Do you have to be water baptized to be saved?

The answer is truly NO. Baptism with water is symbolic for a new Christian to represent their new-found faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is an act of commitment to Him. Water cannot save you, only the renewal of your spirit by the Holy Spirit. What good is being baptized with water if your heart or spirit has not been cleansed?

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When the gospel was preached the scriptures show us that baptism was a part of how a person put their faith in Jesus.

There was no such thing as "say a prayer and then one day be baptized" -- it was done all together. All you have to do is read all the examples below straight from the book of Acts which is the history of Christianity the next 30 years after Jesus died and was resurrected.

Baptism does NOT save anyone-- Jesus does. But again, the way you put your faith in Jesus was "believe, confess, be baptized"

It was very straightforward. Just read below and find out for yourself.

Acts 2:36-38 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 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.

... 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized

Acts 8:12,13 when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized.

Acts 8:35-38 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Acts 9:17-19 "Brother Saul, the Lord- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here -has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Acts 16:14,15 The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.

Acts 16:32,33 32 Then they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Acts 18:8 and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.

Acts 22:14-16 14 "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear Words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'