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“Really?” he asks. “So you believe that baptism is necessary for salvation?”

“Yes,” you answer, “the book of Acts is very clear. For example, Peter said to the crowd at the temple on Pentecost, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…1’”

“One thing I should point out,” he begins, “is that the word ‘for’ in that verse can also be translated ‘because of.’ Not only that, but in Peter’s very next sermon he doesn’t even mention baptism; he says to the crowd ‘Repent and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped away.2’ And in yet another one of Peter’s sermons, he says, ‘All the prophets bear witness about Jesus that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.3’ In fact, right after he says this, the Holy Spirit falls on those listening, proving that they have just been saved – before they are baptized.

“Here’s something else to think about:” he continues, “Paul says to the Co-rinthians, ‘Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel.4’ See how he makes a distinction between baptism and the gospel, showing that baptism isn’t part of the gospel? Besides, if it was part of the gospel, then wouldn’t it be blasphemous for Paul to refrain from performing this crucial ceremony?

“Now, wouldn’t you agree that Catholics are wrong in mistaking the

bread and wine of Communion for the literal body and blood of Jesus?”

“Of course;” you reply, “those are just meant to be symbols.”

“It’s the same with baptism; it’s a picture of Jesus washing away our sins, not the real event. I must say, I’m concerned for you for trusting in a work for your salvation on top of Jesus’ death on the cross. Perhaps you don’t know the true gospel.” Go to page 22.

1 – Acts 2:38 , 2 – Acts 3:19, 3 – Acts 10:43, 4 – 1 Cor 1:17