IS BAPTISM A WORK?

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 10:48 AM PDT

IS BAPTISM A WORK?

The position of those who believe we are saved by faith only or grace alone, is that water baptism is a work, and therefore not required in order to be saved from the penalty of sin.

SALVATION IS A GIFT FROM GOD!

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

We are not saved by works. What are the works   that do not save us?

Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus and not by works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.

The Jews living under the old covenant were not commanded to be baptized into Christ. Under the Law of Moses not one person was compelled to be baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Christian baptism was not part of the Law of Moses. Christian baptism is not a work.

Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

When Jesus said you had to believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16); he was not saying Christian baptism was a work of the Law of Moses and therefore essential to be saved.

Romans 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

Is water baptism a work of the Law of Moses? No, that would mean that baptism brings about the knowledge of sin. Baptism is in order to have sins removed, not to educated men as to the meaning of sin.

What did the apostle Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost? Did Peter preach salvation by keeping the Law of Moses? Of course he did not; Peter preached salvation by faith in Jesus Christ?

Peter preached Jesus as Lord and Savior. (Acts 2:36) That was not a work of the Law of Moses.

Peter told them to repent and be baptized. (Acts 2:38) That was not a work of the Law of Moses.

WHAT MUST MEN DO TO BE SAVED?
1. Have FAITH: John 3:16. 
    Faith is not a work of the Law of Moses.
2. CONFESS: Romans 10:9-10
     Confessing is not a work of the Law of Moses.
3. REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19
    Repentance is not a work of the Law of Moses.
4. WATER BAPTISM: 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38
     Water baptism was not a work of the Law of Moses.

These are all essential to accept the grace of God; the free gift of salvation.

WATER BAPTISM IS NOT A WORK OF THE LAW OF MOSES!

BEING OBEDIENT TO GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON IS NOT BEING OBEDIENT TO THE WORKS OF THE LAW OF MOSES!