Truth about Baptism

The Truth About Baptism

Baptism is a Requirement

–David Sain–

Most religious groups, that teach and believe that Jesus is the Lord and Savior, teach and practice baptism. Consequently, most people in these groups believe that being baptized is something that they ought to do. However, as a careful examination of their denomination-based faith will show, most people do not believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation. Their conclusion is that baptism is important, but not essential to salvation.

The purpose of this writing is to show conclusively that the Bible teaches clearly and unmistakably that baptism is, indeed, a requirement for salvation. Specifically, we shall look at the fundamentals of what the Bible teaches about baptism -- things that we must understand about baptism to effectively discuss and give defense of that which we believe and practice.

Biblical Fundamentals About Baptism

Biblical Baptism Is Immersion In Water.

The person who is Biblically “baptized” is immersed in water, as indicated by the Greek word, baptizo, of which baptism is a transliteration. In teaching the saints in Rome, the apostle Paul taught that what one does in being baptized is in the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In that context, he wrote, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). And, in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, he said that we are “buried with him in baptism” (Col. 2:12).

From these definitive statements that baptism is a burial, we must conclude that the practice of sprinkling or pouring water upon the head of the baptismal candidate is done without Biblical authority or divine approval.

A Biblical example of baptism (i.e., immersion) in water is recorded in Acts 8:35-39. There, it is written that the Ethiopian, after being taught about Jesus, saw water and requested that he be baptized. And Philip, the evangelist, who had taught him, went down into water with him and “baptized him.”

Biblical Baptism Is Action Taken By A Penitent Believer.

According to the Scriptures, the proper candidate for baptism is one who believes the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16), who has repented from his sins (Acts 2:36,38), and who has confessed that he believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:35-39). These truths require that the candidate be mentally capable and mature enough to understand and embrace the Gospel. These truths also require that repentance precede Biblical baptism. Furthermore, like the eunuch of Acts 8, the candidate for baptism must first confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10).

Obviously, these divinely imposed requirements mean that the practice of baptizing babies, like the practice of sprinkling or pouring water upon the head of the baptismal candidate, is without Biblical authority or divine approval.

Biblical Baptism Is Done In The Name Of Jesus.

The apostle Peter proclaimed, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Therefore, the candidate for baptism is instructed to take that action in the name of Jesus Christ, but what does it mean to do something in the name of Jesus?

To do something in the name of Jesus is to do that which he has authorized, in the manner and for the reasons that he has given. And a study of the teaching of Jesus about baptism reveals two very important matters:

(1) He directed that baptism be “into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mat. 28:19). Biblical baptism puts one into a state of union and communion with God, the Father, Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

(2) He taught that baptism is a prerequisite of salvation (Mk. 16:16). Therefore, one is to be baptized because Jesus declared it to be essential to salvation, a matter that shall be discussed in a later point.

Biblical Baptism Puts One Into Christ and the Church.

That baptism is a “requirement” is further understood by recognizing that salvation is in Christ (II Tim. 2:10), and baptism is that act that puts one “into Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27).

Also, when one, by faith in Jesus, is baptized he is saved (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38), and the Bible informs us that the Lord adds the saved to the church (Acts 2:47). So, baptism is also that act that puts one into the church. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…” (I Cor. 12:13), and that “body” is the church (I Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:22-23).

Biblical Baptism Is For The Forgiveness Of Sins.

At this time, the reader is reminded of a point made in the beginning of this writing -- that most people do not believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation. Most religious people believe that baptism is important, but not essential to salvation. They contend that one must be baptized to “obey God,” but they believe that one is saved before one is baptized. In light of these things so commonly believed, this point that Biblical baptism is for the forgiveness of sins cannot be overemphasized.

The Biblical truth is that baptism is not something one does after he is saved. Instead, as the apostle Peter declared, baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). The prepositional phrase “for the remission of sins” in this verse is identical (in the Greek and English) to the words that Jesus used when he said that he shed his blood “for the remission of sins” (Mat. 26:28). The purpose for which Jesus shed his blood and the purpose for which man is to be baptized are one and the same. Jesus shed his blood so that man could obtain the remission of sins, and, likewise, the purpose of baptism is so that man can obtain the remission of sins.

