Opposition To The Notion Of The Essentiality Of Baptism

Many theologians have found themselves in opposition to the notion of the essentiality of baptism to the receiving of salvation.

This is in part because of several misconceptions regarding this position. Two major misconceptions will be addressed that are commonly heard when speaking of the place of baptism in the redemptive process.

Theological Misconception #1

Salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone,

Separate and Apart from Baptism

Those who are opposed to the essentiality of baptism often make the accusation that advocates of the position are guilty of teaching salvation through meritorious works, which is a denial of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. The idea is that if baptism is necessary, then it nullifies the grace

Theological Misconception # 2

If Baptism Washes Away Sins, Then You Are Saying

That Literal Water Removes Sin

Another misconception is the false notion that if one teaches the essentiality of baptism, then that means those who believe such are saying that literal water washes away sins. This is not a true representation of all who hold to the essentiality of baptism.

The position that baptism is essential does not equate to water washing away sins. Water is not ascribed to this kind of power.

24 DR. ORPHEUS J. HEYWARD

It is the death of Christ that serves as the provision of salvation.

However, water baptism is a condition commanded by God and the occasion in which one receives the blessing of salvation that is offered by the shed blood of Jesus. The believer is expected to place full trust in Christ as the source of salvation (John 3:16).

The power is not in the water, but in God. Thus, Paul states that in baptism, we are placing faith in the operation of God

(Col. 2:12). God alone remits sins when his stated conditions are obeyed. To place the power in the water would be baptismal regeneration, which is completely anti-scriptural, a position held by the Catholic denomination. In actuality, baptism

for Luther’s Small Catechism

Concordia Triglotta, pp. 551ff). The command to baptize is given in Matthew 28:19-20; the gospel promise connected with baptism is recorded in Mark 16:15-16. By virtue of the divine gospel promise “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,” baptism

“works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.” Under the question, “How can water do such great things?” Luther says: “It is not the water indeed that does them, but the Word of God which is in and with the water; and faith, which trusts such Word of God in water. For without the Word of God the water is simple water and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost as St.

Paul says, Titus, chapter three” [Titus 3:3-7]7

.

While this book does not agree with Luther’s theology on all points, it is clear that Luther correctly understands that the necessity of baptism does not equate to believing water is the cause of our salvation. Without the Word of God, which commands the condition of baptism, it would be an empty exercise of getting