Can You Go To Heaven If You Are Not Baptized?

It really makes no difference what man tells you.  Fifty different people will give you fifty different opinions. Opinions are like armpits---everybody has a couple (and some stink).  What matters is what does the BIBLE say.  Let's look at a few scriptures, then YOU tell ME what YOU think.

Some people say that baptism is just an outward sign of an inward grace, that it is only symbollic, and not necessary for salvation.  Let's look at a few scriptures:

In I Peter chapter three, Peter was talking about Noah's flood, and how eight souls were saved by water---those who were in the ark were lifted above the destruction.  Now, I Peter 3:21 says "the like figure where unto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience before God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."  Uh...WHAT does baptism do for us, according to this scripture?

Acts 2 records the sermon Peter preached on the day of Pentecost.  Here's what he said in Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."   Now, first we repent, then what do we do to have our sins remitted (forgiven--taken away) according to this verse?  Man's opinion doesn't count...what does your BIBLE say?

Mark 16:16 records Jesus as saying "he that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned".  He that believes and DOES WHAT?

Acts 22:16 records a man named Ananias telling Paul to be baptized and "wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord."  What's baptism do for you?

Galatians 3:27 records Pauls saying that "as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ".   How did people get into Christ?  WHO has "put on Christ"?

Paul also said in Romans 6:4 and in Galatians 2:12 that we're buried with Christ through baptism so that we can be risen with Christ to walk in newness of life--look these verses up and read them both.

I could go on--there's more---but I think you can clearly see the answer to your question from these scriptures.  Baptism was by immersion (burial), it was done in the name of Jesus, and it was for the remission of sins in the scriptures---and NOT ONE convert in the New Testament church was ever left unbaptized from every account we read after Jesus was risen from the dead and ascended into Heaven.

People often bring up "what about people who never had a chance to get baptized".  Let's leave the "hard cases" in the hands of a merciful God who truly knows who had a chance and who did not---the important question is this...WE DO have an opportunity---what will we do with it, and how will we give an account to God if we don't take his commandments seriously, including this one?

You'll get different answers from different people.  As a Reformed Presbyterian, I will tell you that you can, since a physical baptism is just an outward symbol of a change that takes place in the heart.  The inward baptism is baptism by the Holy Spirit, when you accept that facet of God's essence into your heart, soul, and mind.  However, if you refused to be baptized, you might be asked to provide an explanation.

Oh, boy, I'm going to get ripped a new one here...

Baptism does not save a person.   Only Jesus can do that.  The person must sincerely accept Jesus into their heart, as their Saviour, asking His forgiveness for all sin.  And then a person will get baptized to publicly show the change made in their life.  But if no Baptism happens, the person is still saved.  Remember the thief on the cross, he did not get baptized yet Jesus said He'd see him in paradise that very day.  Baptism is a symbol of salvation, but is not the salvation itself.

Yes you can. It shows obedience to God to get baptized but it is not a requirement to enter the house of the Lord.

This is Jesus speaking scripture, not his apostles and he clearly states in John 3:3
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He also said, "go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. Baptism was necessary in order for Jesus to come into his full power. If you noticed he went to John and got baptized immediately and the heavens opened up. After that he continued to heal, rebuke, cast out, etc. That was a requirement by God. Baptism is necessary. Babies are dedicated and the Lord recognizes that. Baptism requires us to be fully immersed under water because it signifies many things: Our own death of the old self and coming out of the water our new man, our public declaration of our love for Jesus and acceptance into his family, THE REMISSION OF SINS, our cleansing by the blood and Gods almighty protection. So we shouldn't tell someone no its not necessary because it is. Its a simple and beautiful process. Just like theres a process before marriage - courtship, fiance, etc., God is specific with how he does things. Even the heathens, the publicans, and chief priests, John said to them "you vipers, who warned you of the wrath to come...make an offering (I guess) worthy of repentance and John baptized them. Anyone who came to hear the word of Jesus was baptized as soon as they found water. Remember they were in the desert so Jesus had to walk for days and teach along the way and the bible states that wherever there was water, he baptized. So if Christ was baptized, then you'd better believe it is an important step into getting into heaven. The final call belongs to Jesus but he said accept me AND be baptized. People that are going to die can also receive baptism. Baptism signifies our life through water, our mothers womb and again through baptism. Its important. Get it done. All who have accepted Christ and those who know about Christ but havent done it yet, please go get baptized in Jesus name...AMEN.

Yes...Baptist is something you do as an acknowledgement that you have  a changed spirit and want to follow God.  The thief who hung on the cross beside Jesus was never baptized, but Jesus told him that he would be with him in Paradise.  Baptism is something most people do as a ceremony after becoming born again.  God has all of the wisdom of the Godhead bodily in his judgement. He judges with grace and mercy. He wouldn't keep you out of heaven because of not being baptized, but if you have the opportunity, you should. We are saved by the grace of God, not of any thing we DO. 

