The following is from a big book called "Systematic Theology", by Wayne Grudem, which is a book I recommend to be on anyones' bookshelf if they want to seriously study Christian theology. I agree with what this book has to say on the subject, and if you agree or disagree I would love if you would leave a comment explaining why.
"While we recognize that Jesus commanded baptism (Matt. 28:19), as did the apostles (Acts 2:38), we should not say that baptism is necessary for salvation."..."To say that baptism or any other action is necessary for salvation is to say that we are not justified by faith alone, but by faith plus a certain "work," the work of baptism. The apostle Paul would have opposed the idea that baptism is necessary for salvation just as strongly as he opposed the similar idea that circumcision was necessary for salvation (see Gal. 5:1-12)
Those who argue that baptism is necessary for salvation often point to Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." But the very evident answer to this is simply to say that the verse says nothing about those who believe and are not baptized. The verse is simply talking about general cases without making a pedantic qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes and is not baptized. But certainly the verse should not be pressed into service and mad to speak of something it is not talking about.
More to the point is Jesus' statement to the dying thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). The thief could not be baptized before he died on the cross, but he was certainly saved that day. Moreover, the force of this point cannot be evaded by arguing that the thief was saved under the old covenant (under which baptism was not necessary to salvation), because the new covenant took effect at the death of Jesus (see Heb. 9:17), and Jesus died beforeeither of the two thieves who were crucified with him (see John 19:32-33).
Another reason why baptism is not necessary for salvation is that our justification from sins takes place at the point of saving faith, not at the point of water baptism, which usually occurs later. But if a person is already justified and has sins forgiven eternally at the point of saving faith, then baptism is not necessary for forgiveness of sins, or for the bestowal of new spiritual life.
Baptism, then, is not necessary for salvation. But it is necessary if we are to be obedient to Christ, for he commanded baptism for all who believe in him."
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7 comments:
Jason, When the apostle Peter said ("Repent and be baptized, every one of you , in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.( N.I.V. 1983) When Peter said " so that your sins may be forgiven" did he mean their sins had already been forgiven? In Christ Steve
I have added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit my blog and become a follower also.
Acts 2:38, "Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.‘"
This verse is often used to say that baptism is part of salvation, but we know from other scriptures that it is not, lest there be a contradiction. What is going on here is simply that repentance and forgiveness of sins are connected. In the Greek, "repent" is in the plural and so is "your" of "your sins." They are meant to be understood as being related to each other. It is like saying, "All of you repent, each of you get baptized, and all of you will receive forgiveness." Repentance is a mark of salvation because it is granted by God (2 Tim. 2:25) and is given to believers only. In this context, only the regenerated, repentant person is to be baptized. Baptism is the manifestation of the repentance, that gift from God, that is the sign of the circumcised heart. That is why it says, "repent and be baptized."
Also, please notice that there is no mention of faith in Acts 2:38. If this verse is a description of what is necessary for salvation, then why is faith not mentioned? Simply saying it is implied isn't good enough. Peter is not teaching a formula for salvation, but for covenant obedience, which is why the next verse says that the promise is for their children as well.
Jason M,
I happened upon your blog via Steve Finnell's blog (I found his blog because he had left a comment on my blog). You are right on in your beliefs on salvation and baptism (as much as I have read thus far). Also, you are very good at articulating your thoughts and words. Thanks for writing.
Blessings,
Jamie
Jamie, thanks for reading. I was invited by Steve to read his blog, and it became clear that me and him got some very different theological views, which I normally don't let bother me. But when it comes to issues of salvation and the gospel, it always bothers me, because a persons' eternal salvation is at stake.
Have fun reading.
Jason--I like your blog...much better than the Steve Finnell blog...I think he was trying to be legalistic with me as well. I have a question for you, why can't the actions of Acts 2:38 all go together(Faith, Repentance, Baptism)? Remember, Peter is speaking to Jews, they had some sort of understanding of faith in God! Just not in what Jesus Christ the Messiah had truly done for them. I am not trying to start a controversy but just asking what you think about that.
I like your argument about saving faith, that is awesome! But faith must also have its deeds as well. We must exhibit our faith by what we do! (obedience, trust, humility...) Let me know what you think...by the way can I follow your blog?
Paul, faith repentance and baptism really do all go together. It is faith that comes first and is what is essential. Why confess and repent of our sins to God when we have no faith in Him? People in the Old Testament like Abraham had faith in God, and because of that faith, they obeyed God. Making things like baptism, a work of faith. Works of faith is what James was talking about when he said that "faith without works is dead". In a sense it boils down to why are we doing good works. Is it so that we can get saved, or is it because we have a saving faith and love for God?
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