Is Baptism Required?

I've questioned in the past whether or not you "have" to be baptized in order to go to heaven. I thought that surely if one is saved, then baptism should not affect the destination of your soul.

First off let me just say... no. I belive you "do not" have to be baptized to go to heaven in death or rapture. My reasoning?

First of in simple terms... as Christians, we all know that there is only one way into heaven and that one way is through Jesus Christ, not through baptism. To deny this is to deny scripture.

John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

As humans and sinners, none of us are worthy enough to even be in the presence of God or heaven. Therefore, we have to know that special someone to get us in... and that someone is Jesus.

Back to my topic.

Baptism ceremonies existed before even Jesus did. Jewish culture used this ceremony as a way of publicly expressing that they are proud to serve God. That they strive to live a faithful life to Him. Baptism is simply a public announcement stating that you have changed your life and are metaphorically "washing" yourself clean from your sinful ways.

When one goes to church and the preacher or speaker asks if anyone would like to give their life to the Lord and accept Jesus into their hearts (in other words... get saved), when someone is ready to accept Jesus, the preacher does not schedule a baptism before guiding them to salvation. No. At that very moment... if you're sincere and you confess with your tounge that you are a sinner and believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of God and died for your sins... then your salvation has been placed on your soul in that instance. A place was instantly created in heaven on your behalf.

In my opinion (which I consider fact in this case), baptism is very important as it expresses that you are proud to be a Christian and have changed your life to honor God, however, it does not earn or decline you a ticket into heaven.

Is baptism required? No (but its still reccommended).

Any thoughts?