Subject: Saved by belief or belief and baptism? |
Bible Note: "VI. THE CONDITION FOR SALVATION "A. The Condition. Salvation is conditioned solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Nearly 200 times faith, or belief, is stated as the single condition in the N.T. (John 1:12; Acts 16:31). That faith must be placed in Christ as one's substitute for and Saviour from sin. (...) "B. The False Additions to Faith. Through the ages other requirements in addition to faith have been wrongly added." One of these is: (...) "2. Baptism. Baptism is the visible testimony to one's salvation, but not a condition for it. Acts 2:38 should be translated, 'Repent and be baptized on the basis of the remission of sins.' Acts 22:16 teaches that baptism followed the arising, just as forgiveness followed the calling on the name of the Lord. The two parts of the verse should be kept distinct. Mark 16:16 is probably not a genuine part of Mark's Gospel" (p. 1950, Ryrie Study Bible, Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Moody Press, 1978). |