What Roger said. 

Roger stressed that you personally should delve into the Word.  And he is correct in that.  Put aside what others have told you because they are but men, and only God speaks when it comes to the Bible. 

When I was but a new Christian I did have some similar concerns.  It is clear though that the Bible teaches that there is no act, other than acceptance, that we can do that can cause us to lose or gain our salvation. 

This is what I am talking about. You say, "put aside what others have told you," and then you state, "it is clear though that the Bible teaches...." So you want me to listen to your opinion of what the Bible says. 

It is clear to "you" that the Bible says this, but it is apparently not clear to others who believe the opposite.  I actually am starting to lean in the direction of baptism is necessary if it is possible. It is an act of demonstration to the Lord of your repentence and acceptance. I could be wrong, but for you to say, "it is clear," is a false statement. It is apparently not clear or there would be no confusion between Godly men.

[not]

When doing so keep in mind the very important idea that this pertains to salvation and there is nothing that man can do to provide for his own salvation. No action of our own provides for salvation, only that which God has done and will do within us gives salvation. We see throughout the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, where men have tried to bring various actions of men into the requirements for salvation and each time they have failed miserably.

Even as the scriptures I have given you states, being baptized in the water of this world only washes away the filth of the flesh. It is nothing more than a public statement of your faith in Jesus Christ. It does nothing for the spiritual part of us. Even Paul said that he was not sent to baptize but rather to preach the good news of salvation. That alone tells us that baptism is not a requirement of salvation or he would have put them together as such.

I will say it again, many times when baptism is mentioned in the Bible it is not speaking of "the putting away of the filth of the flesh" it is speaking of the spiritual. Again I will also state to not just read your Bible on this subject but rather to study it with your heart open to God and not to that of men.

You say that nothing we do that can provide for our salvation, and you use this as an indication that baptism is something we do? But isn't repentence and asking Jesus to come into our hearts and be our saviour an act that we do? Isn't Jesus' offer of salvation require an act from us? And why isn't baptism part of that act?

And you continue to quote the verses that sort of indicate what you want to say, but what about the verses in Peter that say eternal life requires belief and baptism. And their are more which I am sure you are aware.

Also, you say listen to God for your answers. How do I know if it is God? How can I discern it is God speaking to me, when there are so many others who believe they have heard God's answer yet those answers differ?

You say baptism isn't necessary, but I am not to listen to you but to God. So if I believe God is telling me baptism is necessary, am I then correct?

Sorry if I seem to doubt, but this has been a big struggle for this new Christian.

There are many, many threads on this subject available on this forum that make for a good study.

Some key statements that are already made in this thread that says it all:

Baptism in the water of this world doesn't determine a persons salvation, period.

While I appreciate the word "period" at the end of your sentence as an indication that you absolutely know this to be true, it doesn't help.  My pastor states that the Bible indicates that baptism is necessary, period, and can give study upon study that show his point of view.  I see both points of view and would like to know how to discern what is truth and what is not.  Prayer helps, but my pastor, whom I am dear friends with, also prays daily and has a differing conclusion than yours.  He also has a Masters in Divinity and has dedicated his life to Jesus and the study of the Bible.  If he can't know the answer, how can a new Christian like myself discern who or what is correct?  Aren't we supposed to listen to the Elders of the Church?   I can come to my own conclusion via prayer and ferverent study, but how do I know my conclusions are from the Lord?.. and not preconceived notions?  I mean, if you believe what you believe, and my pastor and others believe what they believe... and it is so different... how can anybody be certain their ideas are truth?

I am struggling... and here is why.

I am a Christian who believes without a doubt in the resurrection and life of Jesus.  However, I would like to know, not believe, that I am going to heaven to be with my Savior when I die.  I am having difficulty knowing because of the following:

1. Many people I know, who have spent their entire adult lives dedicated to the Lord and the study of His Word, have differing opinions on what it means to be saved. One believes that baptism is necessary and can quote chapter and verse why.  The other believes baptism isn't necessary and can quote chapter and verse why.  Often times these are the same verses and I can see both points of view.  The first person has a Masters in Divinity and is my pastor, and he is baptising my wife and I today at the river with all our friends present.  The other also has a Masters in Divinity and is a chaplain that I work with at Hospice who actually married my wife and I.  I know they both love the Lord and each have gone to Him in prayer over every aspect of their lives. I trust them both.

