentions baptism is because it was a step of obedience. The second half of the verse ".... but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Jesus did not say he who has not been baptized shall be condemned. How could He? He told the thief on the cross, after the thief rebuked the other thief by saying "...Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." After that the thief turns to Jesus and asks Him to remember him when He comes into His kingdom (The thief believed). Jesus said to him, "....Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Jesus didn't say Oh no I am sorry you haven't been baptized, or I am sorry you have done so many things wrong. He replied that the thief would be in heaven with him.
Baptism as well as communion is important but they are both symbols of our believing and following Christ.
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