"SALVATION AND BAPTISM"
Intro.
A. To some the mere mention of salvation and baptism brings on a
very strong negative reaction.
1. If we are willing to allow the Scriptures to guide, and not
let feelings and emotions rule, we should be able to
determine the truth on the subject of baptism.
2. All should be willing to lay aside the traditions and
doctrines of men. Matt. 15:9. Let us do this regarding
baptism.
a. When we do, we should be able to understand the Lord's
will on this subject.
I. Let's look at the relation of Grace, Faith, and Works.
A. It is important for us to understand the relationship between
grace, faith, and works.
1. Since grace is often misunderstood as being unconditional,
we need to know how faith and works play a part in our
salvation.
B. Eph. 2:8-9. (See chart at the end of this sermon)
1. Notice that grace, faith, and works are mentioned in this
passage.
2. From this it is reasoned that we can do nothing in order to
obtain salvation.
a. If it were not for the opposition to baptism in the
denominational world, there probably would not be too
much of an argument on this verse.
b. The principle of "read the next verse" certainly applies
here. Eph. 2:10
3. We often hear their argument stated like this: (See chart)
Syllogism:
(1) We are not saved by works.
(2) Baptism is a work.
(3) Therefore, baptism has nothing to do with salvation.
4. The problem comes from their misunderstanding of the nature
of faith and works.
a. There are several kinds of works mentioned in the Bible:
(See chart)
(1) The works of the law - Gal. 2:16
(2) The works of the devil (of the flesh) - Gal. 5:19-21
(3) The works of man (here in this context) - Titus 3:5
(4) The works of God - James 1:22-25
C. We are not saved by works of our own righteousness. Titus 3:5
1. "Not by works done in righteousness, which we did
ourselves..." (Titus 3:5 ASV)
2. We cannot establish our own righteousness. Rom. 10:1-3
3. However, we must submit to the works of righteousness which
God ordained.
a. There are works that must be done in order for one to be
righteous. 1 John 3:7
b. Those who fear God and work righteousness are accepted
with Him. Acts 10:34-35
c. Those who obey from the heart the teaching which has been
delivered in the gospel become the servants of
righteousness. Rom. 16:17-18
4. Now we must ask the question: "Is baptism a work of our own
righteousness, or a work of God's righteousness?"
a. When we are baptized for the remission of sins (Acts
2:38), are we establishing our own righteousness; or, are
we submitting to the righteousness of God? (cf. Luke
7:30).
b. Baptism is clearly taught in the Word of God as a work of
God's righteousness. (Notice chart: Baptism in God's
plan and When are we saved by the blood?).
II. Let's look at the relation of Faith, Works, and Baptism.
A. The same ones who deny baptism as essential to salvation teach
that faith is what saves an individual. They mean "faith
alone."
1. Their favorite text of course is: John 3:16
a. We ask, "If all works have nothing to do with salvation,
how can faith be necessary?"
2. John 6:28-29
a. Jesus said that faith is a work. Believing is something
we must do. (See chart: John 3:16 and syllogisms.
b. Now let's make the argument about faith that some make
about baptism:
c. Syllogism:
(1) We are not saved by works.
(2) Faith is a work (John 6:29).
(3) Therefore, faith has nothing to do with salvation.
3. People do not accept this because they realize that faith,
even though a work, is a work of God.
a. Yet, if the syllogism about baptism is correct, then this
one about faith would be correct also.
b. Baptism and faith are exactly the same kind of works; and
the same goes for repentance, confession, and faithful
living.
c. These do not save us because we have somehow earned
salvation.
(1) They save us because we meet the conditions of God,
given by His grace.
(2) Baptism cannot be put in the category of a work of
man.
4. John 3:16 mentions faith, but does not mention repentance.
a. This makes it clear that John 3:16 was not written to
give us the details of saving faith, but other passages
are necessary to supply the rest of the requirements.
b. Other passages, such as Acts 17:30, tell us about
repentance.
c. Just as repentance is not mentioned in many faith
passages, the same is true concerning baptism.
d. The omission of repentance in John 3:16 does not make it
non-essential to salvation and the same is true
concerning baptism.
5. Repentance and baptism are mentioned in many other passages
that indicate the necessity of both for forgiveness of sins
and the hope of heaven. Let us examine the Scriptures.
(See chart: Which Do You Believe?)
a. Mark 16:16
(1) As we look at this passage, please honestly answer:
"Did Jesus place salvation before or after baptism?
(2) Since Jesus placed salvation after baptism in this
passage, who has the authority to change the order of
the words of Christ? (See chart: The Bible
Contrast).
Concl.
A. How about you? Have you been baptized in the right manner, for
the right purpose?
