Читать книгу The Mystery of Grace in the Baptism of Our Children (Stapled Booklet) - Bart Garrett - Страница 7

Baptism is not necessary for salvation, nor does it procure it. Sadly, throughout history, blood has been spilled over this issue. The language of the Bible is gripping and even provocative,3 and one unfortunate result is that erroneous conclusions about baptism have been drawn. Baptism symbolizes a great deal. The powerful descriptions of baptism in the Bible push people to look beyond baptism as symbol to find baptism as salvation. One passage often cited by those who see baptism as a saving act:

“. . . And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21)

I must admit, I am often a little perplexed when people point to this verse as a “proof-text” for baptism’s power to save us. In fact, it says explicitly in this verse that baptism, in this context, does not refer to the ritual, the physical act of washing with water, but to the promise, the spiritual reality that salvation has been committed to us through the Resurrection of Jesus.

Sincere Christians are in agreement on this essential issue: the “Good News” of the Gospel is that our salvation is premised on God’s grace and mercy and not our own desire or effort.4 We agree that symbol, rite, and human observance do not merit salvation, only God’s grace does! Baptism, like any other spiritual practice or observance, is done not to earn God’s favor, but rather, to respond to it.

3 See Galatians 3:27.

4 See Titus 3:5.