2. Every Christian belief has it's counterpoint.  One great follower of Christ can believe one thing, and many other great followers of Christ can point out why this is wrong.  Christ instructs us to listen to the Elders of our Church, but how are we supposed to know if what he is teaching is correct?  I can pray to the Lord as much as I like, but aren't they praying to Him as well?  And why is the Lord revealing Himself differently to different people?

3. Many arguments I have heard are that I need to stop listening to others and let the Lord reveal the truth through prayer, meditation, and study.  I know this is true, but I also know that many who do pray and meditate and study, believe different things.  One could say, well that person has preconceived notions on baptism and is not letting the Lord reveal Himself properly.  The other person could say that as well.  How do I know that my notions aren't preconceived and that I am missing the mark?

4. I have always loved and admired the teachings and writings of Billy Graham.  But lately somebody has pointed out that he has some false teachings.  After a few weeks of research, I can see their point, but didn't Billy dedicate his life to Christ?  Why was he led astray (if he was, I don't know)?  And if I can't rely on Billy, my pastor, or my chaplain, on answers I can't understand myself without guidance, who can I look to?  Do I look to you knowledgeable people here?  Pastor Bob said baptism isn't necessary... and can point to studies that indicate he is correct.  But so can the other side of the fence.

I hope this isn't too confusing, but I think my point is clear and I hope somebody can offer a glimmer of what a new Christian is supposed to do.

I would be curious to see some good points on the argument that baptism isn't necessary for salvation vs. that it is.  I am under the inclination that if you seek salvation through Jesus, you have to follow up with submersive baptism whenever possible.  Of course if it isn't possible, God doesn't require the impossible, such as the thief on the cross.  I believe it has to be a conscience decision on your part and not a childhood baptism by your parents.  I base my decision on the fact that Jesus was baptized and that some believers were re-baptized when they realized that they had more in depth knowledge of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament and that the Word says that lest ye believe and be baptized in water you don't find salvation.

Anybody?  This doesn't determine my salvation, because I am baptized anyway, but for those that aren't and to increase my knowledge of the Word, I would like some different opinions.

Thank you for your replys. I beleive that there is God and Jesus(Peace be upon him) is one of his holy prophets. I don't understand how you beleive 3 are 1. It doesn't make sense to me. 1 + 1+ 1 = 1?!?
I do not see God being born out of a human, and being circumsised on the 7th day as it is written in the bible. Jesus (peace be upon him) i love him, but i do not worship him, for he was sent to us to command us to worship the father.
Jesus (PBUH) ate, slept and prayed like us. I beleive in his miracles, but like all messengers of God the miracles are done with the will of God.
No offence was intended. I want all people to worship the one and true God cause i love him

1 yolk + 1 white + 1 shell = 1 egg
1 President + 1 Vice President + 1 Congress + 1 House of Representatives + 1 Supreme Court + etc... = 1 government
1 father + 1 mother + 3 sons = 1 Ketchum family
1 Father + 1 Son + 1 Holy Spirit = 1 God

It is often difficult for human eyes to see or recognize what God did when He came to earth.  We are often looking through a veil and unless you break yourself before God and ask that it be lifted, you won't see the Truth for what it is.  When the Bible speaks of God, it is speaking of 3 seperate entitities.  This is why you see in the Old Testament phrases such as "let us" and "we" when God refers to Himself.  The "Himself" is a misnomer created by us.  I have trained myself to think of God as a They and it works well for me.  When Jesus prayed, He never prayed to God, but instead to the Father, because He realized that the entire Godhead wasn't present in heaven to pray to.  He even taught us to pray this way... "Our Father...";

You often quote phrases of the bible to prove your point, but anybody can do that.  I can take phrases out of the bible and "prove" that God hates everybody.  You need to read in context of what was being said.  If I were a new Christian and read your hand picked quotes, I could easily be swayed to believe what you believe, but how do you explain the other quotes given by Christians here?  How do you explain John 1:1?  How do you explain John 3:16?