The issue of human effort, whether in part or complete, producing reconciliation with God is not new. Legalistic additions violate grace. Grace comes through faith. And baptism is the correct response to accept grace.
One example, time and space not permitting further exposition, so many misinterpret because they ignore the far context is Acts 2:38. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Peter issued the strongest command possible in his language - REPENT. Note however, a person’s repentance is not what saves, it is still the grace given from God. So turn around and stop relying upon self and trust in what God has done. He also exhorted each of them to be immersed. The reason for that immersion is because of forgiveness.
I read a very good explanation of the possible understandings of the word “for” in this verse. If you saw a poster saying “Jesse James wanted for robbery” what would you understand it to mean? Would you think someone was advertising or calling Jesse to come and commit robbery? Of course not! You would understand it to mean Jesse was wanted because he had already committed a robbery. So too in this passage, the word “for” signifies an action in the past. Otherwise, it would violate the entire tenor of the New Testament teaching on salvation by grace and not by works. Once one knows he has been forgiven and accepts that grace, he will then submit and desire immersion.
One can observe the legalistic environment Paul and Barnabas fought against in Acts 15. Certain men taught that circumcision was required for one to be saved. Those certain men are identified in verse 5 as believing Pharisees. Peter also clearly spoke against legalism at this meeting. He reminded them about his experience with Cornelius and how their hearts were purified by faith. He rebuked the group for tempting God and seeking to enslave people with legalistic works which they themselves were not even able to withstand. Peter tactfully called them hypocrites and then concluded by saying, “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
Grace, simply put, is a free gift. The central problem most have is determining the relation between “grace” and “works.” But that is easily solved when we add the word “reward” to our vocabulary. One is rewarded for an act. Salvation is not a reward. Since there is no act mankind can do to be reconciled with God, then mankind must rely upon grace. Grace is what has to be given to us because there are no good works from mankind concerning salvation.
Paul wrote the Ephesian Church and said, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” He also wrote the Roman church and said, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace” otherwise work is no more work.”
It is quiet simple. Either salvation is by grace or not at all. Please consider this closely. Consider the issue of real grace even if you think you are saved. And always know that I speak the truth in love.
Daryl Morris, Cotton Belt Missionary Baptist Church (Published in the Northeast Arkansas Tribune)
Please read my review of this article in the following five articles of "Baptismal Regeneration Violates Grace".
Don H. Noblin
For questions or comments about this article, email Don H. Noblin. If you decide to email me, please include the title of the article. Thank you.