IS BAPTISM JUST AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE?  BY STEVE FINNELL

The prevailing view among faith only advocates is that water baptism is just an "act of obedience" and is not a prerequisite for salvation.

Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.

It is apparent that by obeying God we receive the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God is more than just an unrewarded act.

Hebrews 5:8-9 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.

Jesus is the source of salvation to all who obey Him. What did Jesus say? He said, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved.....(Mark 16:16)

Baptism is not just an act of obedience. It is a prerequisite for salvation.

Believing in Jesus is an act of obedience, but is not just an act of obedience. Believing is essential for salvation. (John 3:16)

Repenting is an act of obedience, but it is not just an act of obedience. Repentance is essential to have your sins forgiven. (Acts 2:38)

Confession is an act of obedience, but it is not just an act of obedience. Confession is essential for salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

Water baptism is an act of obedience, but it is not just an act of obedience. Baptism is essential to the forgiveness of sins. (1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38, Titus 3:5, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:23-27, Colossians 2:12-13, Romans 6:3-7)

FAITH+OBEDIENCE SAVES.

Hebrews 11:7......became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Noah became an heir of righteousness after he obeyed God. FAITH+OBEDIENCE.

Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

The walls did not fall down by faith only, they fell down after seven days of obedience. FAITH+OBEDIENCE.

The Scriptures do NOT teach that water baptism is just an act of obedience.

THERE IS NO SCRIPTURE THAT STATES MEN ARE SAVE BY "FAITH ALONE."

(All Scriptures from:NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)