Faith & Works FAQ
Question:
As to references to faith/believing without baptism, John 3:16, 17 never once mentions baptism, in fact, when speaking of becoming "sons of God," only believing on the name of Jesus is mentioned as a requirement.
Answer:
No doubt about it. John 3:16-17 says ZERO about baptism. But is that the only passage in all of scripture that addresses the matter of salvation? I expect you would believe Romans 10:10 teaches one must confess Jesus to be saved. Yet John 3:16 says ZERO about confession. I think we must take all of scripture. What does faith mean? What does one do who truly has faith? Several passages seem to indicate that baptism is part and parcel of what the faithful do in response to Jesus' grace. Note that anyone can pick ONE verse of scripture and stand on it, claiming "this and this alone" saves. Such is simply not a fair use of scripture.