Faith, Baptism and salvation
I'm not baptized yet. I seek Baptism. I want to be baptized and receive Communion, but due to Covid and other circumstances, I can't just jump up and get baptized. So here's my conundrum: I believe in the One whom the Father sent into the world. I believe that Jesus is Lord, that He died for my sin, and that God raised him up from the dead– the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I again say that I have faith in God's Son, his grace, his mercy, and I try to keep his commandments because of my faith. Despite my faith, I am unbaptized. Am I in error to say to others or myself, “I am saved”? I'm not asking if I will be saved if I die before Baptism. I'm asking if right now, at this very moment, am I saved? Forgive my repetition. I believe the Gospel and want to be baptized. Jesus is Lord, the eternal Son of God. I confess my sins in prayer and try to proclaim Christ crucified when able. Am I saved or unsaved?
The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ saves and unbelief condemns (Mark 16:16). Baptism is necessary in the sense that Jesus instructs us to administer it. Baptism is not absolutely necessary in that the Holy Spirit can create saving faith through the word of God alone. Your words tell me that is your situation.
When I read your words, I think of Romans 10:9-10 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Your words describe a person who confesses saving faith in Jesus Christ.
I do not know what other circumstances besides Covid concerns might be delaying your Baptism, but I would encourage you to contact one of our pastors. He will be able to minister to you in a safe manner. Baptism will give you a second guarantee—in addition to the Word of God alone—of God’s forgiveness of all your sins. God’s blessings to you.