10 Articles: What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Below are ten articles that provide a thorough and consistent answer from the scriptures. Each article stands alone, but it is best to read them in order.

Intro: Everyone’s Predicament

The Great Commission: Jesus’ Final Instructions
Pentecost: How 3,000 Jews Became Christians, Acts 2:14-41
The Conversion of the Apostle Paul, Acts 9:1-19; 22:4-16
How and When Do We Die with Christ? Romans 6:1-8
“Believe” Sums Up God’s Requirements for Salvation
Faith and Works: Correcting A Serious Error
The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer, Acts 16:25-34
What About the Thief on the Cross? Luke 23:39-43
Is Baptism Merely a Symbolic, Public Display?
The Gospel Plan of Salvation: From God or Men?

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Everyone’s Predicament: Sinners Condemned Before God

The Bible says that sin is the transgression of the law and that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (1 John 3:4; Romans 3:23). Adam and Eve were removed from God’s presence when they sinned (Genesis 3:22-24). What happens as a result of our sin?

Sin separates us from God who is “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Isaiah 6:1-7). The Bible says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin breaks our fellowship with God. Sin prevents us from being in an eternal relationship with God.

What is the punishment for sin? The Bible says, “the wages of sin is death,” an eternal separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23; Luke 12:4-5). Because of our sins we all stand condemned, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). There is nothing we can do on our own to bring ourselves back into fellowship with God.

Christ, The Answer To Our Sin Problem

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4), has provided a way for us to be saved from the eternal consequences of our sin. The way is through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to this earth, lived among men for about 33 years, proclaimed the good news of the kingdom, and then died for our sins. Jesus committed no sin, and was therefore qualified to pay the price for our sins. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus shed His blood on the cross that we might be saved from eternal separation from God in hell (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:19).

Is There Anything We Must Do?

Some would have us believe that there is nothing man must do in order to be saved by the blood of Jesus. If this were true, all men would be saved. But God says there are some conditions we must meet in order to receive the forgiveness of sins and be saved.

Please do not misunderstand: Meeting these conditions in no way makes us deserving of salvation. Because of sin we are all unworthy. But God says we must receive His free gift. So, what must we do to receive His free gift and be saved?

Let’s see how the Scriptures answer our title question, “What Must I Do To Be Saved?”

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1. The Great Commission: Jesus’ Final Instructions

Romans 1:16 (ESV) ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The good news message of Jesus Christ tells us what we must do to be saved from eternal punishment. Paul warns us not to change the gospel lest we incur God’s judgment (Gal 1:6-9). We must teach the gospel exactly the way Jesus and the apostles taught it. Our own salvation depends on it.

As we proceed in this study, if what we are teaching is true, it will be consistent with ALL the scriptures. God’s word is truth (Jn 17:17). Truth does not contradict itself.

We begin with Jesus’ final instructions to his apostles to preach the gospel throughout the world.

Three accounts of “The Great Commission” are found at the end of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. After his resurrection Jesus commissioned his apostles to preach the gospel and tell people how to be saved from their sins.

In Matthew Jesus instructs the apostles to make disciples of all nations by baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) ¹⁸And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

In Mark Jesus instructs his apostles to preach the gospel to the world and states that those who believe and are baptized will be saved.

Mark 16:15-16 (ESV) ¹⁵And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. ¹⁶Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

In Luke Jesus instructs them to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 24:45-49 (ESV) ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, ⁴⁶and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, ⁴⁷and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Believe, repent, and be baptized. Those were the commands Jesus instructed his apostles to preach to the world.

No one verse of scripture includes all three of these commands. We learn from this that we must not “cherry-pick” the scriptures. We must accept and teach everything God says. We must not decide what we believe and then find a few scriptures that seem to support what we’ve already decided to believe. We must not ignore or twist the scriptures that don’t fit our pre-determined belief. Truth is consistent. If we handle God’s word accurately (2 Tim 2:15), we will harmonize all the scriptures and arrive at the truth (Jn 8:31-32). Our goal is to listen to all that God says and allow scripture to interpret scripture, rather than force what we want to believe on the scriptures.

We should study every Bible subject this way. Jesus teaches us to live “by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The psalmist declares, “The sum of God’s word is truth” (Psalms 119:160).

As we study “What must I do to be saved?”, ask these questions:

Should any of the commands of the gospel in the three accounts of Jesus’ final instructions to his apostles be viewed as unnecessary?
Is it ever okay to “cherry-pick” some verses and ignore others to suit what we want to believe?
On any topic should we be concerned when church leaders change God’s commands? (Gal 1:6-9; 1 Cor 14:33-38; 1 Pet 4:11).

– Jerry Crolius

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2. Pentecost: How 3,000 Jews Became Christians, Acts 2:14-41

The first gospel sermon after Jesus ascended on high is recorded in Acts 2. Jesus had instructed all the apostles to wait in Jerusalem to “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”(Acts 1:8). That historic event occurred on the Day of Pentecost, the first day of the week, the resurrection day, “the Lord’s Day” (Rev 1:10).

On that Sunday a miraculous event took place. The Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and they began to prophesy in the native languages of the Jews who had gathered from all over the world for the feast. Eventually, Peter stood up and declared “this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:17). Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled that day! “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh… and it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:16-21).

Peter was telling his kinsmen that the promised day of salvation had come. Now that he had their attention, he would teach them how to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved!

First, he presented to them the facts of the gospel. They killed Jesus but God raised him from the dead. Jesus had died for their sins and God had raised him in fulfillment of the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus is the promised Messiah; He is now ruling at the right hand of God, just as the scriptures foretold (v. 34). He is both Lord and Christ (v. 36)!

Four lines of evidence convinced the Jews that Peter was telling them the truth. First, Jesus had performed miracles in their midst. Second, the scriptures prophesied that the Messiah would be raised. Third, the miraculous power of tongues (languages) confirmed that Peter’s message was from God. Fourth, all of the men who were speaking in tongues (the apostles) had witnessed Jesus’ resurrection. Peter issued the God-breathed conclusion. “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (v. 36).