From these scriptures the following conclusion is logically inescapable -- baptism is a command of God that one must obey in order to be saved, and one is not saved until he is baptized for that purpose! And a study of four related scriptures verifies the conclusion:

1. In Acts 22:16, the instruction from Ananias to Saul of Tarsus was, “…be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” No honest reader of this divine record can ignore the connection of baptism to the washing away of sins.

2. Twice in Romans, chapter six, the writing of Paul, the apostle, illustrates the importance of baptism. First, he told the Roman Christians that, when they were raised from the waters of baptism, they were to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-5). Second, later in the chapter, he thanked God that they had “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine,” adding that it was “then,” i.e., when they obeyed that form of doctrine, that they were made “free from sin” (Rom. 6:17-18). When they heard and believed the gospel, and were baptized in the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:3-5), their sins were forgiven.

These two texts clearly show that one is “free” from the guilt of sin and walks in “newness of life” at the moment that one is baptized,

3. In I Peter 3:21, Peter declared that Noah and his family were “saved by water,” referring to the fact that the waters of the flood saved those in the ark from the destruction that came upon those who were outside of the ark. Then he added that baptism, in a true likeness, “doth also now save us,” i.e., the waters of baptism save us from the eternal destruction that is sure to come upon those who are outside of Christ and the church, at the end of time (II Thes. 1:7-9).

4. Another significant scripture that verifies the conclusion that baptism is a command of God that one must obey in order to be saved is Mark 16:15-16. In this text, Jesus decreed that, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Considering the words of this text without any preconceived ideas, let us ask, where did Jesus place being “baptized” — before or after salvation?

It is undeniable that, according to Mark 16:16, Jesus placed being baptized before salvation, which means that being baptized is required in order for the believer to be saved. In order to say that one can be saved without being baptized or before being baptized, one would have to change the words of Jesus. And surely no one would contend that a doctrine is correct when it changes that which Jesus said.

A careful examination of these texts solidifies the conclusion that baptism is essential to salvation!

DOES THIS MEAN THAT WE EARN SALVATION?

When we contend that baptism is essential to salvation, a common objection such teaching is that it means that we earn our salvation. The objection might be worded like this, “Baptism is a work. If we are saved by baptism, then we are saved by works, but the Bible teaches that we are saved by grace, not works!”

Indeed, the Bible teaches that “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Make no mistake about it. We do not, and cannot, earn our salvation. God owes us nothing! Salvation is by grace. However, that does not mean that our salvation is unconditional. Instead, the Scriptures clearly teach that obedience is essential to salvation.

Note three examples of such teaching. (1) Jesus taught that the one who shall enter the kingdom of heaven is the one who does the will of the Father which is in heaven (Mat. 7:21). (2) The author of Hebrews identified the one whom Jesus saves as the one who obeys him (Heb. 5:8-9). (3) The apostle Paul gave the sobering warning that the Lord will take vengeance upon all who do not obey the gospel (II Thes. 1:7-9). However, when we obey the gospel, including our obedience to the command to be baptized, we do not earn our salvation!

The “work” that we do in response to a promise or command of God is a work of righteousness, not a work of merit. The merit is in the Lord who commanded the work, and in whom we place our trust as we obey him! To illustrate, repentance is an act of faith, relying on the Lord to save (Acts 17:30), and confession is an act of faith, relying on the Lord to save (Romans 10:10). Likewise, baptism is an act of faith, relying on the Lord to save (Acts 2:38).

The truth is that the grace of God is appropriated to us when we, by trust in the Lord, do the works that God has commanded!

Helpful Questions Regarding Baptism

Finally, here are four questions that, when answered correctly, according to the Bible, will further equip us to discuss and defend our belief that baptism is required for salvation. Following each answer is a conclusive statement of an undeniable Biblical fact about the role of baptism.

Question: Can one be saved without having his sins forgiven? The correct Biblical answer is “No,” according to Romans 6:23. Well, it is a Biblical fact that baptism is commanded in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). Therefore, we conclude that baptism is a requirement for the forgiveness of sins.

Question: Can one be saved without being in Christ? The correct Biblical answer is, “No,” according to II Timothy 2:10. Well, it is a Biblical fact that it is when one is baptized that he is in Christ (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 6:3). Therefore, we conclude that baptism is a requirement for one to have salvation in Christ.

