Bible Question: I hear so much debate about baptism. Is it a work? Is it a requirement for salvation? Are we saved before baptism? On, and on, and on... My question is, with so much that is said about baptism in the bible, the examples of conversion, the answers Peter and Paul give to the questions, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" and "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37, 16:30 respectively) can someone explain to me scripturally whether baptism is necessary or not for salvation? If it is, why? If it is not, why? |
Bible Answer: Teacher, please see Ephesians 2:8-10. The Bible says that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not of works. Thus, the question of whether the command to be baptized constitutes a 'work' is moot, because we are not saved by anything else except God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. I recognize this is not an exhaustive treatment of the subject by any means and thus invite you to Search the archives of the forum for hosts of posts on this issue. --Hank |