Many of the Jews believed Peter’s conclusion. They were “cut to the heart” and asked, “Brethren, what must we do?” (v. 37). They were convicted. They had crucified God’s Messiah! They believed that Jesus was Lord! They wanted to be saved!

Peter didn’t tell these believers they were already saved. Instead, he told them what to do to be saved. He taught them the commands of the gospel:

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

If they had already been saved, why would Peter command them to repent? If they had already been saved, why would Peter command them to be baptized “for the forgiveness of sins”? If they had already been saved, why would Peter exhort them to “save yourselves from this crooked generation” (Acts 2:40)?

Their response was immediate. They did what Peter told them to do. In verse 41 the scripture says, “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (v. 41). When they obeyed Peter’s commands, they received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were saved. God saved them when they believed, repented, and were baptized.

In this story of the first Christians, we see what is involved in believing in Jesus for salvation. We also see how to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.

In summary, here is the process as it occurred on Pentecost. Many Jews believed the facts about Jesus. When they were given instruction on how to receive the forgiveness of sins, 3,000 immediately obeyed. Their obedience didn’t earn their salvation. They didn’t deserve to be saved. They were not saved by works. Their obedience was by faith. It was by faith that they obeyed Peter and were saved. It was by faith they repented and called on the name of the Lord in baptism and were saved. It was by God’s grace through faith that in baptism they received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We must not change the commands of the gospel!

If someone tells you to “receive Jesus into your heart” to be saved, that’s not what Peter said. If you are told, “Pray the sinner’s prayer” to be saved, that’s not what Peter said. If you are instructed to “trust Jesus as your personal Savior” to be saved, that’s not the instruction Peter gave. The gospel message Peter proclaimed was, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter preached the facts, commands, and promises of the gospel. To be faithful to God we must teach exactly what Peter taught. We must not change any of the gospel message or else we will be accursed (Gal 1:6-9).

– Jerry Crolius

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3. The Conversion of the Apostle Paul, Acts 9:1-19; 22:4-16

In this article we will be able to detect the exact point in time in which God cleansed Saul of his sins (saved him). Saul had been persecuting the church of Christ in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3). As he traveled to Damascus to persecute Christ’s disciples there, “suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him” (9:3). Saul heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (22:7). Saul was not aware that it was Jesus speaking, so he said, “Who are you, Lord?” (9:5). Jesus told Saul who he was, and Saul asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” (9:6).

Saul now understood it was Jesus who was speaking to him. Did he now believe in Jesus? Yes. He now believed that Jesus was Lord and Christ, and that everything Christians had been teaching was true.

Was Saul now saved? NO… not yet. The scriptures say he was still in his sins.

Saul had to be in shock as he thought of his sins against Jesus and His church. Jesus told him to go into Damascus and wait for someone to tell him what he “must do” (9:6). Saul obeyed, and for three days in Damascus he fasted and prayed in sorrowful repentance (9:9, 11). Saul was now believing in Jesus as the Christ, he was fasting in repentance for his sinful acts against Christians, and he was fervently praying.

Was Saul saved at this point? NO… not yet. The scriptures say he was still in his sins.

The prophet Ananias visited Saul and told him what he “must do.” He said, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (22:16). Saul then “got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, regained his strength” (9:18-19).

Was Saul now saved? YES… his sins had been “washed away.” He had called on the name of the Lord in baptism.

No other conclusion is possible. Ananias’ command for Saul to act without delay and be baptized to wash away his sins and call on the name of the Lord would be meaningless if Saul was already saved when he believed on the road or when he was praying. If Saul was already saved he would have no sins to wash away. Faith saved him. Repentance saved him. Baptism saved him.

And notice the the urgency – it was urgent for Saul to wash away his sins! Acts 22:16 leaves no doubt as to the point in time in which Saul was saved. As a penitent believer, he received the forgiveness of his sins when by faith he died with Christ in baptism.

This truth is consistent with the examples of conversion and the teachings of Jesus we have studied so far. Saul did exactly what Peter told the Jews on Pentecost to do. He repented and was baptized “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). There was an urgency to his baptism (“why are you waiting?”). The scriptures are clear and consistent.

Notice that in baptism Saul was “calling on the name of the Lord.”

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). The scriptures say, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13; Acts 2:21). The conversion of Saul shows exactly how one calls on the name of the Lord to be saved.

Our cleansing from sin occurs at the moment when, in heartfelt faith and repentance, we “obey the gospel” (1 Pet 4:17; 2 Ths 1:8; Rom 6:17-18) and call on the name of the Lord in baptism. One has the right to call on the name of the Lord to be saved when one does what the Lord commands to do to be saved.

1 Peter 3:21 is another scriptural connection to “calling on the name of the Lord.”

Peter says “baptism now saves us” and then explains that baptism is “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Pet 3:21). Do you see the connection? When Saul called on the name of the Lord in baptism, he was appealing to God for a good conscience, a conscience free of the guilt of sin. In baptism Saul called on the name of the Lord to be cleansed from the guilt of sin.

Do you see how consistent the scriptures are in teaching that one who believes in Jesus and repents is saved at the point of baptism “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38)? God saved the Jews on Pentecost when they were baptized. God saved Saul when he was baptized. It is just as Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

– Jerry Crolius

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4. How and When Do We Die with Christ? Romans 6:1-8

The scriptures teach that to live with Christ we must die with Christ.

