Category Archives: Baptist Answers

baptism is no work

Is Baptism A Work?

Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine, ,

Today we reach the end of the questions posed by a denominational preacher in Tennessee. He had charged that no “church of Christ preacher” could answer his questions. We know we have, although we doubt he would admit it.  We asked him to comment here and he has not. The question is simple: Is baptism a work?

The writer asked:

If salvation is not by works of righteousness which we have done, and baptism is a work of “righteousness,” then how can water baptism be a part of salvation? (Titus 3:5; Matt. 3:16) In the Bible, we are SAVED BY GRACE, and grace does not involve human effort or merit – grace is grace and work is work! (Just read Ephesians 2:8,9 and Romans 11:6.)

As before, our friend has asked a question in a way that demonstrates his confusion. We will seek to correct his misunderstandings.

Baptism Is Not A Work

So, is baptism a work? Those who argue that baptism is a work fail to understand the Biblical difference between works of merit, i.e. works that put God in debt to us (which cannot happen), and obedience.

Man cannot put God in debt. Man cannot, in any way, earn his salvation. Consider Luke 17:10 and the teaching from Jesus that we are “unworthy.” The idea is also echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9, especially in vs. 9 when Paul by inspiration declares that we are saved “not as a result of works.” The question we must answer is whether baptism is indeed a work?

In Matthew 3:16, John baptizes Jesus. The form of the underlying Greek word is passive in voice meaning that the baptism was something done to him. This fits nicely with Matthew 3:13 where text tells us that Jesus came to be baptized by John. The New Testament repeatedly uses this passive language.

Twice in Acts 2 we find forms of the word baptize. On each occasion, the word is passive in Greek (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41). It is not something the believer does but something done to him.

In Acts 8 we read of the discussion of the conversions in Samaria. Luke records baptism in Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13 and Acts 8:16, again the form is passive. In the second half of the chapter we find baptism mentioned twice. When the Ethiopian man asks to be baptized (Acts 8:36) he used the passive voice but in Acts 8:38, when speaking of what Phillip did, the word is active. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

Acts 9:18 records the conversion of Saul, later known as Paul. And, you guessed it! The word form is again passive. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

Acts 10:47 tells us of the grand moment when Peter carried the Gospel message to the Gentiles. Again the word is passive as it is in the very next verse, Acts 10:48. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

This same passive use of the word continues through the remainder of Acts. Note Acts 11:16, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, Acts 19:3, Acts 19:4 is active in describing what Paul did while Acts 19:5 is passive describing baptism. Acts 22:16 alone uses the aorist middle voice which signifies Paul taking action upon himself at a point in time. Indeed, complying with the instruction of Ananias brought Paul to the point of baptism which, as recorded in Act 9:18 was a passive act. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

One final Scripture reference on this idea of the passive nature of baptism. Acts 18:8 tell us that when Crispus, his household and many of the Corinthians heard the truth they were “believing and being baptized.” The Bible uses the active voice for believing and the passive voice for baptism. Baptism is not something the believer does but something done to him.

If baptism can be considered a work of any kind, it is a work of the person doing the baptizing not a work of the person seeking salvation.

Most denominations I am aware of argue that a man must be willing to confess the Jesus is the Son of God. Is that confession a work? How might it differ from the alleged “work” of baptism? Confession is not work for it is a part of obedience – just like baptism.

Grace Saves – But Not Alone

Is baptism a work? Our Baptist friend argues that we are saved by grace and we heartily agree! However, we are not saved by grace alone! Contrary to what some denominations would have you believe, grace is but one essential part of salvation but it is not the only part.

In Matthew 10:22 and Matthew 24:13 we are saved by endurance. In Mark 16:16 we are saved through belief and baptism. Luke 7:50 and Luke 18:42 it is faith that saves. Christ that saves (John 3:17). The teachings of Christ save according to John 5:34. John 10:9 says it is by entering into Christ that we are saved.

