Is Baptism A Necessary Part Of The Gospel? Part One

Following Jesus Without Denominationalism
Is Baptism A Necessary Part Of The Gospel? Part One

Before begin study in this lesson I would like you to note that where the scriptural text appears it will be from the ASV, being the more literal translation, will be used in order not loose scriptural meaning. Now let us begin.

Following Jesus without denominationalism begins by heeding the call of the gospel. For the Lord "calls" us through His gospel - 2 Th 2:14 “whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we respond to the call, the Lord Himself adds us to His church (His "called-out" group of people), not some man-made denomination - Ac 2:41 “They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.”, 47 “praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.”

In the previous lesson, I presented the gospel of Christ as containing "Facts" to believe:
1) Jesus was crucified for our sins
2) Jesus was raised from the dead
3) Jesus is exalted as king and savior
4) Jesus is coming again
I presented the gospel of Christ as containing"Commands" to obey:
1) Believe the gospel concerning Jesus Christ
2) Confess your faith in Jesus as Lord
3) Repent of your sins
4) Be baptized for the remission of your sins
5) Be faithful unto death
I presented the gospel of Christ as containing"Promises" to receive:
1) The remission of sins
2) The gift of the Holy Spirit
3) The gift of eternal life
In most cases, I have found that there is very little exception taken to the above, save for one thing: the suggestion that baptism is a necessary part of the gospel of Christ. Many people have a problem with the idea that baptism is for the remission of sins; they believe Baptism has nothing to do with God's plan of salvation. They believe to suggest baptism is necessary is to deny we are justified by grace through faith. They believe to teach baptism is for the remission of sins is to teach a salvation by works, not by grace. This raises the question, "Is Baptism A Necessary Part Of The Gospel?" In other words, is baptism really for the remission of sins? If so, then how can we say that we are justified by grace through faith, and not of works?

I believe it is helpful to answer these questions by first observing a few quotations by certain individuals none would ever question of denying that we are saved by grace through faith, Augustine, Aquinas and Luther.

AUGUSTINE (A.D. 354-430)
Referring to the efficacy of baptism, he wrote that "the salvation of man is effected in baptism"; also, that a person "is baptized for the express purpose of being with Christ." (as quoted by Jack W. Cottrell in Baptism And The Remission of Sins, College Press, 1990, p. 30)
In regards to the necessity of baptism, he refers to the "apostolic tradition, by which the Churches of Christ maintain it to be an inherent principle, that without baptism...it is impossible for any man to attain to salvation and everlasting life." (ibid., p. 30)

THOMAS AQUINAS (A.D. 1225-1274)
"...Men are bound to that without which they cannot obtain salvation. Now it is manifest that no one can obtain salvation but through Christ..."
"But for this end is baptism conferred on a man, that being regenerated thereby, he may be incorporated in Christ."
"Consequently it is manifest that all are bound to be baptized: and that without baptism there is no salvation for men." (ibid., p. 31)

MARTIN LUTHER...
In answer to the question, "What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?", Luther replied in his Small Catechism, "It effects forgiveness of sins." He also wrote concerning the sinner: "Through Baptism he is bathed in the blood of Christ and is cleansed from sins." Again, he wrote: "To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is to save." (ibid., p. 32-34). In his commentary on Ro 6:3, he wrote: "Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) and through such death to eternal life. Therefore IT IS NECESSARY that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." (Commentary On Romans, Kregel Publications, p. 101). In his commentary on Ga 3:27, he wrote: "This is diligently to be noted, because of the fond and fantastical spirits, who go about to deface the majesty of baptism, and speak wickedly of it. Paul, contrariwise, commendeth it, and setteth it forth with honourable titles, calling it, 'the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost'. And here also he saith, that 'all ye that are baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.' Wherefore baptism is a thing of great force and
efficacy." (Commentary On Galatians, Kregel Publications, p.222).

I trust that we all know that these individuals believed strongly in justification by grace through faith, and not of works (see Ep 2:8-9). How then could they say such things about baptism? The key is to understand "who" is at work in baptism. Is it man, or is it God? The saving power involved in baptism does to sve because the subject merits salvation. Nearly everyone I talk to who takes issue with baptism being necessary, or having any part of the gospel plan of salvation, initially misunderstands this point. They assume that if baptism is necessary, one is saved by meritorious works. They assume that if one is baptized for the remission of sins, one has earned their salvation. The majority believe this because this is what they have been taught by the clergy of their denomination. But they need to listen carefully to Martin Luther. In response to those who would call this a kind of works-salvation, he said "Yes, it is true that our works are of no use for salvation. Baptism, however, is not our work but God's." (ibid., p. 32-34). Again, "Luther correctly describes the working of baptism thus: 'How can water do such great things? It is not the water indeed that does them, but the Word of God which is in and with the water (God's giving hand), and faith which trusts such word of God in the water (man's receiving hand).'" (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, page 398-399).

Baptism saves because “God” is at work. Note that Peter clearly says that "baptism doth also now save us" (KJV) - 1 Pe 3:21. But as observed by Luther, it is God who saves us in baptism:
He is the one at work in baptism - Co 2:11-13 ("the working of God") “in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;”

Other than possessing faith in Christ and God, MAN IS PASSIVE in baptism like a patient submitting to the skill of a physician to remove cancer. So we, seeking the removal of the cancer of sin, submitting to the Great Physician to cut away our sins by the blood of Christ, which He does in baptism It is God who makes us alive together with Christ, having forgiven all trespasses
- Co 2:13 (see above). As stated in ISBE: "Baptism does not produce salutary effects ~ex~opere~operato~, i.e. by the mere external performance of the baptismal action. No
instrument with which Divine grace works does. Even the preaching of the gospel is void of saving results if not 'mixed with faith' (Heb 4.2, AV)." It is not the "act" of immersion that saves, though salvation occurs at that time. It is GOD who saves in baptism, by virtue of grace, when one believes in Christ! But because God commands baptism, and saves us in baptism, it is proper to say with Peter: "baptism doth also now save us" - 1 Pe 3:21 and with Jesus: "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved..." - Mk 16:16. When we properly understand that it is God doing the work of salvation in baptism, then we can better understand why the command to be baptized is such an integral part of the gospel.