“If we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with Him” (Rom 6:8)
“If we have died with him, we will also live with him” (2Tim 2:11)
“You have died and your life is hidden with Christ” (Col 3:3)
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live” (Gal 2:20)
“Since you died with Christ” (Col 2:20)

Let’s say you are hearing the gospel message for the first time. You hear that God is holy and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). You realize that you are “dead in your sins” (Eph 2:1). You now understand that you face the condemnation of death, an eternal separation from the Almighty Creator. You then hear the good news that Jesus Christ gave His life to pay the death you owe. Through Jesus’ death you can be saved from God’s wrath. You can live with Christ. But to live with Christ requires you to die with Christ. You must die with him and be “born again of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:3-5).

If you believed this message, what question might you ask? Something like, “How do I die with Christ? At what point does God make me alive? At what point do I receive the forgiveness of sins? How am I born again? At what point am I saved?” When do I become a Christian?

Romans 6:1-8 is Paul’s discussion of the exact moment in time one dies with Christ and is set free from sin:

¹What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? ²By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? ³Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ⁵For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷For one who has died has been set free from sin. ⁸Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Rom 6:1-8)

These Christians had “died to sin” (6:2). When did this happen?
They had been “buried with him” and raised to “walk in newness of life” (6:4). When did this happen?
Their “old self was crucified with him” so their “body of sin might be brought to nothing” (6:6). When did this happen?
They had been “set free from sin” (6:7). When did this happen?
They had “died with Christ” so that they might “live with him” (6:8). When did this happen?

WHEN DID THESE CHRISTIANS DIE WITH CHRIST? Paul says it was when they were “baptized into his death” (6:3-4). Paul says it was when they “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” that they were “freed from sin” (Rom 6:17-18). Paul says it was when they died with Christ in baptism that they were “set free from sin” (Rom 6:7).

The Bible teaches that we are set free from sin (saved, justified, forgiven) when by faith, and from the heart, we die with Christ in baptism.

Paul says, “For one who has died has been set free from sin” (Rom 6:7). The New Testament doesn’t present baptism as a ritual that symbolizes a salvation already received. No, the Bible teaches that one is saved by Christ’s death when one is “baptized into his death” (Rom 6:4).

The moment in which one is “set free from sin,” that is, saved, is when one dies with Christ in baptism (Rom 6:7). “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Rom 6:8). Thus, baptism is NOT an outward show that I am already saved. Baptism is NOT something to be done after I am saved. Baptism is the moment in which I AM saved. In baptism a sinner dies with Christ and is saved by Christ’s death. As Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21).

(For a more detailed study of the error that baptism is merely symbolic, please see the article “Is Baptism Merely A Symbolic, Public Display?”)

Someone may argue, “But isn’t salvation a free gift from God (Rom 6:23)? If God requires baptism to be saved, doesn’t that minimize his grace?” Not at all. Let’s be consistent. Would we say God’s grace is minimized when he requires us to believe and repent to be saved? No, we realize that we don’t earn the forgiveness of our sins by believing and repenting. Neither do we earn forgiveness by obeying the gospel in baptism.

We will never deserve to be saved. But we are commanded to receive God’s gracious gift of salvation. The commands of the gospel are to receive forgiveness by believing with all our heart, repenting with all our heart, confessing Jesus with all our heart, and being baptized with all our heart (Rom 6:17-18). We are saved “by grace through faith” (Eph 2:8) when we “obey the gospel” (2 Ths 1:8) in repentance and baptism “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).

Please don’t be deceived by a different gospel.

Many people will insist that baptism does not save us, even though Peter plainly says “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). When you ask your religious teachers, “What must I do to be saved?”, if they will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,” then you know they are teaching “a different gospel” (Gal 1:6-10). If someone tells you to “receive Jesus into your heart” or pray “The Sinner’s Prayer” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior” to be saved, then you know they are teaching a distorted gospel. If you love that person, you will try to help him understand the truth.

– Jerry Crolius

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5. “Believe” Sums Up God’s Requirements for Salvation

This study is important for the simple reason that many church leaders accumulate scriptures that instruct us to believe to be saved, and then argue that the absence of baptism in these verses proves that baptism is not necessary to be saved.

Think for a moment. Wouldn’t that same argument also prove that confessing Jesus as Lord is not necessary for salvation? Or that repentance is not necessary for salvation? If the requirement to believe eliminates the need to be baptized, why doesn’t it also eliminate the need to repent? Or to confess Jesus as Lord? Yet we know that one must repent and confess Jesus to be saved (Acts 2:38; 3:19; Rom 10:9-10).

We should therefore be asking this question: Does the Bible use the word ‘believe’ to summarize our entire response to the gospel? Or to put it another way, does the word ‘believe’ include all of the conditions of the gospel plan of salvation?

Either that is so, or the Bible contradicts itself. And we know it doesn’t.

Thus, when Jesus said, “he who believes has eternal life” (Jn 6:47), it must be that Jesus used “believe” to summarize one’s entire response to the gospel. The one who believes will be saved because saving belief will obey Jesus’ gospel commands to repent, confess, and be baptized.

Likewise, when Paul told the Philippian jailer to “believe in the Lord Jesus” to be saved (Acts 16:31), why didn’t he tell him to repent? It must be that Paul used the word “believe” to sum up the required response to the gospel. Thus, the jailer and his household were baptized “immediately”, even though it was the middle of the night, after which their actions were described as “having believed” (Acts 16:34).

The scriptures do not contradict. When Paul said we are “saved by grace through faith” (Eph 2:8-9) and that we are “justified by faith” (Rom 5:1), Paul was not denying our need to repent to be saved. Or our need to confess Jesus as Lord to be saved. Or our need to be baptized to be saved. He was simply describing our entire response to the gospel. We are saved by faith, and saving faith trusts and obeys what God says to do to be saved.

It may be a bit tedious to read through all of the passages below, but when you do you will see the proof of this article’s title statement. There are many examples in John, Acts, and Paul’s epistles which show conclusively how God uses “believe” to summarize our entire response to the gospel.

