Baptism, the Result of Saving Faith

Over the past two millenniums, the process of baptism has changed significantly in practice as well as in doctrinal understanding. Many modern churches have been challenged to return to a biblical understanding and biblical practice of baptism. In order to fully define the biblical intent  of baptism, we must first address the the major doctrinal fallacy.

BAPTISM IS NOT

Baptism is not the means for salvation. “…by grace you have been saved through faith…not as a result of works ” (Ephesians 2.8,9) Why? “so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2.9). Baptism is a work of man, not God. If we believe that we are saved through baptism, then man is saved of his own fruition and not by the grace of God, which is clearly unbiblical.

Baptism is not a requirement of salvation. Many will claim that grace is still provided, but that baptism is the sacrament which is performed in order to secure salvation. This argument is not as easily refuted, but is unbiblical nonetheless. According to 1 Corinthians 4.5, man will be judged according to the motives of the heart. What does the motive of the heart have to do with performance of sacraments? Nothing, except that the sacraments would be performed out of obedience as a result of grace.

BAPTISM IS

Baptism is done out of obedience. The disciples were commanded by Jesus Christ to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28.19). When we believe and have faith which provides salvation because of God’s grace, we then make a public profession of our faith by getting baptized.

Baptism is the result of saving faith. James said, “I will show you my faith by what I do” (James 2.18). He says that faith and actions work together. Even demons believe in God, so simple belief is not faith. Faith produces works. Baptism is a work and therefore is a result of saving grace. In previous arguments, one would simply have belief, but would not have faith until they are baptized, but it is clearly not the case; there is no work that we can do which provides salvation.

CONCLUSION

To recap; baptism is the result of faith. Without baptism and/or other works, there is no fruit which characterizes faith. The man who does not work and is not baptized may not have faith, but simply belief, which does not save a man. Baptism does not save; faith does and faith produces works such as baptism.