| I Am Humbly Extending A Request To The Middletown Bible Church To Have A Public Discussion On This Very Subject. My Informatioin Is Below. Tony Edwards 511 Chapel Creek Ct Fultondale, Al 35068 tony_edwards23@yahoo.com 205-902-3304 |
| Church of Christ at Oakridge "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38 |
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Hello! We want to welcome you to our website. It is our prayer that it will be a blessing to
you spiritually.
We believe that learning more about God and worshiping the God, who has done so
much for each one of us, are the greatest things anyone can do to bless their life and
family. On behalf of all the members here in the Oakridge community, we invite you to
worship the Lord with us. Visitors are always welcome at all of our assemblies. When you
visit us, you'll find people from different backgrounds who have been brought together on
common ground through Jesus Christ.
May the Lord Bless You!
you spiritually.
We believe that learning more about God and worshiping the God, who has done so
much for each one of us, are the greatest things anyone can do to bless their life and
family. On behalf of all the members here in the Oakridge community, we invite you to
worship the Lord with us. Visitors are always welcome at all of our assemblies. When you
visit us, you'll find people from different backgrounds who have been brought together on
common ground through Jesus Christ.
May the Lord Bless You!
Copyright 2009 Oakridge Church of Christ
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Salvation: It's Free
God’s gift of Salvation is
the most precious thing
ever offered to mere
man. Paul said, “For
when we were still
without strength, in due
time Christ died for the
ungodly. Read Article
Homosexuality: Gene or
Choice?
As tragic as it may be,
we have come to a point
in time where men and
women wonder whether
homosexuality is
something inherited
through our genes or if
one chooses this
lifestyle. Read Article
Faithful Against All Odds
The book of Revelation
was written by the
Apostle John
supposedly around AD
96. He wrote of a vision
he received while on the
Island of Patmos, to
which he was banished
because of his testimony
about the Christ (Rev 1:
9). Read Article
The Value of Godly Fear
In our everyday lives, we
place a great amount of
value on many things.
From improving
marriage relationships,
how we raise our
children, and even
making society a better
place, the list is endless
as to what is of value to
many of us. Although
there’s nothing wrong
with value being placed
on these things, what
about “godly fear."
Read Article
God’s gift of Salvation is
the most precious thing
ever offered to mere
man. Paul said, “For
when we were still
without strength, in due
time Christ died for the
ungodly. Read Article
Homosexuality: Gene or
Choice?
As tragic as it may be,
we have come to a point
in time where men and
women wonder whether
homosexuality is
something inherited
through our genes or if
one chooses this
lifestyle. Read Article
Faithful Against All Odds
The book of Revelation
was written by the
Apostle John
supposedly around AD
96. He wrote of a vision
he received while on the
Island of Patmos, to
which he was banished
because of his testimony
about the Christ (Rev 1:
9). Read Article
The Value of Godly Fear
In our everyday lives, we
place a great amount of
value on many things.
From improving
marriage relationships,
how we raise our
children, and even
making society a better
place, the list is endless
as to what is of value to
many of us. Although
there’s nothing wrong
with value being placed
on these things, what
about “godly fear."
Read Article
| Articles of Interest by Douglas A. Edwards |
Introduction
Let me begin by saying that I regret that religious division exists. Even our Lord, before He
walked the road to Calvary, prayed for unity and oneness among His followers (John 17:20-
21). The apostle Paul also address the problem of division when he wrote to the church at
Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10). Nonetheless, when men teach things that are contrary to God’s
will we must be prepared to defend the true with all of the kindness, patience, and Christian
character that we can muster.
Such is the case with this article. I am writing in response to something that was written
about baptism. I did not by any means set out to search for something to write about. A very
concerned child of God called me and told me about their conversation with a certain
preacher on baptism. The preacher was saying that baptism was not essential to salvation.
After several correspondences between them, the preacher told them that their theology was
unsound and directed them to the Middletown Bible Church Website for any further questions
and answers.
Well, I went to the site and read the article that talked about baptism. It was an article entitled
“Does Water Baptism Save? A Biblical Refutation of Baptismal Regeneration.” This is my
response. I will list their exact words from the article and respond to each section. Their
words will begin with Middletown Church and will be in Red. My response will begin with Tony
Edwards and will be in black.
Middletown Church
1. The Bible teaches that to be saved a person must “BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS
CHRIST.”
