The question of salvation and who is saved is one deeply rooted in God’s grace and His plan for humanity. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Baptism is an important act of obedience for a believer, symbolizing identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For example, in Acts 2:38, Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This suggests that baptism is closely associated with repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit, but it doesn’t explicitly state that salvation is impossible without it.

The thief on the cross next to Jesus in Luke 23:39-43 was promised paradise without being baptized, indicating that salvation is ultimately a matter of faith in Jesus. Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It is essential to understand that God’s judgment is perfect, based on His infinite love and justice. God knows the hearts of all individuals (1 Samuel 16:7b), and His ways are beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, while baptism is a significant step in a believer’s life, it is God who knows each person’s heart and their relationship with Him. It is through faith in Jesus Christ, by God’s grace, that one is saved, and it is God who judges our hearts and our lives.