Grace, Faith, and Baptism in Ephesians 2:8-9
Dane Felicien
There is a popular belief being taught that baptism is a work not necessary for salvation. Today, prominent religious teachers teach this doctrine everywhere. The following is from Billy Graham’s website: “Many groups believe that works are necessary to earn salvation. This belief contradicts the Bible’s assertion, ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast’ (Ephesians 2:8-9).” 1 Graham and others use Ephesians 2:8-9 to deny baptism’s necessity for salvation because, it is argued, baptism is a work. Please notice the verse affirms that “by grace you have been saved” (past tense), but saved from what? Sin! For the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), and now baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:21). “Works” and not “baptism” is the word used in the verses – so how then can the assumption be made that baptism is the work being referenced? As a proponent that the Bible teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation it is important that we determine truth from error. I will address two compelling reasons why Eph. 2:8-9 teaches “grace ... through faith” and baptism.
The first reason is that Paul spoke of his salvation by baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Paul recounts his conversion in Acts 22:7-16 beginning with what he was told by the Lord to do to be saved. The Lord messenger, Ananias, came to Paul and told him “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” This Paul did with all urgency having believed in Jesus Christ. In his conversion recollection to King Agrippa Paul recognized that salvation is only by the grace of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that causes men to turn from darkness to light, that they may receive the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 26:18). Paul also pointed out his obedience to God’s plan for salvation was essential and man needs to repent and do works befitting repentance (Acts 26:19-20). If baptism is a work and not necessary to salvation why did Paul do as he did?
Secondly, Paul consequently taught all believers including those in Ephesus that baptism is necessary for salvation. Ephesians 4:4-5 say “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” In Acts 19 Paul met some Ephesian disciples who only knew of the baptism of John. Paul however told them that they needed to believe on Jesus Christ and immediately these Ephesians were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5). Acts 19 expounds how Paul, for three months, went into the synagogues reasoning and persuading people concerning the Way of our Lord. Hence, by the time Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, they understood clearly that Paul was not referring to baptism as a work but a necessity for salvation. Therefore, what about the “works so that no one can boast” that is mentioned in Ephesians 2:9?
Paul began Ephesians chapter 2 by summoning these brethren attention to their spiritual resurrection and redemption by the work of the Lord. The emphasis henceforth is the grace of God and all the things that Divine grace has accomplished. As you read through Ephesians 2:1-18 focus on the action phrases “works,” “made alive,” “raised up together,” “made us sit together in the heavenly places,” “have been brought near,” “made both one,” “broken down,” “having abolished,” “create in Himself, “making peace,” “reconcile,” and “putting to death.” The only noun associated with these works is Jesus Christ. These works are among some of the things that not even the old law could accomplish (Romans 8:3). Ephesians 2:2-3 also reminds us of our former despised state. Was it not for God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us (Eph 2:4)? The saints at Ephesus knew of the separation that existed between Jew (the Circumcision) and Gentile (the Uncircumcision) and how only through the blood of Christ such a “work” to unite all people under God is accomplished.
To conclude then, baptism was not, is not, a work! Baptism is the grace of God that now saves us. It is the way you demonstrate your faith in God to save you as the Lord commanded (Mark 16:16). The first crowd to hear the gospel was convicted in their hearts and eager to be saved. They were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). Faith compels a response to the immeasurable grace of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 is referring to an action already done, “by grace you have been saved through faith,” that is obeying God and being baptized for the remission of your sins. There is no affirmation in Ephesians 2:8-9 and throughout the New Testament about praying to accept Jesus Christ into your heart, as advocated by many today which teach salvation by faith alone If you believe Jesus Christ is Lord and are willing to confess Him as your Savior then who should your faith compel you to obey: prominent religious teachers or the commandment of God? “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).