Thank you for the question on baptism and salvation, “If baptism is necessary for salvation, why do theologians say that a person can be saved on their deathbed?”
Within the Christian faith, there is divergent view on salvation. There are those who believe that one is saved apart from any good works while other views that salvation and good works are required for salvation. I want to be respectful to those who hold to a different understanding on the bases of salvation.
As one thinks about whether good works or even baptism is needed for salvation, one reads the account of the repentant thief on the cross. Jesus said to him that today he will be with him in Paradise (Luke 23:40–43).
Baptism is not required for salvation, but a public declaration of one’s belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9–10 and Eph. 2:8–9 declare that salvation is found in believing in the name of Jesus.
The Christians who believed that baptism is required for salvation cite Acts 2:38. The passage says this, “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages). The emphasis is repent and be baptized in order to have the forgiveness of sins.
As one thinks of the message of John the Baptist that those who believed his message were baptized. The baptism is a sign of identification with that person’s message. It is becoming a follower of that person. Thus in a similar way, the Jews who believed Peter’s message about Jesus were baptized in becoming Jesus’ followers.
SUMMARY: Water baptism is one outward, public confession that one inwardly believes that Jesus Christ died for one’s sins and rose again. That person is stating that s/he is now a follower of Jesus Christ.
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