Subject: Is baptism a work? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! In the verses from Colossians, the phrase 'buried with Him in baptism' makes it pretty obvious that Paul is speaking of water baptism. Trust, my friend, that anyone really reading any contribution I have made to this thread should be able to tell that I am not adding water baptism as a requirement for salvation. Quite the contrary, I have always been a champion of salvation by grace through faith. But I do believe that obedience to all the commandments in the New Testament pleases our Lord, and it is for this obedience that we hear the words, "Well done!" from God. (Matthew 25:21) We do not hear "Well done" for being saved by grace through faith. As to your personal experience, I can hardly stand judge. God will do that. Brother, I add no 'requirements' to salvation. But sanctification doesn't 'just happen.' We are called to "work out our salvation in fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), and pleasing God takes some effort. We should not become so afraid of the word 'works' that we forget to 'serve' God. In Christ Jesus, charis |