Subject: Raven and John Reformed, Baptism? |
Bible Note: Greetings Cyclist! Thanks for the response and the positive attitude! :-) Yes, I think baptism is an example of showing our faith by our works. However, this isn't really what those who believe in the necessity of baptism are saying. There are two ways of expressing the relationship between baptism and salvation. 1) Faith leads to salvation which produces works. This what Eph. 2:8-10 says. This is how I view baptism. Faith alone leads to salvation. Then, once we are saved, we will begin to do the works to which God has called us - including baptism. Notice the distinction here though. It is salvation which produces the works, not the works which produce salvation. 2) Faith plus baptism leads to salvation. This is what I understand those who believe in baptismal regeneration to be saying. If you aren't baptized, then you aren't saved. Here, works is part of what leads to salvation. This is clearly taught against in Scripture. So, yes, I would include baptism in the works of faith mentioned by James. I would also include many other things. However, these works spring from the completed work of salvation, they do not lead to salvation. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |