Question: “I have a simple but difficult question. I know Jesus said in John 6:44 that “no man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” So my question is, are we saved before baptism or after baptism?”   

Answer: Salvation is a gift given freely to everyone in Christ Jesus. Many who do not know Jesus by name will be saved. Many who could not be baptized biblically will be saved (like the thief on the cross (see Luke 23:43). Baptism and every other act of obedience to God’s Word is the fruit of salvation (Colossians 1). It is proof that we do believe, but it is not the means of salvation. Salvation is a reality before baptism. It is a fact the moment we take Christ as our personal Savior.