1. Many object to baptism for the remission of sins by saying,
"There's no power in the water."
a. Jesus healed a blind man by anointing his eyes and
saying, "Go wash in the pool of Siloam." (John 9:6-7).
(1) The blind man did not object by saying, "There's no
power in the water."
(2) He knew the power was of the Lord and he had to obey
the Lord to receive the blessing. He promptly obeyed
and received his sight.
b. Likewise, there is not power in the water of baptism (the
power is in the Lord), but one must go to the water as
the Lord commanded to receive the blessing.
2. Some have accused members of the church of the Lord of
emphasizing "re-baptism."
a. We do not emphasize "re-baptism," but "right baptism."
(1) Some who had been baptized with the wrong baptism had
to be rebaptized. Acts 19:4-5
b. There are many baptisms today that are baptisms of men.
We emphasize the one baptism, the baptism of Christ.
Chart #1
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9 KJV)
Syllogism:
1. We are not saved by works.
2. Baptism is a work.
3. Therefore, baptism has nothing to do with salvation.
Chart #2
There are several kinds of works mentioned in the Bible:
1. The works of the law - Gal. 2:16
2. The works of the devil (of the flesh) - Gal. 5:19-21
3. The works of man (here in Eph. 2:8-9) - Titus 3:4-5
4. The works of God - James 1:22-25
Chart #3
Baptism in God's Plan
GRACE FAITH
Matt. 26:28..........Remission of Sins............Acts 2:38
1 John 1:7...............Cleansed..................Eph. 5:26
Heb. 9:14............Conscience purged...........1 Pet. 3:21
Rev. 1:5...................Washed..................Acts 22:16
Acts 20:28...............Purchased...............1 Cor. 12:13
Eph. 1:7..... ......Redemption & Forgiveness.......Acts 2:38
BLOOD BAPTISM
Chart #4
When Are We Saved By The Blood?
We are saved by the blood of Christ, but when are we saved by the
blood?
It is when we have the "obedience of faith" (Rom. 1:5; 16:26: 1 Pet.
1:2).
We are purified by the blood of Christ, but when?
When we obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22).
The blood of Christ remits our sins (Matt. 26:28), but when?
When we obey the command to baptized (Acts 2:38).
The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7), but when?
When there is a washing of water (Eph. 5:26).
The blood of Christ purges our consciences (Heb. 9:14), but when?
When we have our bodies washed with pure water (Heb. 10:22) or when
we are baptized (1 Pet. 3:21).
The blood of Christ washes us from our sins (Rev. 1:5), but when?
When we are baptized, calling on His name (Acts 22:16).
The blood of Christ made us free from sin, but when?
When we obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was
delivered. (Rom. 6:17-18).
Chart #5
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. (John 3:16 KJV)
Syllogism:
1. We are not saved by works.
2. Baptism is a work.
3. Therefore, baptism has nothing to do with salvation.
Syllogism:
1. We are not saved by works.
2. Faith is a work (John 6:29).
3. Therefore, faith has nothing to do with salvation.
Chart #6
Which Do You Believe?
(A) He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized.
(B) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16
(A) Baptism is not for remission of sins.
(B) Baptism is for remission of sins. Acts 2:38
(A) Baptism doth not also now save us.
(B) Baptism doth also now save us. 1 Pet. 3:21
(A) One does not wash away his sins in baptism.
(B) One washes away his sins in baptism. Acts 22:16
(A) God does not operate in baptism in removing sins.
(B) God operates in baptism in removing sins. Col. 2:11-12
(A) One has the new life before baptism.
(B) One is raised from baptism to the new life. Rom. 6:3-4
(A) One puts on Christ before baptized.
(B) One puts on Christ when he is baptized into Christ. Gal. 3:26-27
Chart #7
The Bible Contrast:
Mark 16:16 Bible order: Believe.....Baptism.....Saved
Reverse order: Believe...........Saved.........Baptism
Acts 2:38 Bible order: Repent.....Baptism.......Remission
Reverse order: Repent........Remission.........Baptism
1 Pet. 3:21 Bible order:........Baptism.........Saved
Reverse order:...............Saved.............Baptism
Acts 22:16 Bible order: Arise...Baptism...Wash away sins
Reverse order: Arise.....Wash away sins......Baptism
Col. 2:11-12 Bible order: Dead....Baptism.......Raised
Reverse order: Dead............Raised............Baptism
Rom. 6:3-4 Bible order: Dead......Baptism.......New life
Reverse order: Dead..........New life..........Baptism
Gal. 3:26-27 Bible order: Faith...Baptism...Put on Christ
Reverse order: Faith.......Put on Christ........Baptism
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