Question: Can one be saved without being in the church? The correct Biblical answer is, “No,” according to Ephesians 5:23. It is a Biblical fact that it is when one is baptized that one is saved and added to the church (Acts 2:38-47; I Cor. 12:13). Therefore, we conclude that baptism is a requirement for one to be saved and in the church.

Question: Can one be saved without obeying the gospel? The correct Biblical answer is, “No,” according to II Thessalonians 1:7-9. And it is a Biblical fact that being baptized is a command of the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16). Therefore, we conclude that baptism is a requirement for one to be saved by the gospel.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

In a typical lifetime, a man will ask thousands of questions. Some of those questions are of little, if any, lasting consequence. Some of those questions are very important because they regard matters that are life changing. However, the importance of all other questions pales in comparison to the importance of the question that is the title of this article: What must I do to be saved? That is the most important question that any man can ask. It is the paramount question of life, with eternal consequences.

When a man asks this question in sincerity, it indicates something significant about the person. It indicates that one realizes that he is spiritually lost, and that he is need of salvation. So, to ask this question is a sign of wisdom, and indicates sound judgment.

As I write this, I am keenly aware of the great responsibility that I have in dealing with such a serious matter. The correct answer can bring eternal salvation, but the incorrect answer can result in eternal damnation. God forbid that I give a false or misleading answer, and God forbid that I fail to teach the whole counsel of God regarding this matter (Acts 20:27).

Analysis of the Question

Let us begin our study by looking at the question word by word -- giving emphasis to what each word signifies. By doing so, some important lessons will be made clear.

“What”

The very first word in the question is “what.” This word implies that there is something to be done. But, what? What is there to be done?

If you were to try to determine what is to be done by asking man, you might receive the correct answer, but you might receive an answer that is not true. However, you can be sure that you know the truth by letting the Bible provide the answer, because the Bible is God’s Word, and his Word is true (Jn. 17:17; II Tim. 3:16-17).

“Must”

Note that the question is not, “What may I do to be saved?” Neither is the question, “What can I do to be saved?” instead, the question is “What must I do to be saved?”

The word “must” indicates that something is necessary; something is required in order to be saved. In other words, the things which the Bible reveals to be the conditions of salvation are not optional, but essential.

“I”

The question is not “What must my family do for me to be saved?’ And the question is not “What must my girlfriend (or boyfriend) do for me to be saved?” In other words, no one can do it for me. If I am to be saved by the Gospel, I must personally fulfill the conditions that are contained in the Gospel.

Again, the question is not “What must God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit do for me to be saved?” There is no need to be concerned about that. God is so concerned about your salvation that he gave his Son for you (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8). Jesus is so concerned that he gave his life and shed his blood for your salvation (Mat. 26:26-28). And the Holy Spirit came and, through the apostles and the writers of the New Testament, revealed God’s plan of salvation.

No one who understands the Bible would deny that we are saved by the Lord’s love. No one who believes the Bible would deny that the blood of Jesus Christ saves us. No one would deny that without the grace of God we would be helplessly lost, with “a certain fearful looking for of judgment (Heb. 10:27). All of these things enter into our salvation, and I would be wrong if I were to exclude these factors.

All three members of the Godhead have acted in your behalf, making salvation available to you and to all men (Acts 10:34-35). It is now up to you; you must now do your part.

“Do”

There are preachers who will tell you that you do not have to do anything to be saved; they contend that if you have to “do” something in order to be saved you “earn” your salvation. The will tell people to confess to the Lord their sinful condition, and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Well, make no mistake about it. You cannot “earn” your salvation. However, that which one does, by faith, in response to the Lord’s command, is not a work of merit. Instead, it is a work of righteousness.

When one repents from sin and is immersed in water for the remission of sins, as the Lord has commanded, his actions are works of righteousness, believing that the Lord will forgive his sins, as promised (Acts 2:38). The merit for his salvation belongs to the Lord, whose mercy and love makes his salvation possible (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9).