Salvation comes in Acts 2:21 by calling on the name of the Lord. In Acts 4:12 we are saved by the name of Jesus. In Acts 15:11 we are saved through grace. Romans 5:10 we are saved by the death of Christ. In Romans 8:24, by hope, Romans 10:9 by confession. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 says we are saved by the gospel. In Ephesians 2:5 and Ephesians 2:8 we are saved by grace through faith. In 1 Peter 3:21 we are saved by baptism.

It is intellectually dishonest to argue that anyone is saved by grace alone. Apart from grace, no man can be saved but there is a component of obedience too.

Consider your automobile. It cannot run apart from the engine. The engine is essential but it is not the only essential item. Try driving your car without the transmission or without axles or without wheels and tires. Apart from the engine, no car can run but there is a component of other parts too,

The truth is that grace is essential and so is baptism. We never place God in our debt but we must obey him. Inasmuch as God has commanded us to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-19; Acts 2:38) and has given us an example in Jesus himself (Matthew 3:13-17), we may rest confidently in the fact that baptism is essential along with grace.

Other posts in this series:

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Forgiveness of Sins Comes At Baptism – Not Before (Part 2)

Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine

The question of precisely when salvation comes is a tremendously important question. There is much error found in the religious world today on the subject and we are trying to correct those misunderstandings.

We have [cref 375 previously discussed] certain comments made by a gentleman who has so far declined to participate in our discussion. In that earlier post we noted several passages which demonstrate that salvation occurs at the moment of obedience, at baptism, and not before. The reader is encouraged to begin with that post and then followup with this posting.

We will again post his comment as we will be referring back to it during our discussion:

Every time the phrase “for the remission of sins” occurs it is speaking of the fact that sins have been forgiven previously! The Bible plainly teaches that the forgiveness of sins is conditioned upon repentance of sin and faith in Christ – never upon water baptism! (Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16; Romans 4:5; et.al.)

In the previous post we debunked the idea that the phrase “for the remissions of sins” speaks of sins that have been forgiven previously. We will next examine the Scriptures he offers Continue reading Forgiveness of Sins Comes At Baptism – Not Before (Part 2) →

Forgiveness of Sins Comes At Baptism – Not Before (Part 1)

Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine,

Am I saved before or after baptism? The answer points to a deep rift between the teachings of the churches of Christ and most of the denominational world. The Christian would argue that a man must be baptized in order to be saved while the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, etc. would argue that one is saved before he is baptized. The answer can only be found in Scripture.

In a page critical of the churches of Christ, a Baptist writer offers several verses which he claims prove salvation comes apart from baptism. He writes:

Every time the phrase “for the remission of sins” occurs it is speaking of the fact that sins have been forgiven previously! The Bible plainly teaches that the forgiveness of sins is conditioned upon repentance of sin and faith in Christ – never upon water baptism! (Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16; Romans 4:5; et.al.)

This gentleman is in gross religious error as will be shown. Continue reading Forgiveness of Sins Comes At Baptism – Not Before (Part 1) →

Once Saved, Can I Be Lost?

Baptist Answers, Doctrine

John was taught the truth many years ago and as a young adult he became a Christian. Since then he has begun to wander and now finds himself in a world of sin. As he ponders his condition he takes some comfort in his belief that although he persists in sin now, he was saved years ago and therefore cannot be eternally lost. Or can he?

The idea of the “Perseverance of the Saints” or “eternal security” is one of the cardinal points of a doctrine attributed to John Calvin during the Reformation period of the 16th and 17th century. Commonly called “Calvinism” this doctrine underlies the great majority of protestant faiths today.

“It is the truth that those who have been brought to faith in Jesus Christ – having been foreknown and predestined to faith by God from eternity past…never will and never can be lost.” ((Boice, James Montgomery and Ryken, Philip Graham, Doctrines of Grace, 2002, Graceway Books, Wheaton, IL, pg.155))

Those who hold this doctrine will argue that our friend John (above) was either never saved to begin with or he was saved and will be saved in spite of his sin.

