Yes. The New Testament places baptism with faith and repentance in coming to Christ: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16; see also Acts 2:38).
What the New Testament Says
Peter told believers, “Repent and be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Ananias told Saul, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Peter later wrote, “Baptism…now saves you”—not by washing the body, but as an appeal to God through Christ’s resurrection (1 Peter 3:21).
Isn’t this Salvation by Works?
No. Salvation is God’s gift, “by grace…through faith,” not something earned by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is not a human achievement; it is trusting submission to God, who saves “according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5; Colossians 2:12).
What Baptism Actually Pictures
In baptism, believers are united with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection so they may “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3–4). It is faith in God’s work, not confidence in water itself (Colossians 2:12).
Where Baptism Fits in the Whole Picture
The New Testament response to the gospel includes hearing (Romans 10:17), believing (John 3:16), repenting (Acts 2:38), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9–10), and being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Baptism apart from faith and repentance is empty; biblical faith obeys Christ (Hebrews 5:9).
Keep Studying
Read Acts and note how people responded when they believed the gospel (Acts 2:37–41; 8:12, 35–39; 16:30–34; 18:8; 22:16). Test every teaching by Scripture (Acts 17:11).
Come See for Yourself
Want to study these passages? Visit the Temple Terrace church of Christ. We will open the Bible with you and let Scripture answer the question.
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When we meet:
- Sunday: Worship 9:00 am · Bible Class 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:00 pm