Is Baptism a Work?

by Vicky Buckwalter

It is not uncommon to hear some insist that baptism is not a work. Yet I fear that, in responding to criticism from denominational voices who accuse the Lord’s church of legalism, we have grown hesitant to admit that baptism is indeed a work—specifically, a work authorized by God.

Some have reasoned that because another person performs the physical act of immersing the believer in water, baptism cannot be something one “does” for oneself, and therefore cannot be called a work. But is that reasoning consistent with Scripture?

Called to Good Works

As followers of Christ, we should not shrink back from accusations of emphasizing “works.” The New Testament clearly teaches that Christians are called to good works.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV).

The “works” Paul condemns in this passage are those performed in an attempt to earn salvation or merit Christ’s sacrifice. Salvation is the gift of God, granted by grace through faith—not by human effort or personal merit. However, Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that God created us for good works.
God’s grace becomes effectual in the life of the believer when it is accompanied by faithful obedience.

We observe this principle in Galatians. Paul warns that some had fallen from grace because they abandoned obedience to the gospel (the new covenant) and sought justification through the old law.

"You have become estranged from Christ, you who [attempt to] be justified by law; you have fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4 NKJV).

The Command to Be Baptized

When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he gave a clear command:

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38 NKJV).

Notice that Peter speaks to the one about to be baptized, not the one performing the baptism. The baptizer is not the one repenting, which itself is a work of obedience. The baptizer is not the one having sins remitted or receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those blessings belong to the one who obeys the command to “be baptized.”

Thus, baptism is not a humanly devised ritual or an attempt to earn salvation—it is a divinely commanded act of obedience, a work of faith.

Works of Faith, Not Works of Merit

James makes this point clear:

"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" (James 2:24 NKJV).

We have been saved by grace “through faith”—faith that does not act is lifeless. Just as repentance and confession are works of faith that lead to salvation, so is baptism.

Conclusion

Without faith, a sinner has no access to God’s grace. Baptism is a work of faith. In humble obedience, the penitent soul submits to it, trusting that God both can and will bring salvation.