Question 7

Ephesians 2:8-9 states: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." If we say that we must be baptized in order to be saved, aren't we also saying that we can do something to merit our own salvation?

A: Let's consider a couple of points which should provide an adequate answer to your question. The scripture, cited in your question, holds the key. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:8-9, declares, For by grace are ye saved through faith... Most agree, and the scriptures declare, that the only way to saving grace is through faith. Additionally, Hebrews 11:6 declares: But without faith it is impossible to please him: With firm assurance, we can know; the conduit to grace is faith. Faith is the key.

In addition, discovering the answer to the following question will shed much light on the proper application of Ephesians 2:8-9.

First, we can be sure, that if baptism "is" of faith, then it (baptism) cannot be "of ourselves". It also would not be a self-promoting "work", of which we could "boast". Paul, in Romans 14:23, stated, "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Moses provides a prime example of that which is according to faith, and that which is not. In Exodus 17:5-6, Moses properly performed the instruction of God. However, in Numbers 20:7-12, he was labeled an unbeliever, by God, for arrogantly doing his own works, instead of doing that which was according to faith in God.

Paul, the author of Ephesians 2:8-9, in his letter to the Galatians, shows the necessary connection of baptism and faith in becoming a child of God. In Galatians 3:26-27, Paul declares,

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

Paul, in the scripture above, clearly advances the connection of baptism and faith. Unfortunately, however, there is a prevalent misuse of the above verse, which makes this contention: "Those who desire to be baptized, do so, because they have already put on Christ." In other words, "they were saved first, then baptized later". This rephrasing, of Galatians 3:26-27, results in the exclusion of baptism from saving faith.

Warning: There can be a great deal of change in the meanings of God's word, when rearranging of words is allowed (Genesis 3:4).

We believe Paul said it best the first time. We believe that he was very clear. The above, misused, argument, is discounted by answering a few simple questions of the original, un-rephrased, scripture.

Let's visit another passage of scripture where Paul, once again, shows this connection of faith with baptism in Colossians 2:10-13.

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Colossians 2:10-13

Paul, in Colossians, provides key evidence as to how the "putting off of the body of sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" takes place. In the sentence structure of this passage, the removal of sins, is joined with the method of removal (baptism), by use of the punctuation mark, the colon(:). Paul, not only reveals that baptism is the manner in which one has their sins circumcised from them by Christ, but he also describes how we rise with Him (Jesus) in baptism "through the faith" of the operation of God.

In conclusion, there is plenty of scriptural evidence for teaching that baptism is an act of faith in God. Once we come to this conclusion, Ephesians 2:8 takes on new meaning. "For by grace are ye saved through faith;". Since baptism, for the remission of sins, is of faith, it cannot possibly be connected with meriting salvation, for this would be sin (Romans 14:23). However, if we deny that baptism is part of the saving faith, after having learned different, this would be sin (1Timothy 5:8).