Faith Alone in Ephesians 2:8?

by Terry Wane Benton

Question:

Many claim that Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches salvation by faith alone and that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Please respond.

Answer:

First, the word "alone" is not in Ephesians 2:8 but it is in James 2:14-24 and there it clearly says, "Not by faith alone." So, we must not allow the insertion of words where it forces a contradiction.

Secondly, baptism is affirmed in Ephesians 5:26, where "washing of water by the word" refers to baptism. Now, take a look at the combined prepositions. By grace, through faith, … with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26). Ephesians 2:8 does not say or imply that it is through faith alone and “without” the washing of water by the word. Put all the prepositions together: by, through, and with. It is with the washing of water by the word, not by grace through faith...without the washing of water by the word.

Acts 2:36-41 put all three together for us to clearly see. These 3000 were saved by grace through faith with the washing of water by the word. There is no escaping the truth in that example of people being saved. See the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:33f). Again, it was by grace, through faith, with the washing of water by the word. The Ephesians are seen correcting their faith and being baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 19:6). Thus, again, it was by grace, through faith, with the washing of water by the word.

"Not of works" means not by works of merit or perfect law-keeping. That would mean we earned our own way, and that cancels it being by grace. Baptism is an act of faith in Jesus, not a work of law. Through faith with the washing of water, we are forgiven by grace.

There is no grace alone or faith alone ever mentioned anywhere.