The Gospel of John:

(John 3:16) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
(John 6:47) “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.
(John 11:25) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”
(John 20:31) but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Where is “repent” in these verses? Or “confess Jesus as Lord”? Or “be baptized for the forgiveness of sins”? The scriptures do not contradict, so it must be that God’s requirement to “believe” doesn’t exclude any of the commands of the gospel. In fact, “believe” sums up one’s entire response to the gospel.

The Book of Acts:

(Acts 2:44) “all that believed were together.” (they had just obeyed the gospel by repenting and being baptized, Acts 2:38-41)
(Acts 10:43) “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” (don’t we need to repent?)
(Acts 13:39) and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. (don’t we need to confess Jesus as Lord?)
(Acts 4:4) But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. (believed sums up everything they did.)
(Acts 11:17) If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
(Acts 19:2-3) And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”…into what then were you baptized?” (was baptism a part of believing?)

We must be consistent. If we say that believe must include repenting and confessing Jesus as Lord, we must be willing to say it can include baptism. In fact, it is clear that believe sums up one’s entire response to the gospel.

Paul’s Epistles:

(Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
(Gal 2:16) …so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ…
(Gal 3:24) Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.
(Eph 2:8) For by grace you have been saved through faith…
(Rom 5:1) Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

**This helps us to understand how the Holy Spirit uses the word faith. As with the word believe, the bible uses the word faith to summarize all of one’s obedient response to God.**

Jesus makes this very point in John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” Do you see how Jesus understands belief? Saving belief obeys Jesus.

This is exactly why James can say that Abraham was “justified by faith” when he obeyed God in offering Isaac (Jas 2:20-23). Abraham was justified by faith when he did what God said to do. James concluded, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24). Just like Abraham, we are justified by faith when we obey God’s conditions for salvation. Our obedience does not earn our salvation; it receives salvation.

Peter commanded the Jews on Pentecost to faithfully obey God’s commands to “repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). They were saved by grace through faith when they obeyed the gospel.
Paul said that those who were “obedient from the heart” were “set free from sin” (Rom 6:17-18). They were saved by grace through faith when they obeyed the gospel. Faith summarizes one’s entire response to the gospel.

Faith without trust and obedience is no faith at all. It is a dead faith. Now we see why the conversion stories in Acts reflect an urgency to be baptized. The response to God by one who believes in Jesus is to repent of one’s sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and die with Christ in baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

Please ask your church leaders, “What must I do to be saved?” They may tell you, “receive Jesus into your heart and you’ll be saved” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer and you’ll be saved” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior and you’ll be saved.” Ask them why they will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins….” Anyone who will not use Peter’s words to tell people what they must do to be saved is not teaching the true gospel as delivered by Jesus and His apostles. In Galatians 1:6-9 Paul issues a severe warning about changing the gospel.

– Jerry Crolius

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6. Faith and Works: Correcting A Serious Error

Leaders in nearly all Protestant churches and seminaries teach the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone, without works of any kind.” Because of this teaching, they insist that one does not need to be baptized to be saved. This article is an effort to 1) explain when and why this distortion of the gospel began, and 2) teach the truth from Paul and James about faith and works.

To start, let’s identify the “faith alone” doctrine from the writings of those who teach it.

These quotes from gotquestions.org well represent the “faith alone” doctrine taught by most Protestant churches today (emphasis is added-jc).

“Yes, there are some verses that seem to indicate baptism as a requirement for salvation. However, since the Bible so clearly tells us that salvation is received by faith alone (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), there must be a different interpretation of those verses.”
“In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9).”
“Jesus’ payment for our sins is appropriated to our ‘account’ by faith alone (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, baptism… cannot be a requirement for salvation.”

Notice how each one of these statements adds to and changes the words of the scriptures.

Here is what Ephesians 2:8-9 actually says:

“For by grace are we saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Paul doesn’t say we are “saved through faith alone.” He says we are “saved through faith.” Yes, that matters. Paul doesn’t say salvation is “not of works of any kind.” He says salvation is “not of works.” Yes, that matters.

But even more convicting is what James says about “works” and “faith alone” in James 2:24:

²⁴You see then that a man is justified by works, and NOT by faith alone.

Faith alone won’t save us. Thus, men continue to contradict James. Yes, it matters. Even worse, men have added words to the scriptures in each of the quotes referenced above. The scriptures forbid us to do that (Dt 4:2; 12:32; Pro 30:5-6; Rev 22:18-19).

So, why do men teach that baptism is NOT “for the forgiveness of sins” when God says it is (Acts 2:38)? Why do men insist that baptism does not save us when God says “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21).

WHEN DID THE DOCTRINE OF “SALVATION BY FAITH ONLY” WITHOUT “WORKS OF ANY KIND” BEGIN TO BE TAUGHT?

When did men start teaching that baptism “cannot be a requirement for salvation”? When did men start insisting that baptism verses now require “a different interpretation”?

In the 16th and 17th centuries during the Protestant Reformation many prominent reformers reacted strongly against the Catholic Church’s teaching on salvation by works. They were correct to oppose the Catholic Church’s false teachings, but many of them misunderstood Paul’s teaching on faith and works. They reasoned that baptism cannot be a part of the saving gospel message because it is a work. As a result, they began to twist every scripture on baptism and denied its necessity in God’s plan of salvation.

Today baptism has been removed from the gospel message. People are being taught that baptism is an outward display AFTER one is saved. The purpose of baptism has been redefined as a show of one’s salvation, a ceremony often performed months later. Yet the scriptures show us that baptism should be obeyed with urgency because “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). Baptism is urgent because it is “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is urgent because we need to “die with Christ” to be “set free from sin” (Rom 6:3-8). Baptism is urgent because we are born again “of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:5). Baptism is urgent because we are “baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3). Paul was urged, “And now, why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins…” (Acts 22:16). The Ethiopian eunuch pleaded, “Look, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36).

How much more must the scriptures say to convince us that baptism is necessary for salvation?