In Acts 16:30 the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas this crucial question: “What must I do
to be saved?” What answer did these men give to this needy jailer? Did they say, “Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ and be baptized and thou shalt be saved”? If baptism is necessary for
salvation, then why is nothing said about baptism in Acts 16:31? It’s true that this man was
baptized (verse 33), and yet this does not change the fact that Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” If water baptism was a condition of salvation,
then this would have been the perfect place for Paul to have said so.
Tony Edwards
The problem with the above thinking is that it is illogical. If I used the Middletown church’s
reasoning then I would come to the conclusion that grace, mercy, Jesus’ blood, repentance,
and confession are not necessary either. Did Paul and Silas say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ and His grace, mercy, blood, repent, and confess?” If grace mercy, Jesus’ blood,
repentance, and confession are necessary for salvation, then why is nothing said about them
in Acts 16:31?
The truth of the matter is this. Many times the apostles used one concept to stand for other
parts. In Biblical language this is called a Synecdoche. A synecdoche is a figure of speech in
which a part is used to represent the whole, the whole for a part, the specific for the general,
the general for the specific, or the material for the thing made from it. For instance, when a
farmer says that he has one “head” of cattle, he does not mean that all he has are heads and
no body. The term head represents the whole of the cattle. Also, when a captain on a ship
says “all hands of deck,” he does not mean that he only wants hands and no bodies. No, all
hands on deck is representative of the whole person.
In Acts 16:31, the reason Paul did not have to mention anything but faith is because the word
faith represents everything else required by the Lord. How else do we explain the soldier’s
repentance and baptism mentioned in verse 33. The fact that the soldier repented and was
baptized implies that Paul conveyed that part of the gospel to him.
Another example of the Bible’s use of belief representing baptism is found in Acts 19:1-4.
Paul came to Ephesus and found some disciples. The question that he asked them was,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (2)
They responded by telling Paul they had not even heard of the Holy Ghost. Now watch what
kind of question the apostle follows up with:
“Into what then were you baptized?” (3)
Notice how Paul connected faith with baptism. The apostle knew that receiving the Holy Spirit
came with believing and baptism (Acts 2:38), yet he did not mention baptism when he
mentioned belief the first time. When Paul realized their faith in the Holy Spirit was misplace,
he automatically assumed the purpose of their baptism was misplaced as well because the
two go hand in hand (Mark 16:16).
Middletown Church
2. The Bible teaches throughout the New Testament that FAITH and FAITH ALONE is
necessary for salvation.
I would urge you to read carefully and prayerfully the following verses of Scripture:
John 1:12-13
John 3:15
John 3:16
John 3:18
John 3:36
John 5:24
John 6:35
John 6:40
John 6:47
John 7:38-39
John 11:25-26
John 20:31
In all of these passages FAITH is mentioned as being essential for salvation. In none of these
passages is water baptism mentioned. If baptism is a necessary part or an essential part of
salvation, then why is nothing said about baptism in these passages? If a man must be
baptized to be saved, then why do all these verses fail to say so? For example, in Acts 10:43
why didn’t Peter say, “whosoever believeth in Him and is baptized shall receive remission
(forgiveness) of sins”?
Tony Edwards
FAITH and FAITH ALONE is necessary for salvation. Yet, in three of the verses they listed in
FAITH and FAITH ALONE is necessary for salvation. Yet, in three of the verses they listed in
their chart mention three other requirements that are essential to salvation. In Acts 20:21,
repentance is mentioned. In Romans 10:9, confession is mentioned. And in Ephesians 2:8-9,
grace is mentioned.
grace is mentioned.
Are we to assume that since the Middletown church says FAITH and FAITH ALONE that they
are excluding repentance, confession, and grace. However, if they do believe that
repentance, confession, and grace are necessary for salvation, then this would by no means
be FAITH and FAITH ALONE.
Lastly, it is interesting that the word ALONE and ONLY are mentioned in the same chapter in
the NEW TESTAMENT that the Middletown church claims to follow. That book is James and
pay close attention to what James says,
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (2:17)
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (2:24)
Enough said!
Middletown Church
3. EPHESIANS 2:8-9 is a passage which God has given to answer this key question: HOW
IS A PERSON SAVED? This important doctrinal verse says nothing about water baptism.
How is a person saved? “For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH, and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Why is there no
mention made of baptism? Why didn’t Paul say, “For by grace are ye saved THROUGH
FAITH AND BAPTISM . . .”?
Tony Edwards
It is amazing that the Middletown church can not see its own inconsistencies. In Ephesians 2:
8-9, Paul also does not mention Jesus’ blood; nor does he mention repentance. Now, is the
Middletown church telling everyone that they don’t have to repent? Are they telling everyone
that they don’t have to confess Christ? Is Middletown telling everyone that the church is not
essential? What about the Holy Spirit; is it not essential? If the Middletown church has come
to the conclusion that the only thing essential to salvation are only the things mentioned in
this verse, then you have excluded everything I previously mentioned.
