“For by grace are ye saved...”
Ephesians 2.8
Does baptism or christening have anything to do with getting to heaven?
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? Many “Christian” denominations teach that baptism does play at least some part in Salvation. They teach it is important for a baby to be “baptised” or christened for them to go to heaven. This has to do with the false teaching of “Covenant Theology”, which is the doctrine that circumcision in the Old Testament was changed to baptism in the New Testament, that these physical acts, circumcision or baptism, do play some part in Salvation. But,
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
In the Bible, even in the Old Testament, God makes it clear: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags:” (Isaiah 64.6) Our “good deeds” do not count toward being saved. In Psalm 14.3, David says, “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Our “good deeds” really aren’t that good! It is not a physical act, a good deed or any work of man that gives eternal life, be it baptism, communion, confessions, prayers or church attendance! Again, in the Old Testament, speaking of Abraham we read, “he believed in the LORD; and he (the LORD) counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15.6)
It's the same in the New Testament, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness… Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” (Romans 4:3,7) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2.8)
Does Baptism have anything to do with being saved or getting to heaven? No. Was the dying thief ever baptised? No! Yet Jesus said to him, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23.43) And when the jailor asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” “For by grace are ye saved...” and may we be very careful of religions, and even “Christian denominations” that redefine “grace”.