Okay. My understanding and belief about baptism is fairly simple. It is merely an outward or public confession of my FAITH that Christ's work on the cross is sufficient for my salvation. Anyone who believes that baptism is necessary for salvation suggests that His work on the cross was NOT sufficient. The thief on one of the other crosses believed on Christ that very day. What was Jesus' response? "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:39-43). The mans' faith was all that was needed. Jesus' death ALONE paid for our sins (Romans 5:8; 2 Cor 5:21). Jesus' payment for our sins is given to us based on faith ALONE (John 3:16; Acts 16:13; Eph 2:8-9). The so-called "contradictions" (Mark 2:38; Acts 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21; John 3:5; Acts 22:16) exist due to some taking those verses out of context or misinterpreting them because they don't research grammatical applications during the time they were written. We are saved by faith ALONE, NOT by ANYTHING we could ever do externally. Yes, baptism is an important aspect of our belief system and should be taken seriously. If I have been saved by my faith, then I am more than excited to express it outwardly by being baptized. But if I was that thief on the cross next to Jesus and He told me what He told him about being in Paradise with Him THAT VERY DAY (no time to get down and get baptized) how would that be a lie? Did He lie to the thief? I think not. There is not ONE thing any of us can do to EARN our salvation - even baptism. If there was, then my Saviour went through a horrible period of torture and humiliation on that cross for nothing. For those interested in a detailed explanation of the verses - in context - I've mentioned please visit: Gotquestions.org/baptism-salvation.html. If you don't want to take my word for it then please go check out the site.

Yes, Of course you can! It doesn't matter if you are baptised or not. As long as you believe that God is the Almighty and that Jesus was his one and only son, you will go to heaven. When you accept them into your heart that is the true baptism. They want to see you in heaven! (This is my belief and I am prespetiryan, so it may be different from other peoples)

We are all children of God. Whether baptized or not, I don't believe that if we are not baptized then we can't go to heaven. It is how we behave by our actions that count on earth. Our good deeds. People want to scare others by saying that you will not go to heaven if you are not baptized. Honestly, isn't that about scaring the people.

Hey, as a christian I believe babtism isn't something you shouldn't think of. But you should accept jesus christ as your lord & savior, if you want to be forgiven from your sins. My past wasn't a "walk in the park" and now that ive grown spiritually, I do want to get babtized again. I was baptized when I was 3 in a catholic church, and I never went back because my parents aren't really spiritual people. I actually found christ through my boyfriends family & its the best choice I've made. Talk to people, learn more...accept him & then get baptized, it doesn't have to be rushed. Pray for it & it'll come when time is right . . :] god bless*

Baptism is important. Jesus was our example by being baptized when he walked here on earth. It is symbol of our death to the old way of life but we must receive the baptism of the holy ghost in order to complete it

I'm not yet baptised though I want to be- However, what if I was hit by a bus before I got the ceremony done, even though I believe in Jesus and God with every fibre of my soul would I still go to Hell just because I'm not baptised? God loves us all and the Bible says, 'for God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life' (John ch3 v 16), so I don't see how the gospels could say that then just turn Christians away because they haven't had water sprinkled on their forehead! I want to get baptised but I don't feel I am ready yet, and it worries me to feel this big hole in my heart where I wonder whether I should get baptised now in case I die or something. Christians shouldn't turn others away, or be self-righteous!

Heaven is a state of mind. Being baptized is a cardinal ordinance. When the messiah walked
the earth plane he fulfilled all of those cardinal ordinances. Besides, when a woman is
pregnant, the baby is already immersed in water so, you were already baptized by the creator's
hands while you were in your mother's womb.

I agree that Baptism is a public declaration of your commitment to Christ. But baptism does not bring you salvation. Believing that Jesus Christ is the son of God who died on the cross and took your sins away ONCE AND FOR ALL is what saves you. Jesus said I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.He didn't say ' Those who believe me and get baptised will be saved'.

Baptism is important. Get baptised if you can. But don't let anybody push you into doing it. Whether you are baptised or not doesn't decide whether you believe Jesus is your Lord and saviour.

It just takes you believing Christ is your Lord and saviour to get you saved. Baptism is not included in the 'requirements to be saved'.

My religion (Christainity) says that getting baptized is only showing that you are in this religion but yes you can still go to Heaven but I'm not completely sure!

In the Catholic Church it is believed that Baptism is necessary if you have heard the word of God and have the possibility of receiving the sacrament.  If you have the opportunity to receive Baptism but refuse it, then it would be as though you refuse God.

For those who are killed for their faith in God but haven't had the opportunity to be Baptism would have the desire to be baptism and are considered by the gory term 'Baptism of Blood'.

There is also 'Baptism by desire'. It refers to those who haven't heard about Christ but if they had then they would have chosen to follow him, and desired Baptism. This group could include all those who lived before Christ became man, yet lived their lives as they believed God would want them to, seeking truth and goodness, without knowledge of Christ.

