There are teachings that say one need to be water baptized in order to receive the gift of God – the salvation of mankind. There are also verses that states that baptism is necessary to receive salvation. For example, Mark 16:16:

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Does this belief negates the doctrine of salvation? That we are saved “by faith ONLY” and not of works?

Hmmm…

I don't think so. "Salvation is found in Christ alone." Baptism is just a public declaration of your unity with Christ

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

This verse is claimed by those who believe that water baptism is necessary for salvation.

However, it ONLY says that .."whoever does not believe will be condemned", and not mentioned baptism at all (this is the argument of those who believe that baptism is not necessary)

Another argument of those who don't believe baptism is necessary, is the thief at Jesus right side... then Jesus said "today you will be with me in paradise".. that is to say that even that the thief did not undergo baptism, for sure he will go to paradise with Jesus, as He declared... but here is a very interesting thing about that......

surely, that thief went to the "grave" or sheol or hades, where Jesus went also for "three days" to preach repentance to the souls in prison (1 pet 3:19), with whom did not receive water baptism in anyway while alive....thus, at Jesus' ressurection, he brought with him these souls from Sheol (incl the theif perhaps).....and this act happens once--- and these souls were caught up in paradise ---Now in our time the question remains..... the argument of the thief who did not receive baptism who went to paradise does no longer support the idea that baptism is not necessary....

However............................. (please continue........ para meron tau discussion.....)

Thanks kuya Nelson... Tama po si kuya Nelson. Baptism (or the act of it) will NOT save a person -- it is only thru JESUS that one can be saved from eternal damnation -- thru faith in HIM!

We should be vigilant... Madaming mga Christian cults na naniniwala on the importance of baptism sa salvation. If a man claims that he is saved thru faith in Jesus Christ, examin his faith... baka may "strings attached" dun... tulad ng water baptism, church membership, or anything.

Baptismal regenerationsist ang tawag sa mga naniniwala that water baptism is important for having eternal life.

Soli Deo gloria!