Also, make no mistake about the fact that obedience to the Lord’s commands is essential to salvation. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the author of salvation to all them that obey him (Heb. 5:8-9). And, in the sermon of the mount, Jesus declared,

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Mt. 7:21). God gives us salvation, but not unconditionally. There are conditions to be met in order to obtain salvation. We must believe God in order to receive salvation, but we are not saved the moment we believe the promise of God. We must act upon our faith and do what God commands. Salvation is given to us by God’s grace, when we believe God, and express our faith in obedience to his commands.

In the last book of the Bible, John wrote,

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Rev. 22:14). Indeed, there is something that one must “do” in order to be saved.

“To Be”

Note that the question being considered is not “What must I do to save myself?” Instead, it is “What must I do to be saved?” The question involves a matter that is both active and passive. There is something that I must do, and at the same time I must be saved, if I am ever saved at all.

The Holy Scriptures teach us that salvation is available only through Jesus Christ. He said,

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (Jn. 14:6, emphasis supplied). Furthermore, the apostle Peter also made this truth unmistakably clear.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12, emphasis supplied). To ask “What must I do to be saved?” indicates one realizes that if he is ever saved, it will be only through Jesus Christ, the only Savior.

“Saved”

As stated earlier, the question “What must I do to be saved?” implies that one recognizes that he is lost and in great danger. He is spiritually lost and is danger of everlasting punishment in hell fire. At the judgment, Jesus will say to those who die in their sins,

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41).And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Mat. 25:46). The word “saved” refers to one receiving the forgiveness of sins. When one is guilty of sin, he is under the condemnation of God (Rom. 6:23), but when he is saved, he is no longer under that condemnation.

The Biblical Answer

Having briefly considered each word of the question, let us now turn our attention to what the Bible teaches that one must do in order to be saved.

1. In order to be saved, one must hear the gospel (Rom. 1:16, 10:17). The message of these two texts leads to the inescapable conclusion that in order to be saved by the gospel, one must hear the gospel. Note the hearing of the gospel in the Biblical examples of conversion, either specifically stated or implied, in Acts 2:36-37, 8:35-36, 10:33, and 16:30-33. However, hearing the gospel does not, within itself, save us from sin.

2. In order to be saved, one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 16:30-31). Jesus proclaimed that those who believe the gospel are the ones who shall be saved (Mk. 16:15-16), and the “golden text” of the Bible declares, “…whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).

3. In order to be saved, one must repent from sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30-31). The gospel brings the good news of the goodness of God in our behalf, and his goodness leads us to repent (II Cor. 7:10). However, let it be noted that repentance is far more than being sorry for sin; it is the turning away from sin. Repentance is the changing of one’s will that results in the changing of one’s life (e.g., Mt. 21:28-31).

4. In order to be saved, one must confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10). This confession, that is unto salvation, is not the confession that “God has, for Christ’s sake, forgiven me of my sins,” as is taught and practiced in some denominations. Such a confession is not taught in the scriptures by command or example, and it would be premature to make such a confession before being baptized, because our sins are not forgiven until we are baptized (see point 5). Instead, the confession that one makes unto salvation is the confession that “I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” The conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch provides a beautiful example of this confession (Acts 8:35-39).

5. In order to be saved, one must be baptized (Acts 2:38). In this scripture, Peter commanded two things — repent and be baptized. And they are both modified by the prepositional phrase, “for the remission of sins,” which means that the purpose of repenting and the purpose of being baptized is “for” (i.e., in order to obtain) the remission of sins.

In Matthew 26:28, Jesus said he shed his blood “for the remission of sins,” (meaning, obviously, that he shed his blood so that man could obtain the forgiveness of sins). And Peter used the same words to signify the purpose of baptism. Therefore, we must conclude that until one is baptized for the remission of sins that he does not obtain the remission of sins.

Jesus made the relationship of baptism to salvation crystal clear in Mark 16:16. He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,” which unmistakably establishes baptism as a prerequisite of salvation. Jesus could not have made it any clearer — the one who shall be saved is the one who believes and is baptized!

It should be noted that many religious groups teach and practice baptism in a way that is not according to the Scriptures. I shall cite three examples.

First, some teach and practice baptism as “an outward expression of an inward renewal.” In other words, they believe that one is saved before baptism. However, this is not what the Bible teaches. One is not saved, and then baptized! Instead, the Bible clearly and emphatically teaches that one is saved when he is baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; I Pet. 3:21; et al).