The destructive error that we are “saved by faith only” without baptism has continued to this day. By eliminating baptism as one of God’s requirements for salvation, the gospel has been distorted. Paul has warned us in no uncertain terms not to change the gospel (Gal 1:6-9). Sadly, teachers have resisted correction and have become quite inventive in their arguments against baptism. Pastors and professors in denominational churches and seminaries still repeat the forced, handed-down interpretations taught to them. These arguments that twist the scriptures are repeated so often they have become dogma in nearly all Protestant churches.

FAITH AND WORKS ACCORDING TO PAUL AND JAMES

Paul and James and Peter and all the scriptures teach that SAVING FAITH includes obedience, or as James says, works.

Notice just a few scriptures.

Paul and Peter both say we must “obey the gospel” or be lost (Rom 10:16; 2 Ths 1:8; 1 Pet 4:17).
Paul spoke of “the obedience of faith” at the beginning and end of Romans (Rom 1:5; 16:27). If faith doesn’t obey, it isn’t saving faith.
Paul said the Romans became “obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine” and were “set free from sin” (Rom 6:17-18). At what point were they “set free from sin” (saved)? When they were “obedient from the heart.” Faith obeys, or it isn’t saving faith.
James agrees with Paul that saving faith includes obedience: “faith apart from works is dead” (Jas 2:26); “You see that a man is justified (saved) by works, and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24); “even the demons believe, and tremble” (Jas 2:19).
Paul and James are in complete agreement with each other and with all the scriptures. The gospel message contains commands we must obey by faith from the heart in order to be saved.

**So, what does Paul mean when he says salvation is “not of works…” (Eph 2:8-9).**

In Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Galatians he explains why a system of law-keeping (works) cannot save us.

In Romans 3:27-28 he identifies two laws, the law of faith and the law of works.

²⁷ Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸ For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:27-28)

Paul says there are two possible systems of justification, the “law of faith” and the “law of works.” The law of faith will save us. The law of works cannot save us. Why not?

In Galatians 3:10-12 Paul tells us exactly why the “law of works” can’t save anyone.

¹⁰ For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” ¹¹ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” ¹² But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”

Those who rely on works to be saved are “under a curse”? Why? Because the law of works requires them to do “all things written in the Book of the Law.” ALL THINGS! But no one does “all things.” Exactly! No one obeys God perfectly.

And that’s why the law of works can’t save us! No matter how many good things we do, one sin can separate us from God and bring spiritual death (Gen 2:17; 3:23-24). And since no one obeys the law perfectly, our works can’t save us. And that’s why boasting is excluded (Rom 3:27; Eph 2:9). None of us can boast because none of us are “good enough” to be saved. No one keeps the law perfectly. The law of works cannot save us!

By explaining the law of works and contrasting it with the law of faith, Paul shows us that how “good” we are is not the basis for being right with God. The law of works requires perfection and therefore cannot save us. All of us have sinned. Only the law of faith can save us. Why? Because the law of faith does not require perfect law keeping.

CRITICAL TRUTH: Every time Paul says salvation is “not of works” and we are justified “apart from works” he is simply saying that the law of works cannot save us. He isn’t saying we don’t need to obey the gospel to be saved. He isn’t contradicting himself.

Paul emphasizes this same truth in Romans 4:1-5.

Paul follows up his point in 3:27-28 by using Abraham to show the difference between the law of works and the law of faith. What do we learn from Abraham? Even he could not boast before God (4:1-2). Even Abraham could not be justified by the law of works. He was a good man but he had sinned. The law of works condemned him. Rather, God justified Abraham by his faith in God’s promise (Rom 4:3). God justified him by the law of faith. Even Abraham could only be saved “by grace… through faith… not of works” (Eph 2:8-9).

In Rom 4:4 Paul makes sure we understand the law of works. “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.” Paul says to be justified by works is to DESERVE to be saved. But since “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23), no one deserves to be saved! Everyone actually deserves DEATH! “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). This is the exact same point Paul emphasized in Galatians 3:10-12. The law of works can’t save us because no one works perfectly. All have sinned.

Paul then states the law of faith in Rom 4:5, “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” Who is it that “does not work”? Everyone. Everyone does not work. Everyone sins. No one works perfectly. No one is good enough. No one can be saved by the law of works. Only the law of faith can save us. Even Abraham could only be saved “by grace… through faith… not of works.” The law of works cannot save anyone.

Paul is consistent in teaching this doctrine. He says the same thing in Rom 11:6:

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

Grace wouldn’t be grace if we deserved to be saved. If grace is needed, salvation is “no longer on the basis of works.” Salvation is by grace because the law of works cannot save us.

We can see these same truths emphasized in Paul’s greatly abused statement in Eph 2:8-9:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Salvation is not your own doing. It’s a gift. You can’t boast. YOU DON’T DESERVE IT! It’s not a result of works. That’s all Paul is saying. He isn’t saying we don’t need to be baptized to be saved. For Paul baptism is the moment we are “set free from sin” (Rom 6:8). For Paul obedience from the heart to that form of doctrine is necessary to be set free from sin (Rom 6:17-18).

In conclusion, many who claim to be teachers of the Word of God have refused to accept Paul’s explanation of the law of works. When Paul says “not of works,” or “apart from works,” or “not by works of the Law,” he isn’t teaching that we don’t need to be baptized to be saved. Men say that, not Paul. Paul is simply teaching us that the law of works cannot save us.

Thus, as a result of their failure to understand Paul, these teachers have…

mishandled every scripture Paul writes about faith and works.
contradicted James’ plain statement that “a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jas 2:24).
changed the definition of saving faith to exclude obedience.
distorted the gospel by removing baptism as a requirement to receive God’s gift of forgiveness.
twisted every scripture that emphasizes the purpose of baptism.

