The big idea for this series is that works are not necessary for salvation, but they are necessary from salvation.
That’s a massively important and super helpful statement.
The NT teaching is clear – there is no human activity which can save us. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Period.
Not. By. Works.
This includes baptism.
Does that mean baptism is optional? By no means!
Baptism is the first command for new disciples of Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20) It’s the first step of faith and association with Jesus and his people.
Genuine faith will always be followed by works. Like baptism.
A believer who demonstrates their faith in baptism opens their lives to the flow of God’s grace. Here’s a few of the graces I see available to us in baptism:
1. The blessing of obedience. (John 13:17)
2. The joy of publicly acknowledging Jesus. (Matthew 10:32-33)
3. The tangible experience of the inner reality of salvation. (Romans 6:1-4)
4. The memorable sign of my initiation in the body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:13)
5. The thrill of proclaiming the power of the gospel to each other and the world. (Psalm 107:2)
My baptism is a sign I look back on with joy as I remember with crystal clarity that I am with Jesus and his people – dead to sin and alive to God!
We covered a lot of ground on the details of baptism. You can get the notes here.
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown