Discussions of unity usually ask, “What, in biblical Christianity, is essential and what is not essential?” The answer should not be too simplistic. Recall the case of Hymenaeus. The Lord does not tolerate deliberate false teaching, even on a subject like the coming resurrection (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 3:5-8). He condemns false teachings about morality, food and marriage (Revelation 2:20; 1 Timothy 4:1-5). We might not view such matters “as of first importance” to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2:2). Yet, evidently, when the Holy Spirit has spoken clearly enough on any matter, outright rebellion in that matter has no place within unity’s “one faith.” Responsible Christian leaders are to silence those who teach “what they ought not to teach.” Instead, they are to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 1:11; 2:1).
However, as we discern matters “of first importance,” we certainly should start with salvation. If we fail in the basics of salvation, all else is believed or done in vain (Matthew 7:23). So, what is tied directly to salvation?
Nouns would include God (John 3:16-17), Jesus (Matthew 1:21), the Spirit (Titus 3:5), the Gospel (Romans 1:16), faith (Ephesians 2:8), hope (Romans 8:24), repentance (Luke 24:47) … and, yes, baptism which saves (1 Peter 2:21).
“What is tied directly to salvation?”
Verbs would include fear (Luke 1:50), believe (Acts 16:30-31), repent (Acts 3:19), call (Acts 2:21), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10), confess sins (1 John 1:9), forgive others (Mark 11:25), endure (Mark 13:13), overcome (Revelation 2:7), know (John 17:3), obey (Hebrews 5:9) … and, yes, the passive verb, be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). As all know, passive is the opposite of active. In the New Testament, baptism is never defined as working. Rather, it is receiving another’s action, whether physically (Acts 8:38) or spiritually (Colossians 2:11-12).