Now you see the truth. When Paul teaches “by grace are we saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9), he is speaking of two systems: the law of faith saves; the law of works cannot save. Every time Paul speaks of salvation “not of works,” he is saying the law of works cannot save us!

Now you see the truth. There is no need to “reinterpret” the plain scriptures about baptism. We receive God’s free gift of salvation through “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:27). We are justified by a faith that obeys what God says to do to be saved from sin. Saving faith is an active, living, faith that obeys God. James and Paul are fully consistent with each other, as well as with Peter and Jesus and all the scriptures.

Now you see the truth. A penitent believer must “die with Christ” and be “raised with Christ” in baptism in order to be “set free from sin” (Rom 6:3-8). The purpose of baptism is to save a truly penitent believer. In baptism, by the blood of Jesus, we “wash away our sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). In baptism we are “born again… born of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:3-5). In baptism we are raised with Christ “through faith in the working of God” (Col 2:11-13). Baptism is a response of faith that “now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21). Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk 16:16). In baptism we are saved by faith.

Now you see the truth. It is a serious error for church leaders to teach that we are saved by “faith alone” and “not by works of any kind.” When religious teachers say, “baptism can’t be necessary for salvation,” they are changing the gospel message. Paul warns us in Galatians 1:6-9 that those who distort the gospel stand accursed. We must be concerned for the souls of many church leaders who have changed the gospel message, and for all who follow their error. God will judge righteously and mercifully. Our job is to teach the truth. Paul says we are “set free from sin” when we become “obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine which was delivered to them” (Rom 6:17-18). Peter instructs us that baptism is “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). Paul says we must, by faith, from the heart, “obey the gospel” (Rom 10:16; 2 Ths 1:8) by repenting of our sins and dying with Christ in baptism (Acts 2:38; Rom 6:1-8).

Please ask your church leaders, “What must I do to be saved?” They may tell you, “receive Jesus into your heart and you’ll be saved” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer and you’ll be saved” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior and you’ll be saved.” Ask them why they will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins….” Anyone who will not use Peter’s words to tell people what they must do to be saved is not teaching the true gospel as delivered by Jesus and His apostles. Please try to help them by issuing Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:6-9.

HERE’S A LITTLE MORE ON GRACE AND FAITH: Two Old Testament stories are sufficient to show how “the obedience of faith” receives God’s grace. What is biblical faith? It is always OBEDIENT TRUST IN GOD.

Naaman: God healed Naaman’s leprosy when by faith he obeyed God’s command (2 Kings 5:1-14). Naaman did not in any way deserve God’s gift – it was by God’s grace that he was healed. But to receive God’s grace, by faith he had to obey God’s instructions to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Not until he responded by “the obedience of faith” to God’s gracious offer did he receive God’s free gift. NOTICE: In this story we can see the foreshadowing of baptism. When by faith we obey the gospel command to die with Christ in baptism, we are cleansed from our sins. When was Paul was cleansed of his sins? When he called on the name of the Lord in baptism (Acts 22:16).

Jericho: The fall of Jericho is another great example of receiving God’s grace through the obedience of faith. God told the Israelites “I have given Jericho into your hands” (Josh 6:2). Jericho was a gift. But to receive God’s gift, they had to march around Jericho seven times and blow their trumpets (6:2-4). God GAVE them the city (GRACE), but they had to march around it (THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH) before the walls would fall (THAT IS WHEN THEY RECEIVED GOD’S GIFT).

– Jerry Crolius

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7. The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer, Acts 16:25-34

The Philippian jailer asked the very question we are studying, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s and Silas’s simple answer is an excellent opportunity for us to learn how the scriptures use the word “believe” to summarize the entire response of one who hears and obeys the gospel. (For a detailed study of the word “believe” read the next article #6 “Believe Sums Up God’s Requirement for Salvation.”)

Paul and his co-worker Silas are in jail at Philippi for preaching about Jesus (Acts 16:25-29). While they are singing hymns at midnight an earthquake occurs and all the prisoners are loosed from their chains. The jailer decides to take his own life rather than face a certain punishment and death, but Paul assures him that all the prisoners are still there. Seeing that a powerful miracle has occurred, the jailer asks Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30).

Paul and Silas answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (v. 31). The jailer invites Paul and Silas to his house and they speak the word of the Lord to everyone there (v. 32). In the same hour of the night the jailer and all his household are baptized (v. 33). Afterward, the jailer “rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God” (v. 34). By asking and answering a few questions we can draw conclusions that are consistent with all the scriptures.

From what did the jailer think he needed to be saved?

We know he had just witnessed a powerful miracle, so maybe he was fearful of the God of Paul and Silas. We know he was afraid for his life, so maybe he wanted to be saved from the certain death he expected to face. But Paul and Silas knew exactly what the jailer needed – salvation from eternal death because of sin. To be saved from the condemnation of sin the jailer needed to believe in the Lord Jesus, because there is “no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

What did the jailer know about Jesus?

Had he been listening to Paul and Silas preaching and singing about Jesus? Possibly. Maybe he even knew about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection? But did he understand that he was a sinner who deserved death and faced eternal separation from God? Did he understand why Jesus had to die? Not likely. If he was going to “believe in the Lord Jesus,” he would need to be taught the gospel (Rom 10:14).

Thus, Paul and Silas “spoke the word of the Lord to him and all who were in his house” (v. 32).

What was the gospel message Paul and Silas taught the jailer?

We know the message had to include the fundamental facts of the gospel, the matters “of first importance,” that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and that “God has made him both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). One must believe those facts about Jesus to be saved.
We also know they taught about repentance and baptism, because the text says “he was baptized at once, he and all his family” (v. 33). From the very beginning the gospel message included the command to “repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Paul and Silas issued these same commands to the jailer.

Why did the jailer and his household get baptized immediately?

