I had a great conversation this week with a friend and brother in Christ about the role of baptism in salvation. My history and understanding say that salvation (forgiveness of sin) is offered at the point of baptism. His understanding is that baptism follows an internal salvific event. What was great about the conversation is that it was steeped in Scripture and a discussion about various events found therein.

First, the question of the thief on the cross. Was he saved without baptism? Was he bound to the Old Covenant since the blood of the New Covenant was being shed at that very moment? Does God have the right/authority to make exceptions to his own rules (concerning baptism)?

Second, the sermon at Pentecost delivered by the apostle Peter in Acts 2. It would seem that everyone who responded to the gospel was baptized and, as Peter said, “for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Was the Holy Spirit a separate event from baptism? Was baptism required for the Holy Spirit? Is the Holy Spirit an integral part of forgiveness?