Second, some teach and practice the baptizing of babies. Such a practice is wholly of human origin, having no Scriptural authority, by command or example. Instead, the New Testament teaches that the one who is to be baptized is one who believes (Mk. 16:16), and repents (Acts 2:38). Obviously, a baby does not have the capacity to believe, or the need to repent (Mt. 18:3).

Third, some teach and practice the sprinkling or pouring of water upon a person as a “mode” of baptism. However, sprinkling or pouring water upon someone does not constitute Biblical baptism. Biblical baptism is set forth to be a burial, or immersion, in water (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12). Therefore, sprinkling or pouring water as a form of baptism is of human origin, and not authorized by the Lord.

Conclusion

To summarize, the Biblical answer to “What must I do to be saved?” is: Hear the gospel of Christ, believe the gospel with all your heart, turn away from your sins, and be baptized in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in order to have your sins forgiven. God will save you and add you to the church (Acts 2:36-47).

When you do what the Bible teaches you to do in order to be saved, and live faithfully as a Christian for the remainder of your days on earth, eternal life in heaven awaits you.

Praise God for his marvelous scheme of redemption.

The Plan of Salvation

PDF versionThe Plan of Salvation

David Sain

                        A careful and open-minded study of the New Testament clearly reveal how we are saved.

1.      We are saved by the love of God, whose love for the world is so great that he gave his only begotten Son as a sacrifice for the sins of all men (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:7-8).

2.      We are saved by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8-9). Without this gift from God, we would have no hope of salvation, for there is nothing that we can do that would earn our salvation or obligate God to save us. All the good that we do, and the best we can live, will still leave us in desparate need of his mercy.

3.     We are saved by the blood of Christ (Mat. 26:26-28; Rom. 5:9). Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins (Heb. 9:22), and the blood of the lamb of God was offered for our sins (Heb. 9:28).

4.     We are saved by the gospel (I Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 1:16). The facts of the gospel are the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, but those facts, in and of themselves, do not save us from sin. Through his sacrificial death upon the cross, he became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (I Jn. 2:2), thereby making it possible for us to be reconciled unto God (Col. 1:19-22). 

5.     We are saved by hearing the gospel (Rom. 10:17).  In order to be saved by the gospel, we must hear the gospel. Note the hearing of the gospel in the Biblical examples of conversion, either specifically stated or implied, in Acts 2:36-37, 8:35-36, 10:33, and 16:30-33. However, hearing the gospel does not, within itself, save us from sin.

6.     We are saved by believing that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 16:30-31). Jesus proclaimed that those who believe the gospel are the ones who shall be saved (Mk. 16:15-16), and the “golden text” of the Bible declares that “…whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).

7.     We are saved by repenting from sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30-31). The gospel brings the good news of the goodness of God in our behalf, and his goodness leads us to repent (II Cor. 7:10). However, let it be noted that repentance is far more than being sorry for sin; it is the turning away from sin. Repentance is the changing of one’s will that results in the changing of one’s life (e.g., Mat. 21:28-31).

8.     We are saved by confessing our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10). This confession that is unto salvation is not the confession that “God has, for Christ’s sake, forgiven me of my sins,” as is taught and practiced in some denominations. Such a confession is not taught in the scriptures by command or example, and it would be premature to make such a confession before being baptized, because our sins are not forgiven until we are baptized (see point 9). Instead, the confession that one makes unto salvation is the confession that “I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” The conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch provides a beautiful example of this confession (Acts 8:35-39).

9.     We are saved by being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In this text, Peter commanded two things — repent and be baptized. And they are both modified by the prepositional phrase, “for the remission of sins,” which means that the purpose of repenting and the purpose of being baptized is “for” (i.e., in order to obtain) the remission of sins.

                        In Matthew 26:28, Jesus said he shed his blood “for the remission of sins,” (meaning, obviously, that he shed his blood so that man could obtain the forgiveness of sins). And Peter used the same words to signify the purpose of baptism. Therefore, we must conclude that until one is baptized for the remission of sins that he does not obtain the remission of sins.