Middletown Church
4. Water baptism is a WORK (something that man does to please God), and yet the Bible
teaches again and again that a person is not saved by works.
Here are some examples:
Titus 3:5—“Not by WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS which WE HAVE DONE, but according
to His mercy He saved us.”
2 Timothy 1:9—“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, NOT ACCORDING
TO OUR WORKS.”
Ephesians 2:8-9—“For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH and that not of yourselves, it
is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 3:28—“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith WITHOUT THE
DEEDS OF THE LAW.”
Romans 4:5—“But to him that WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH on him that justifieth the
ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
In other words, salvation is not DOING something; it is KNOWING someone (John 17:3).
Salvation is not based on what we might do; it is based on what Christ has ALREADY DONE
(John 19:30). Salvation is not TRYING; it is TRUSTING (John 6:47). If salvation could be
earned by anything we do, then Christ’s death was a waste (Galatians 2:21). Salvation is not
WORKING; it is RESTING on the WORK of Another (Romans 4:5). Good works are not what
a man DOES in order to be SAVED; good works are what a SAVED MAN DOES (Ephesians
2:8-10; Titus 3:5-8). God’s holiness utterly condemns the best man (Romans 3:10-23); God’s
grace freely justifies the worst (1 Timothy 1:15)!
Tony Edwards
In John 6:28, Jesus’ followers asked Him,
“What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus responded to them by saying,
“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
If the Middletown church believes that you cannot be saved by works, then they must admit
that you cannot be saved by faith because our Lord said that faith was a work. What a
dilemma!
What the Middletown church fails to realize is that there are three kinds of works discussed
in the Bible. Those three kinds of works are 1)The works of men, 2)The works of God and 3)
The works of the Law of Moses.
What the Bible condemns is man crediting himself for salvation because of what he does
rather than giving credit to God for what Jesus has done (Ephesian 2:8-10). The Bible does
not’t condemn works. James said,
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (2:24)
Anything that God commands us to do is a work of God and not man. That’s why Jesus told
His disciples that faith was a work of God (John 6:28). When God commands something and
we respond in faith by doing what He commanded, we are then working the work of God;
yes, this includes repentance, confession, and baptism.
(The next section is a little longer. So I will insert my response when I think it is
needed. I will not list all of the verses they mention to keep from repeating myself.
Many of their arguments are the same. To view the others verses visit their web
address at the top of this page.)
Middletown Church
5. The key question is this: When is a person saved? Is a person saved at the moment he
believes on the Lord Jesus Christ or is a person saved the moment he is baptized in water?
Is a person saved when he believes or is he saved when he is baptized in water (at a time
subsequent to initial faith)?
If a person is saved at the point of faith, then this means that faith alone is necessary for
salvation and that water baptism is something that is done after a person is saved. This
would also mean that the requirement for salvation is simple faith in Christ. It is not faith plus
baptism. The salvation formula would be this:
FAITH + NOTHING = SALVATION
Tony Edwards
If a person is saved at the point of faith, then this also means that nothing else matters.
FAITH + NOTHING (NOT EVEN GRACE, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION) = SALVATION
Middletown Church
If a person is saved at the point of water baptism, then this means that faith in Christ is not
enough for salvation. This means that faith in Christ is part of the requirement but it is not the
total requirement. To be saved a person must not only believe in Christ but he must also be
baptized in water. The requirement for salvation is faith plus water baptism. This would also
mean that it is possible for a person to be a believer in Christ and yet still be unsaved until he
is baptized. The person’s sins are not washed away until the water baptism takes place. The
salvation formula would thus be as follows:
FAITH + WATER BAPTISM = SALVATION
Tony Edwards
What Middletown church and many like them try to do is tell us what we believe. They spend
endless hours to try to prove that Faith is necessary and not baptism and we spend endless
hours to prove that GRACE, MERCY, JESUS’ BLOOD, FAITH, REPENTANCE,
CONFESSION, BAPTISM, AND FAITHFUL LIVING ARE NECESSARY TO SALVATION.
You tell me, who is denying the word of God.
Middletown Church
Let us now go to the Scriptures to determine whether a person is saved at the point of faith or
at the point of water baptism.
A) Acts 16:31—“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (this
statement was made in answer to the question of verse 30, “What must I do to be saved?”).
