These are Answers to questions we have received.

ON BAPTISM

QUESTION: I recently learned that the Church of Christ believes that baptism is a necessary step for salvation. I was wondering what scripture this belief is based on?

ANSWER:
Good to hear from you!
First, let me say that I appreciate your question. It is an important one. Second, its always refreshing to encounter someone who is interested in resolving their questions by appealing to the Bible, as the final voice of authority, in matters of both faith and doctrine (2nd Timothy 3:16-17).

To begin, I am going to recommend that you read the following scriptures, keeping in mind their immediate context, as well as the larger landscape of Biblical teaching on the subject of salvation.
After you have concluded reviewing the suggested material, e-mail or call me and we'll continue our discussion if necessary.
In your reading, pay careful attention to the urgency connected to baptism as well as the mode and stated purpose in each case listed.

(All of the answers are either explicitly stated or strongly implied in the texts listed below) Please answer all questions in chronological order.

Read: Acts 2:36-47
What were the people on the day of Pentecost instructed to do to be saved?
What were they baptized FOR?
Is it necessary to have your sins remitted to be saved?
When they were baptized what did they receive?
What were they added to on the day of their baptism?

Acts 8:12-13
When the men and women in Acts chapter eight heard Phillip preaching Christ and the things pertaining to the kingdom, what did their faith move them to do?

Acts 8:31-39
Once the eunuch heard the gospel and believed it, how did he respond?

Acts 16:31 ff.
What was the FIRST thing the Philippian Jailor was instructed to do when he asked, "What must I do to be saved?
Is there either explicit or implicit evidence in the text that the Jailor and his family were told to do anything in addition to believing?

Acts 9:6, 22:10-16
When Paul came to the realization that He had been unintentionally working against God's Messiah, he asked the Lord, "What will you have me do?"
When Paul arrived in the city of Damascus, what did Ananias instruct Paul to do to be absolved of his crimes against God?

Acts 18:8
When Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue, including the members of his immediate family and many unnamed Corinthians, heard the Gospel and believed, what did their faith move them to do?

Addendum
Romans 1:16, 2nd Timothy 1:10
What is the power of God unto salvation?

2nd Thessalonians 1:7-10
During the second Advent upon what two classes of people will God take vengeance?
Must we obey the Gospel to be saved from the destructive effects of sin?

1st Corinthians 15:1-4
What is the Gospel?

Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12
How do we obey the Gospel?

From the material presented above, how would you answer the following question?"
Is baptism an essential PART of the process of coming to God?

In Closing
While I do not believe that H2O in it of itself is capable of saving anyone, it is obvious from a reading of scripture that immersion (Acts 8:31-39) is the GOD CHOSEN medium through which people do participate in the historical death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, without which no one will be saved. I hope this adequately addresses the question you raised. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
May the Lord Continue to Bless You Richly!
Brotherly,
David J Price