Throughout the history of the church, some have taught that baptism is necessary for salvation, a doctrine commonly known as baptismal regeneration. This teaching asserts that the act of water baptism itself cleanses a person from sin and imparts new life. But does Scripture support this claim? Or does it reveal a deeper truth about salvation—one that is entirely dependent on the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ?
Salvation by Grace, Not by Ritual
Paul states with absolute clarity: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, BSB). If salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, how can baptism—a work performed by human hands—be the means by which one is born again? To believe that water baptism itself regenerates a sinner is to confuse the outward sign with the inward reality.
What Does Baptism Actually Accomplish?
Baptism is a command of Christ, a beautiful symbol of our union with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. Paul explains, “We therefore were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4, BSB). Baptism outwardly testifies to the inward transformation that has already taken place through faith. It is not the cause of salvation but the public declaration of it.
Consider the thief on the cross. Jesus promised him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43, BSB). He had no opportunity for baptism, yet he was saved by faith alone. This stands as an undeniable refutation of any doctrine that insists baptism is necessary for salvation.
The Danger of Trusting in an External Act
Titus 3:5 states, “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (BSB). True regeneration is a work of the Spirit, not of water. When Jesus spoke of being “born of water and the Spirit” in John 3:5, He was not prescribing baptism as the means of new birth, but referring to the cleansing and renewal promised in Ezekiel 36:25-27, where God declares He will sprinkle clean water upon His people and put His Spirit within them. The emphasis is on God’s sovereign act, not a ritual performed by man.
Paul warns against placing confidence in outward rites, even those instituted by God. Circumcision, like baptism, was a sign of faith, yet Paul states, “A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.” (Romans 2:28-29, BSB). If circumcision could not justify, how much less can baptism, which was never given as a means of salvation?
The True Basis of Salvation
Scripture leaves no doubt—salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, BSB). There is no mention of baptism here because it is not what saves. Faith alone unites us to Christ, and baptism follows as an act of obedience, not as a prerequisite for salvation.
How do you view baptism? Do you see it as the seal of an already accomplished work of grace, or do you mistakenly place your hope in the act itself? Those who trust in Christ are saved, and because they are saved, they joyfully follow Him in baptism. To reverse this order is to turn the gospel on its head.
For further reflection:
Galatians 3:26-27—“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (BSB).
Baptism follows faith, not the other way around.
Acts 16:31—“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (BSB).
Salvation is always by belief in Christ, not by any outward ceremony.
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