The Church of Christ View of Water Baptism
The Churches of Christ teach that water baptism is essential to salvation and is the precise point at which God forgives sins, imparts the Holy Spirit, and adds the believer to the church. They reject the idea that baptism is merely symbolic or a post-salvation testimony. Instead, they believe it is a God-ordained act of obedience that directly results in salvation when performed with the right understanding and motive.
Key Elements of This View:
Baptism Is Necessary for Salvation
Baptism is the moment sins are washed away (Acts 22:16) and the believer is placed “into Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
Without baptism, a person is still in their sins.
Baptism Must Follow Faith, Repentance, and Confession
One must first hear the gospel, believe it, repent of sin, and confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9–10) before baptism is valid.
Baptism Must Be by Immersion
Only full immersion in water is considered biblical (Romans 6:3–4).
Sprinkling or pouring is rejected.
Baptism Must Be for the Forgiveness of Sins
If a person is baptized believing they were already saved, the baptism is invalid. They must be re-baptized with the understanding that it is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
Salvation Can Be Lost if Faith Is Abandoned
Baptism begins salvation, but continued faithfulness is required to retain it (Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 3:14).
Refuting the Church of Christ View of Water Baptism
While the Churches of Christ rightly insist on the seriousness of baptism and the need for obedience to Christ’s commands, their teaching that baptism is the cause of salvation—and the exact point at which sins are forgiven—contradicts the full testimony of Scripture and undermines the gospel of grace.
1. The Bible Teaches Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith, Not by Works
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."
If salvation is granted at the moment of baptism, then it is partly dependent on a human work. But Paul clearly teaches that salvation is a free gift received by faith, apart from any act we perform.
2. The Thief on the Cross Was Saved Without Baptism
Luke 23:42–43 – Jesus assured the repentant thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
The thief had no opportunity for water baptism, yet was promised eternal life solely through faith in Christ. This demonstrates that baptism is not the condition of salvation.
3. Many Passages Promise Salvation by Faith Alone
John 3:16 – Whoever believes has eternal life.
Acts 16:31 – "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."
These verses contain no mention of baptism as a condition for salvation. Faith is the sole instrument by which God grants justification.
4. Baptism Is a Sign and Seal, Not the Saving Cause
Romans 4:9–11 – Abraham was justified by faith before receiving the sign of circumcision.
Likewise, baptism is the outward sign of an inward reality—it publicly identifies us with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4), but it is not the means by which we are justified.
5. Passages Linking Baptism to Salvation Must Be Read in Context
Acts 2:38 – Peter’s call to be baptized “for the forgiveness of your sins” must be understood in light of the whole New Testament, where forgiveness is repeatedly tied to repentance and faith apart from ritual (Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43). The Greek word eis (“for”) can mean “because of” or “with reference to,” not always “in order to obtain.”
1 Peter 3:21 – Peter explicitly says baptism saves “not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.”
The saving element is not the water itself, but the appeal of faith in Christ’s resurrection.
6. Requiring Baptism as a Condition of Salvation Adds to the Gospel
Galatians 1:8–9 warns against adding anything to the gospel of Christ.
Paul’s gospel was justification by faith alone in Christ alone (Romans 3:28).
Making baptism the decisive factor in salvation is a subtle form of legalism that shifts the focus from Christ’s finished work to human action.
In conclusion:
Baptism is commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19) and is a precious and powerful symbol of union with Him. It should be obeyed promptly by all believers. However, Scripture teaches that we are justified and reconciled to God the moment we believe—not the moment we are baptized. Baptism follows salvation as a testimony, not as the cause. To make baptism the point of salvation is to confuse the sign with the reality, and to obscure the sufficiency of the cross.