                        Jesus made the relationship of baptism to salvation crystal clear in Mark 16:16.  He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,” which unmistakably establishes baptism as a prerequisite of salvation.  Jesus could not have made it any clearer — the one who shall be saved is the one who believes and is baptized!

                        It should be noted that many religious groups teach and practice baptism that is not according to the Scritpures. For example, some teach that one is baptized as “an outward expression of an inward renewal.” In other words, they believe that one is saved before baptism. However, this is not what the Bible teaches. One is not saved and then baptized! Instead, the Bible clearly and emphatically teaches that one is saved when he is baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; I Pet. 3:21; et al).        

                        Another common and popular practice among denominations is that of “baptizing” babies.  Such a practice is wholly of human origin, having no Scriptural authority, by command or example.  Instead, the New Testament teaches that the one being baptized is one who believes (Mk. 16:16), and repents (Acs 2:38), but, a baby does not have the capacity to believe or the need to repent (Mat. 18:3).

                        Also, many denominations teach and practice sprinkling or pouring water upon a person as a “mode” of baptism. However, this practice is not Biblical baptism. Biblical baptism is set forth to be a burial, or immersion, in water (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12), and the sprinkling of water as a form of baptism is of human origin, and not authorized by the Lord.

                        Furthermore, when we are baptized, it is to be into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Mat. 28:19).

Misconceptions About The Plan Of Salvation

                        Regarding salvation, there are some false views commonly believed which need to be noted and clarified:

1.   We are saved by faith alone.  The Bible does not teach that we are saved by faith alone. To the contrary, the Bible declares that we are not saved by faith alone (Jas. 2:24).

                        The faith that saves is the faith that is expressed in obedience to the Will of God (Heb. 5:8-9). James cited Abraham as an example of one who was justified by faith when his faith “wrought with his works” (Jas. 2:21-23).

 2.   We are not saved by works.   Those who say that we are not saved by works usually contend that, if we are saved by works, then we earn, or merit, our salvation.  This conclusion most likely grows out of a misapprehension of the works that are commanded by the Lord. 

                        The works that one does in response to the commands or promises of God are not works of merit. They are, rather, works of righteousness (e.g., Jas. 2:21-23).

                        For example, when one is baptized because God has commanded him to do so and because God has promised to forgive his sins when he does so (Acts 2:38), that act of being baptized is an act of righteousness, in which one relies upon God to keep his promise. And the merit in the action is not with the one who is baptized; the merit is with the one who commanded the baptism and makes it efficacious.

                        To say that we are not saved by works is to deny the plain truth of God’s Word. Consider: The inspired writer of Hebrews said that Jesus is the author of salvation to all them that obey him (Heb. 5:8-9), and Paul wrote that eternal destruction awaits those who do not obey the gospel (II Thes. 1:7-9).  Furthermore, Jesus taught that those who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do the will of the Father (Mat. 7:21), which obviously teaches that obedience is essential to salvation.

A Biblical Illustration

                        When the Israelites crossed the Jordan river into the promised land, the first city they conquered was Jericho, as recorded in Joshua, chapter 6.  Note three things about the capturing of that city:

1.      God gave the city to Israel (Joshua 6:2), but not unconditionally.  There were conditions to be met in order to receive the city. 

2.      Israel believed God (Heb. 11:30), but the city was not their’s the moment they believed the promise of God.

3.      Israel did what God commanded (Heb. 11:30). 

Jericho was given to Israel by God’s grace, when the Israelites believed God, and expressed their faith in obedience to his comands. 

And, likewise:

1.      God gives us salvation, but not unconditionally.  There are conditions to be met in order to obtain salvation.

2.      We must believe God in order to receive salvation, but salvation is not our’s the moment we believe the promise of God.

3.      We must do what God commands.

Salvation is given to us by God’s grace, when we believe God, and express our faith in obedience to his comands.

Conclusion

                        Praise God for his marvelous scheme of redemption.  Because of his incomprehensible love, and through his amazing grace, Jesus died on the cross and shed his atoning blood for our sins! 

                        Those who believe in him, and obey the gospel, are saved and are added to the church of Christ (Acts 2:36-47).  Those who do not believe in him, and do not obey the gospel, shall die in their sins, and shall be punished with everlasting destruction (II Thes. 1:8-9).