How many times in our discussions with friends or co-workers has the subject of baptism come up, and they have responded with, “That’s not necessary; you only have to believe in Jesus.” Denominational followers subscribe to the idea that belief is the only requirement for salvation.
Let’s examine what the Bible says about this matter. The Greek word for believe is “pisteuo”, which suggests a level of trust and commitment. In English, belief can simply mean accepting a statement as true.
There are many instances in Acts where belief is included in the steps of salvation: hearing, believing, repentance, confession, and baptism. Let’s look at a few.
“And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
“So those who received his word were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand” (Acts 2:41).
“And all who BELIEVED were together and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44).
This word, BELIEVED in Acts 2:44, refers to the three thousand who were baptized on the day of Pentecost. They committed themselves to the Lord by following His command.
In Acts 19, Paul is in Ephesus and encounters twelve men who were baptized with John’s baptism. They also believed. “He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’” (Acts 19:2-3).
These are just a few examples; there are many more in the book of Acts. This illustrates how the word BELIEVED functions as a synecdoche, where a part is used to represent the whole. It’s amazing how the Bible can explain itself if we will just take the time to study it with an open heart. If we truly want to know God’s word, He will provide the answers.