Is Baptism a Works-Based Gospel?
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.
The debate between faith and works has been a topic of discussion within religious circles for centuries. Some argue that salvation is solely based on faith, while others emphasize the importance of works. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of a works-based gospel and its relation to salvation.
Those who claim that the gospel is works-based are not entirely incorrect. A person who is saved must take certain actions to receive salvation. These actions include hearing the Gospel, understanding it, believing it, and being born of water and the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.
However, it is crucial to understand where the credit and glory lie in this process. It is not with the individual being saved but with the Savior and the grace of God. The saved person's actions are not a means of earning salvation but rather a response to the gift of grace that has been freely given.
One passage that sheds light on this topic is Luke 17:7-10. In this parable, Jesus speaks of a slave who has been working in the field. When the slave returns from his labor, his master does not immediately invite him to recline at the table and eat. Instead, the master expects the slave to continue serving him before taking his own rest.
This parable illustrates the idea that our actions, though important, do not earn us salvation. We are called to serve and obey God, not to earn His favor but as a response to His grace. Our works are a reflection of our faith and gratitude for what God has already done for us.
It is important to note that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned through our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Our works are not the cause of our salvation but rather the fruit of it.
In conclusion, the concept of a works-based gospel is not entirely inaccurate. However, it is essential to understand that our actions do not earn us salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, and our works are a response to that grace. Let us remember that the credit and glory for our salvation belong to the Savior, not to ourselves.