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Some hold to the teaching and belief that one must be baptized in order to be saved. This is not seen as a mere step of obedience, but rather that baptism is essential for salvation. Here it will be called, "baptismal regeneration." Is this teaching found in the Bible?

First, we should ask a basic question when it comes to salvation, "Are we saved by our works, or by grace alone?" The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation can only come by grace through faith; no works on the part of the individual can help save someone.

Titus 3:4-7- "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Ephesians 2:8-9- "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."

Romans 11:5-6- "So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."

John 6:28-29- "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

Even if baptism is just one work, it is still a work that people engage in; it is something that is being added to faith. When one is baptized, one must leave from where they are, go to a certain place and there go through the act of baptism (which includes doing certain things and speaking certain words). More than that, at least one other person has to go there and perform the ceremony. If this is all solely the work of God, then why do at least two people need to physically go somewhere and do these things? In contrast, since true salvation only comes through grace, one can be saved at any time, anywhere.

If Christ paid the full price for our sins (which He did, see John 19:30; Hebrews 7:25), then why do we need to be baptized in order to be saved? Was not Christ's death on the cross and bodily resurrection enough? As with good works in general, this doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with baptism, for Jesus commanded all believers to be baptized, "...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." (Matthew 28.19). The problem is when one tries

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