The jailer and his family responded right away, “in the same hour of the night” (v. 33). Remember, this same urgency occurred in Acts 2, when 3000 people were baptized immediately upon hearing Peter’s gospel commands (Acts 2:37-41).

This same urgency also occurred when Ananias spoke to Saul “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

Likewise, this same urgency occurred when the Ethiopian treasurer said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:35-39).

All conversion stories in the book of Acts demonstrate a remarkable pattern of an immediate response to the gospel. We can understand the urgency of baptism when we understand its purpose. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16). “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins (Acts 22:16).

After the jailer and his family were baptized, the text says he rejoiced that he had believed.

Acts 16:34 (ESV) ³⁴ Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

The jailer “had believed in God.” The word “believe” sums up the jailer’s entire response to the gospel. He was saved by his faith when he did what God said to do to be saved. After he obeyed the gospel “he rejoiced.” The scriptures are consistent. The jailer believed in the Lord Jesus when he repented and obeyed the gospel in baptism. As Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21).

– Jerry Crolius

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8. What About the Thief on the Cross? Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV) ³⁹One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴²And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus’ dying words to a dying criminal are some of the most amazing words ever spoken. The thief had lived a sinful life and was about to die in sin and perish for all eternity. Even as Jesus is undergoing the cruelest of punishments for the sins of every person who ever lived or ever will live, he sees the thief’s despairing condition, he sees his repentant heart, and he promises to save him. Amazing grace!

We are all that thief. Unfortunately, church leaders will misuse this beautiful and gracious event to argue that water baptism must NOT be necessary for salvation because the thief on the cross was saved without being baptized. Here is my question to them:

Why are you intentionally overlooking three obvious truths about this story?

FACT #1: THE THIEF WAS SAVED UNDER THE OLD COVENANT. Ponder that truth. Only after Jesus died and arose did the New Covenant conditions of salvation go into effect. Therefore, how the thief was saved under the Old Covenant has no bearing on how we are saved under the New Covenant. The thief was never commanded to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). The New Covenant commands did not even apply to the thief. He lived under the Old Covenant. So, how the thief was saved proves nothing.

Honestly, how can one in good faith use the thief on the cross to change the gospel plan of salvation given by Jesus and his apostles under the New Covenant?

FACT #2: JESUS HAD AUTHORITY ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS.

Mark 2:10-11 (ESV) ¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— ¹¹ “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

On this fact alone, their argument fails. Jesus can save anyone he wants to save. Case closed. No more really needs to be said. Jesus is Lord. So how can one one honestly use the thief on the cross to change the gospel plan of salvation given by Jesus and his apostles?

FACT #3: NO ONE KNOWS IF THE THIEF WAS BAPTIZED OR NOT. We shouldn’t make arguments based on what we don’t know. Does anyone know if the thief was baptized with John’s baptism? What if he had been? Maybe Jesus knew. But it doesn’t matter. The story of the thief is irrelevant in determining the commands of the gospel under the New Covenant.

Here’s an additional point to consider about John’s baptism.

Acts 19:1-8 shows us that those who were baptized with John’s baptism had to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus. That’s because to be saved under the New Covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers in Jesus (that’s us today) have to die with Christ in baptism. We have to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). So, even if the thief was baptized with John’s baptism, his baptism would be irrelevant in determining God’s plan of salvation under the New Covenant.

Do you understand why, based on these three important truths, people should stop using the thief on the cross argument to deny the necessity of baptism for salvation? The thief on the cross is a bad argument. Whether or not the thief was baptized is irrelevant.

LET’S DO A QUICK REVIEW OF WHAT WE’VE OBSERVED SO FAR IN THIS SERIES OF ARTICLES:

After Jesus arose from the dead he issued EVERY condition for salvation (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16; Lk 24:46-47). One must believe, repent, and be baptized to be saved.

These same commands were preached by Peter, Paul, Philip the evangelist, and the prophet Ananias (Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-38; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21; Rom 6:3-8).

The apostle Paul warned us, on fear of condemnation, not to change the gospel (Gal 1:6-9).

**With those truths in mind, everyone should “test the spirits to see if they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I Jn 4:1).**

Read Acts 2:36-41 and ask yourself if baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins? (Then ask your church leaders what they teach.)
Read Acts 22:16 and ask yourself if Saul of Tarsus was told that baptism was necessary to cleanse him of his sins? (Then ask your church leaders what they teach.)
Read 1 Peter 3:21 and ask yourself if Peter taught that baptism saves people? (Then ask your church leaders what they teach.)

When you ask your church leaders, “What must I do to be saved?” and they tell you, “receive Jesus into your heart” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior,” you know they are teaching a false gospel. Anyone who will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,” is teaching a false gospel.

– Jerry Crolius

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9. Is Baptism Merely a Symbolic, Public Display?

This chart provides a concise look at the purpose of baptism, according to the scriptures:

However, the Protestant Reformation’s doctrine of “salvation by faith only” declares that baptism does not save us. For example, Simmons writes:

“…only saved people are to be baptized. We are not to baptize people in order to save them, nor because they want to be saved, but only because they are already saved” (A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine, T. Simmons, Ch. 31; emphasis added).

This false view that baptism does not save us is cemented into denominational creeds and theological textbooks. Baptism is declared to be a public display of a salvation already received by faith. It is said to be merely an outward show, a symbolic representation. These two examples suffice to show what is being taught:

“We believe Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith, and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus and a mark of Christian discipleship.” (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, Article VI — The Sacraments, 2016, emphasis added)

“Baptism serves as our confession before men, in as much as it is a mark by which we openly declare that we wish to be ranked among the people of God, by which we testify that we concur with all Christians in the worship of one God, and in one religion; by which, in short, we publicly assert our faith…” (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4.15.1; emphasis added).

Where does God ever say that baptism is a symbol, a mark, a representation, a declaration, a testimony, or a public assertion? Where does the Bible use any of those words to describe the purpose of baptism?

