How Does One Get into Christ?

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Paul writes that God has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). He also declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).

But this raises an important question: How does one get into Christ?

There is considerable disagreement about the place of baptism in salvation. Some regard baptism as an outward expression of salvation already received, while others understand it to be part of the response God requires of those seeking forgiveness.

Rather than begin with what people teach, let us consider what the Scriptures say.

Baptized into Christ

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:3–4

Notice Paul’s language. He describes believers as having been baptized into Christ Jesus and into His death. Through baptism, they were buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.

Paul is addressing Christians who had already obeyed the gospel. His immediate purpose was to remind them that they could not continue living in sin. Their baptism signified a decisive break with their former manner of life.

But in making that argument, Paul also tells us something important about their conversion: they had been baptized into Christ.

Sons of God Through Faith

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. — Galatians 3:26–27

Here, faith and baptism are not presented as competing ideas.

Paul says that these Christians were sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. He then explains that those who were baptized into Christ had put on Christ.

We should not overlook either statement.

Salvation is not earned through human effort. It is made possible through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet the faith described in Scripture is not merely an acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God. It is faith that responds to His word.

The question, then, is not whether faith is necessary. It certainly is. The question is whether we may separate faith from the response God has commanded.

Baptism and the Resurrection of Christ

There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 3:21

Peter is careful to explain that baptism is not simply the washing of the body. Its significance is spiritual, and its saving power rests in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The water itself does not possess some special power to remove sin. Forgiveness comes through Christ.

Nevertheless, Peter plainly connects baptism with salvation. We should be careful not to dismiss what he affirms.

This agrees with the instruction given by Peter on Pentecost, when those convicted of their sins asked what they should do. He answered, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

Jesus likewise commanded His apostles to preach the gospel throughout the world, declaring, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

These passages deserve careful consideration together.

The Question Before Us

If the New Testament speaks of being baptized into Christ, we ought to take that language seriously.

Baptism does not earn salvation. Forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ. Yet the Scriptures consistently connect baptism with the believer’s response to the gospel.

We must not diminish the necessity of faith, nor should we dismiss what the Lord has commanded. Our responsibility is to hear His word and respond in faith and obedience.

A Prayer

Holy Father, we thank You for the salvation made possible through Your Son. Give us honest hearts to receive Your word, the humility to obey it, and the courage to teach it faithfully. May we never place our own understanding above what You have revealed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are studying this question for yourself, you may also want to read What Must One Do to Become a Christian? and Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ. If you are looking for a place to begin with Jesus and salvation, visit Looking for Jesus?.