How Baptism Saves You

Baptism does not save you…well, actually it does.

Following the Reformation, a sect known as the Anabaptists were deeply committed to separating themselves, as far as possible, from Roman Catholicism. Most of the other Reformation sects felt these people went too far.

For 500 years now baptism has remained an issue of debate in Protestantism. All agree that Roman Catholicism’s belief in water baptismal regeneration is wrong; but while the meaning and mode of baptism has dominated the discussion, it has done so sometimes to the neglect of one point.

Baptismal regeneration is true, if we are talking about the internal work of the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11; Acts 2:38; 10:45; 11:16).

When God decides to convert someone, He sends a Gospel preacher, who calls that chosen person to Himself. While many hear the Gospel call (Mt 24:14; Mk 16:15), only those who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit actually come (Mt 11:28; Jn 3:1–8; Eph 2:5; Col 2:13; 1 Pet 1:3). It is an irresistible grace that brings repentance and gives faith to the called (Acts 5:31; 11:18; Rom 12:3; Gal 3:22; 5:22; Eph 2:8–9; Phil 1:29; Heb 12:2).

This baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs in every born again believer because this internal baptism is what it means to be born again of the Spirit (Jn 3:1–8; 1 Pet 1:3).

The external sign of water baptism only points to this work of the Spirit. Thus, water baptism does not save anyone. It illumines the internal reality of God’s gracious work of taking up permanent abode in the soul of His elect, called, adopted child, made spiritually alive through baptismal regeneration. That is how one is saved by baptism.

David Norczyk

Wallace, Idaho

February 6, 2022