One can quickly agree that there are some people who try to fake their way through salvation. They seek the blessings of the gospel out of a desire to please someone else or to gain some advantage. These, who never truly come to the Lord are not saved and we all can so agree.

But are there people, genuinely saved and added to the church by God (Acts 2:47) and enrolled in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 20:11-15), who can be eternally lost? Can their names be removed from the Book of Life once entered?  Continue reading Once Saved, Can I Be Lost? →

Why Is A Pitch Pipe Acceptable When A Piano Is Not?

Baptist Answers, Doctrine,

As we continue our discussion of questions raised by a denominational preacher we next turn to a common question which concerns worship. Our questioner wonders why we demand Biblical authority for all we do in worship but seem to ignore that requirement when it comes to song books, pitch pipes, microphones. He wonders why the difference?

First, the questioner is correct. We do refuse the mechanical instrument in worship. He is further correct when he notes that we typically use songbooks, microphones and even pitch pipes. There is a huge difference which we will try to explain. Continue reading Why Is A Pitch Pipe Acceptable When A Piano Is Not? →

The church of Christ Before the Restoration

Baptist Answers, Doctrine, , ,

It is generally held that the churches of Christ, as we know them today in this country, arose from the Restoration Movement of the 19th century. [cref 271 Thomas and Alexander Campbell] were major influences during this period along with many others. Some have wondered where the church was during those years from around the 4th century AD until the 19th century. It is a good question and deserves a good answer. Continue reading The church of Christ Before the Restoration →

UPDATE: The Baptist Interlocutor

Baptist Answers

We have yet to hear back from our friend who made such ridiculous charges against the Lord’s church. As we said in our first email, we did contact him at the email address he listed and have heard nothing. The email did not bounce so it did arrive but he has either not checked his email or he has chosen not to respond. Frankly, I suspect the later.

Nevertheless, I will continue my series of articles addressing his charges. It’s not about changing him as that may be impossible, but it is about all of us having solid answers to his questions. I hope the posts are helpful to you.

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Baptism What-If’s

Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine,

The importance of baptism is sometimes assailed through the use of what-if scenarios which are designed to provoke an negative emotional response to the study of baptism. Our current discussions with a baptist preacher has produced at least one of these. He writes:

“If the water pipes broke and the baptistry was bone dry, would my salvation have to wait until the plumber showed up? If I were to die before then, would I go to hell? If obedience to water baptism is the means of forgiveness of sins, then I would.”

Another comment sometimes heard is:

“What if a man is on his way to be baptized and he is in an accident and killed. Surely he is not lost is he?

Such comments have nothing to do with what the Bible teaches but is an attempt to belittle Scripture by applying man’s reasoning and man’s emotions to the discussion. Nevertheless, we are prepared to give an answer to this question. Continue reading Baptism What-If’s →

Must One Be Baptized by an Elder?

Baptism, Baptist Answers, Doctrine, ,

One of the more interesting claims asserted by our denominational friend is the idea that the churches of Christ teach a  man must be baptized by an elder or preacher of the churches of Christ in order to be truly saved. He puts the question this way (emphasis his):

If a “Church of Christ” elder refuses to baptize me, will I be lost until I can find one who will? Do I need Jesus AND a Campebllite [sic] “preacher” in order to be saved? If I do, then Jesus Christ is not the only Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and the Holy Spirit is not the only Administrator (1 Cor. 12:13) of salvation – the “Church of Christ” preacher is necessary to salvation for he is performing a saving act on me when he baptizes me! Is this not blasphemy against Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost?

Our friend is sorely confused. Continue reading Must One Be Baptized by an Elder? →

Are Members of the church of Christ “Campbellites?”

Baptist Answers, Doctrine,

As we continue our refutation of the accusations of a baptist preacher we turn now to a term that he uses in his article. He uses the term “Campbellite” to speak of members of the church of Christ. Some have never heard such a term as it hasn’t been used in decades.

The term is a pejorative or derogatory term intended only bring reproach upon those who worship among the churches of Christ. It is simply childish name calling Continue reading Are Members of the church of Christ “Campbellites?” →