Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Is water baptism necessary for salvation? The first Pope (St. Peter) wrote under inspiration the following: Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him.—1 Peter 3:21-22. The Catholic Church has interpreted this as water baptism being ordinarily necessary for salvation. However, there are some extraordinary circumstances to consider. The Church also teaches officially that baptism by blood (martyrdom) is sufficient for salvation [...]