Can Someone go to Heaven Without Being Baptized

Dear Rebecca,

Thank you for writing. You have asked a very good question that many people have wondered about through the years. Before I answer your question though, let me ask you a couple of questions. Will "good people" who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God go to heaven? According to the Bible, they will not. Jesus said, "If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). And what about "good people" who may believe in Jesus, but do not turn away from their sins? Again, Jesus said, "Unless you repent (turn away from sin) you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3,5).

There are many people who help the poor, comfort the sick, and do a lot of "good things" throughout their lives, but who will not go to heaven (according to the Bible). Many atheists are very kind, but are not saved. Some Muslims are very nice people who do many "good works," but since they do not believe Jesus is God's Son, they will be lost (read Acts 4:12).

Likewise, there are many people who believe in Jesus and do many good works, but yet are still lost, because they have never been baptized. Jesus said, "Unless one is born of water (baptized) and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).

When children get older they will one day need to "repent and be baptized ...for the remission of sins" just as Peter instructed non-Christians to do nearly 2,000 years ago (Acts 2:38).

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