'Baptism by desire' would also include those who were preparing to receive Baptism but died before they could.

It is generally considered that Babies who die before Baptism will go to heaven as they are innocent, they have had no opportunity to sin.

This question highlights the problem with religion nicely. If this going to heaven concept were real, where do all the poor souls go that were never exposed to Christianity in the first place? Where did all those go before Christ was born? If life begins at conception, where does the soul of a still born baby go? Since I don't think there are rational answers to these, religion fails man/woman kind. I guess the comment about the armpits was right on.

God only knows - but I believe his mercy is great and his judgement  is made according to how we judge  others ie you will be judged by your own measuring stick -we are saved by gods grace and mercy.    Baptism is a means by which we receive this grace - it is symbolic to show
outwardly that we wish to be reborn in christ.     I may be wrong to some -  but that is my interpretation.     Mary

In Christianity, I believe the sinner ask for salvation from the Christian Messiah, Jesus and then they are saved. Babtism is different and varies from church to church (from what I have heard) and it is kind of like the "icing of the cake" to consecrate a "christian"

To the point from my research many could come to the conclusion you can go to Heaven (if there is such a place) if you are saved but not babtized.

Yes unless you accept Jesus Christ as your personal saviour 1 cor 10:9-10

Yes being Baptized is just a way of showing that you are a believer but you should because Jesus did and said that you should too

Yes the bible says we should you will get diffrents anwers from others but jesus even got baptized so realy yes you have to

Honestly you can't tell. I am not baptized myself and really wish to be. If you deny baptism when it is offered that is bascially denying God into your life. I highly believe in God. Even though I don't go to church every Sunday, havent been baptized, and know little about the Bible I do know that the thief next to God when he was on the cross was told by God that God would see him in Paradise that very day. Now I know you will get many different answers and none will be the same but that theif was never baptized. So I do believe yes you can still go to Heaven a.k.a Paradise with Lord even if you are not baptized!

Yes

Yes you can go to heaven

Why is this such an issue? Why would you take a chance? Just get baptized!! It takes seconds. Dry off and move on with your life and live for Christ.

The belief in someone as a bad person because he/she isn't baptized or doesn't believe in God is the same type of attitude the radical Muslims like those in Al Qaida have for all of us. Are we going to hell because we don't believe as they do? No. Nor will they go to hell because they don't believe as we do. The bible also says "judge not". None of us is perfect...none of us knows the real truth. And none of us knows that heart of another person.

I believe we are judged by how we treat others and how accepting we are of those who are different. Is it right to dislike or hate another person or other people if they disagree with what we think or believe or how we live? No. All hate is wrong.

Remember the bible was physically written by human beings and human beings make mistakes. Who's to say that some scribes along the way didn't think a certain phrase couldn't possibly be correct so he changed it? That could have happened hundreds of times. We just don't know.

"Love ye one another as I have loved you". I think that's really good advice.

No. There are people that are baptized and do vicious things. Just because you r baptized doesn't mean that you will go to heaven. It all depends on how you live your life. If you r a corrupted person, then yes, you will fry in hell, but if you are a divine person with good morals and try to do the right thing as much as possible, then you would go to heaven. Baptized is just to clear away sins and christianize you. But I have seen christians that were very hypocritical and dirty. So I know they'll go to hell. Don't worry about that too much. Just pray everyday and ask for forgiveness, do the right thing, stay close to god and you'll be blessed. It's recommended that you get baptized, not mandatory.

All very good comments. But there is one thing missing. In order to be saved from judgement there is one fundamental thing that has to be present in a person's life. That is faith in Jesus Christ as the promised messiah or savior. Then you must make him lord of your life, by serving him alone. The idea of baptism is that every person that believes in Christ is present with him in his death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism is representative of that death, burial, and resurrection. When we are baptised it is a way for us to experience that reality that has already taken place when we believe.

Nope...get baptized.

There are so many verses and its quite a bit not clear BUT I know FOR sure if you are saved THRU believing in Jesus Christ and yes you are SAVED and again I just read the verses..  John 3:3.. (its already clear enough to answer your question.. You wont go into heaven IF you arent SAVED.. Mean what? Not believing in Jesus Christ.. )  Again read john 3:7.. Jesus said there are TWO things... I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God wo being born of water and the spirit....  So my question is.. Does that mean I have to do 2 things in order to go heaven? ONE IS to BELIEVE in Jesus Christ and 2.. Baptize... A lot of friends of mine saying... One guy on the cross who were dying along with Jesus Christ, He said "don't foget me!" Jesus said I wont forget you... Supposed he went heaven with him.. Some of them debate that..It was because Jesus understood his situation. He simply cannot get off the cross and baptize before he died.. And some of them said that it was because Jesus didnt DIE this time period... So AFTER Jesus Christ DIED... We are required to do 2 things in order to go heaven....   BOY that was quite confusing. I have asked few pastors all over and they answer many diferent with their own perspectives. What did I do? I just do them both! :)