Earning Salvation?

by Doy Moyer

Many believe that the reason we can’t “do anything” is that doing something implies we think we are earning salvation. This is one of the arguments against baptism: baptism is a work, and we aren’t saved by works but by grace; therefore, baptism can’t be required for salvation. This is a misunderstanding of grace and obedience.

Have we such a low view of God’s grace that we think a simple act of faith like baptism (or obedience to any command) is enough to overturn grace so that we can boast and say we’ve earned salvation? The gift is so much greater that it is incredulous to think that our obedience in any way matches the magnitude of God’s grace. Our obedience earns us nothing, but that doesn’t make it any less necessary. “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10).