Baptism, Grace, and Works

by Andy Belknap

There are many people today who believe that baptism (immersion) is not essential to being saved. I truly believe this is one of Satan's grandest lies that he has successfully spread throughout the ages. What greater way is there to snatch souls away from God than to sow deceit and confusion around such an important topic? It would be foolish for him not to.

So, why is it that many believe that baptism is not essential to our salvation? I believe most would argue this conviction by referencing Ephesians 2:8-10, which says:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

From these verses, they claim: "Baptism must not be essential for salvation because baptism is a work, and works do not save us. We are saved by grace." I full-heartedly agree with the second half of that statement. We are most definitely saved by grace and not by works. The first half of that statement, however, is inaccurate. The term "works" used in Ephesians 2:8-10 is not about baptism. From the context, the term "works" here refers to good deeds. I wholeheartedly agree that we will not be saved by doing so many good deeds that we earn or achieve a saved status, which could allow us to boast. Baptism, however, is not a work that allows us to "earn" our salvation. We do an action that is a response to the grace God offers to those who obey Him.

Let's think about it this way:

• When Israel crossed the Red Sea to escape from the Egyptians, were they saved by the "work" of crossing the Red Sea, or were they saved because of God's grace on them? (cf. Exodus 14)
• When the Israelite army marched around Jericho 7 times as God instructed, did Jericho fall because of the "works" of the army or because of God's grace? (cf. Joshua 6)
• When Naaman was tasked with washing in the Jordan River 7 times, was he cleansed of his disease because of his "work" of washing in the Jordan or because of God's grace on him? (cf. II Kings 5)

I believe that in all three of these Biblical events, these individuals were saved/delivered/healed due to God's grace. However, would the Israelite nation have survived had they not chosen to cross the Red Sea? Would Jericho have fallen had the Israelite army not marched around as God instructed? Would Naaman have been healed without dipping in the Jordan seven times?

The resounding answer to all three of these questions is "No!" Yet, when each performed their respective actions, none of them could boast that they "earned" this grace from God because of their great work. They simply did what God or His messengers instructed them to do, and they received the gift of God’s grace because of it.

Ironically (or perhaps it is by God's design), being baptized is not something you can even do by yourself. Someone else has to be the one to immerse you. It is no great feat or action that gives you any right to boast about. You are simply being dunked under water by someone else. God and His Son are truly doing (and have done) all of the work.

Don't just hastily believe whatever church that you worship with is teaching. Don't just believe whatever your preacher or pastor says. Don't even believe what I say.

God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Dig deep into the Scriptures for yourself. Read in Acts about the accounts of those being saved and see how baptism was viewed as being extremely important, even needing to be done in the middle of a chariot ride (Acts 8:26-39) and in the middle of the night (Acts 16:25-34)! Read passages such as Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21, which make it clear that baptism is essential for salvation and that our sins are forgiven only after we are baptized.

God is not the author of confusion. The Truth is in the Word.