by Barry Mccormick

Created on: April 27, 2009

Baptism. An essential part of Christian faith. Some denominations practice the Christening of children at a young age, others argue it should only be done after coming to a personal faith in Christ as a sign and proclamation of the change which has happened within an individual.

The question here is not which practice is right. The question is whether it is essential for entry into heaven.

Jesus to Nicodemus clearly states, "Except a man be born again, he can not enter the kingdom of Heaven." This, in the whole of the new testament, is the only factor which is clearly stated as necessary by Jesus to gain entry into heaven.

The message of the Bible as a whole is that we can not get into heaven on our own merit. It is only through the mercy and grace of a loving God, how He has provided a way through the sacrifice of His Son that it is possible for us to gain entry into Heaven. Through faith in Christ and the sacrifice that He has made on our behalf, through our repentance of sin and believing Christ, that is what brings us to salvation which is the only thing necessary for entry into heaven.

Now after that it is commanded in the Bible: "Repent and be baptized" All the time when conversion happens in the Bible it is pretty much immediately preceded by baptism. Although it is clearly practiced in the Bible as an immediate action to show the inner change which has happened, no where in scripture does it say that anyone who does not get baptised is not fit for Heaven.

There are a number of reasons why people do not get baptised immediately. Family faith, respect for parents, not knowing exactly what baptism means. It is important for people to yes realise the importance of baptism as part of their faith but not to feel as though they are any less Christian because they have not taken part in this act. The fact that it is an action is how we can categorically conclude it is not necessary for entry into Heaven "for by grace are ye saved not of works, lest anyone should boast" Ephesians 2:8.

Baptism is an important part of our faith. I would say at some point in our lives as Christians we should consider that as a step for us to take. For some it will be more of a sacrifice than others. However despite it's validity as an important part of our faith it is not essential for us to attain Salvation. Salvation in Christ is only what guarantees a home in heaven, not Salvation with baptism.

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