Article by: Kenneth J. Ester
Understanding - Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28:19-20 is often quoted to support the belief that one must be baptized by water to be saved. Let's take a look at what it actually says...
Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
If the question was on whether or not we should be baptized, this verse would win it hands down. However, that is not even a question. We all agree that we should be baptized and that Jesus commands us to do it. The question is whether it is necessary to be saved. In this scripture, Jesus never says it is necessary to be saved. Jesus commands us to do many things, but not everything He tells us to do is necessary for salvation. Many things He teaches is for our personal relationship with Him. So we can grow closer to Him. This is one of those things. Jesus never says to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in order to be saved! He just says to baptize them.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
If the question was on whether or not we should be baptized, this verse would win it hands down. However, that is not even a question. We all agree that we should be baptized and that Jesus commands us to do it. The question is whether it is necessary to be saved. In this scripture, Jesus never says it is necessary to be saved. Jesus commands us to do many things, but not everything He tells us to do is necessary for salvation. Many things He teaches is for our personal relationship with Him. So we can grow closer to Him. This is one of those things. Jesus never says to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in order to be saved! He just says to baptize them.