Instead, God says baptism saves us. Jesus commanded the apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; he who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter stated, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

The invented idea that baptism is MERELY symbolic puts church leaders in the unenviable position of flatly denying the truth of God. For example, in reference to Peter’s statement that baptism “now saves you” (1 Pet 3:21), theologian John Winebrenner tries to explain what Peter intended to say:

“Here the apostle does not mean to say that baptism does actually now save us, but that it does so formally, or declaratively” (The Ordinance of Baptism, 1868, p. 319).

According to Mr. Winebrenner, what Peter really means is that baptism formally declares that we’re already saved. Peter doesn’t mean that baptism actually saves us. Mr. Winebrenner, like other evangelical church leaders, has made up his mind that Peter must mean something completely different than what he plainly says.

This is how error is spread. Winebrenner already has his mind made up on what he believes, so he must twist the scriptures to fit his predetermined view. Another astonishing statement is the open admission that in today’s churches baptism has a different purpose than it had in apostolic times:

“…in the Apostolic age when there was one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by the very act constituted him a member of the church,… In that sense, baptism was the door into the church. Now it is different… The churches, therefore, have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their ‘experience,’ and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members” (E.T. Hiscox, “Standard Manual for Baptist Churches” p. 22; emphasis added).

Who made the purpose of baptism different? Not God! God’s purpose for baptism is the same today as it was in apostolic times. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism saves us. Baptism is the moment in time when we die with Christ and are raised with Christ. Baptism is the moment when Jesus saves us by his blood and adds us to his church (Acts 2:41, 47). However, since the Reformation period in the 16th and 17th centuries the doctrine of “salvation by faith only” has distorted the Bible teaching on baptism. It is heart-breaking that many church leaders preach a different gospel than was delivered by Jesus and the apostles.

These church leaders do not “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet 4:11).

They teach that one’s sins are forgiven BEFORE baptism. Yet Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
They teach that one’s sins are washed away BEFORE baptism. Yet Ananias told Paul, “And now, why do you delay? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
They teach that baptism is NOT necessary to be saved. Yet Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).

It is a fearful thing to “distort the gospel of Christ” (Gal 1:7), for “we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (Jas 3:1). Therefore, we love our neighbor when we identify this error. Will you love your preacher/teacher/pastor? Will you give them an opportunity to hear the truth?

– Jerry Crolius

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10. The Gospel Plan of Salvation: From God or Men?

What must I do to be saved? The Holy Spirit presents the gospel in simple terms. In the final article of this series, we ask you to decide whether you will believe God or men. Will you stand with God?

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

To believe in Jesus is to believe the facts of the gospel. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead, according to the scriptures. Jesus is both Lord and Christ (1 Cor 15:1-4; Acts 2:36).

To believe in Jesus is to obey the commands of the gospel. Peter commanded the Jews on Pentecost to “repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins“ (Acts 2:37-38); Ananias commanded the apostle Paul to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16); Jesus said “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved“ (Mk 16:16); Paul said we are “baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27). Only when you believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, and die with Christ in baptism, have you obeyed the gospel.

To believe in Jesus is to receive the promises of the gospel. When you hear the gospel message and obey it, God keeps his promise to forgive your sins and give you the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-41). God keeps his promise to raise you up with Christ to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:3-8). You are now born again of water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5). Paul says, “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God” (Col 2:12). God powerfully works in baptism. He is faithful to keep his word.

God made the gospel simple to understand. The question is, will you believe God or men?

Throughout this series we have contrasted the true gospel with the false doctrine of “salvation by faith only” which came out of the Protestant Reformation over 500 years ago. See the article on Faith and Works. We have demonstrated that most church leaders today flatly deny the truth that baptism saves us. They deny that baptism is part of the gospel. You decide who to believe.

It is thought-provoking to contrast what the “faith only” preachers say with what Paul says in Romans 6:

Faith only preachers say we are alive before baptism (they bury the living!). Paul says we are dead in sin when we are buried and raised with Christ IN BAPTISM. I believe God over men.
Faith only preachers say we are already raised with Christ before baptism. Paul says we are raised with Christ IN BAPTISM. I believe God over men.
Faith only preachers say baptism is just an outward show. Paul says we die to sin and are raised with Christ IN BAPTISM. I believe God over men.

Who will you believe?

I believe Jesus: “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).
I believe Peter: “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
I believe the prophet Ananias: “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
I believe Paul: “you were baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27); “one who has died…has been set free from sin” (Rom 6:7).

Indeed, as Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). I believe the scriptures. We are not saved until we die with Christ and are raised with Christ. Baptism is not an outward show.

Romans 6:4 (ESV) ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Do you see how completely wrong it is to tell people they are saved before baptism? When men try to explain away or contradict the scriptures about baptism, they teach a false gospel.

That means you must make a choice. To believe God rather than men requires courage. It always has.

Do your homework. Ask the leaders of the church where you attend what you must do to be saved.

Will they tell you what Peter told the Jews on Pentecost? Or will they tell you that baptism does not save you?
Will they say you should be baptized later as an outward, symbolic show of the salvation you already have?
Will they ignore the immediacy and urgency of baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:37; 10:48; 16:33-34; 22:16)?
Do they make baptism into a monthly or quarterly ritual ceremony?
Will they tell you to “receive Jesus into your heart,” or “pray the Sinner’s Prayer,” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior”?

Ask them why they will not teach the gospel with the words Jesus and Peter and Paul used. True believers have always been called to take a stand for God’s truth versus the teachings of men (2 Tim 4:1-5). When false teachers tried to change the gospel in New Testament days the apostle Paul said, “to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you” (Gal 2:5). What will you do now that you are aware that men are teaching a false gospel?

Will you take a stand for the truth of the gospel? We are ready to stand with you if you choose to believe God. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God’s word.

– Jerry Crolius

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Middleburg Christians