This is a conditional promise. God promises to do something if the sinner does something. If
the sinner does his part, God will do His part. So the meaning of Acts 16:31 is this: “If you
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall be saved.” Notice that nothing is said about water
baptism being a requirement for salvation. The clear implication is that if a person believes on
the Lord Jesus Christ, he will be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a key passage which tells us how
a person is saved: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Water baptism is not
mentioned. Salvation takes place at the point of faith. The gospel is “the power of God unto
salvation to all who believe” (Romans 1:16), clearly implying that all who believe are saved.
Tony Edwards
Once again, notice the inconsistency. They use Acts 16:31 to prove that FAITH ALONE
saves and then they list Ephesians 2:8-9 which says we are saved by GRACE as well. I
wonder does the Middletown church believe that we are saved by grace. Consequently, if
they believe in FAITH ALONE, thy can not believe that grace is necessary.
Middletown Church
B) 1 Corinthians 1:21—“It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe.” God saves those who believe! God would never fail to save someone who believes.
Tony Edwards
I believe that God saves those who believes. However, Jesus also said that “unless you
repent, you will perish” (Luke 13:3). Does the Middletown church believe that repentance is
necessary to salvation? Consequently, if they believe in FAITH ALONE, thy can not believe
that repentance is necessary.
Middletown Church
C) Luke 8:12—“Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest
they should believe and be saved.” The devil knows God’s simple plan of salvation! He does
not want people to BELIEVE AND BE SAVED! To foil the devil, the sinner simply needs to
believe. If he does that, he will be saved! The devil’s strategy has always been to add certain
requirements in order for man to somehow work for and earn God’s salvation. Here’s a
simple test to prove this: Ask any member of a religious cult this simple question: “What
must I do to be saved?” and then compare his answer with Paul’s answer found in Acts 16:
31. You will find that the two answers are not the same! The cultist will invariably add at least
one additional requirement.
Tony Edwards
If you were to ask me what to do to be saved, I would say just what our Lord and the apostles
said.
Jesus’ Words “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not
believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not
believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:
3)
Apostles Words “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away
your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your
heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with
the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
Remember, Jesus said keep all of His commandments not some of them (John 14:15).
Middletown Church
D) Hebrews 7:25—“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come
unto God by him.” He saves all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ. In John 6:35
we learn that COMING TO GOD is synonymous with BELIEVING ON HIM. Thus, God saves
to the uttermost all who believe (compare also John 6:37).
Tony Edwards
I guess they learned that coming to God is synonymous with believing on Him just like we
learned that believing is synonymous with baptism (Acts 19:2-3). Looks like a Synechdoche
to me.
Middletown Church
E) John 3:16; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:47; John 11:25-26 and other passages clearly
teach that those who believe on Christ HAVE eternal LIFE as a present possession
(compare also 1 John 5:12). If a person has eternal life the moment he believes on Christ,
then this person is saved. It’s unthinkable to speak of a person who has eternal life and yet
who is unsaved! All those who receive Jesus Christ by faith have received God’s free gift of
eternal life (Romans 6:23), and this free gift becomes theirs at the moment of faith, not at the
moment of water baptism.
Tony Edwards
They have not listed one verse that shows that God saves a person at the point of faith. All of
the verses they site only state the promise of salvation by faith, not a time. This does not
prove anything. Speaking of the patriarchal Abraham, James records,
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the
altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was
made perfect?” (2:21-22)
Notice, Abraham had faith but he was not justified at the moment he had faith. James says
that Abraham’s faith was not made perfect until he ACTED upon what God told him to do.
That simply means this. Abraham could have had all of the faith he wanted, but if he would
have never went up on that mountain to sacrifice his son like GOD TOLD HIM, then his faith
ALONE would not have meant anything.
And just like Abraham, if our faith is not accompanied by the other things that God has told us
like repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living, then our faith me nothing. Please
understand; our faith is made perfect when we DO like Abraham and ACT upon
EVERYTHING that God has said and not PART of what He has said.
Middletown Church
F) Acts 10:43—“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission (forgiveness) of sins.” If a person believes on Christ
and does not receive forgiveness of sins, then God is a liar! There is no such thing as a true
believer whose sins are not forgiven. Those who refuse to believe on Christ will die in their
sins (John 8:24), but those who believe in Him will not. Complete forgiveness of all my sins
becomes a reality the moment I believe on Christ, not the moment I am baptized in water. If
your sins have not been forgiven prior to being baptized in water, then you should not be
baptized (because this would mean you are an unbeliever and hence unsaved).
Tony Edwards
The Middletown church forgot to mention verse 48 of Acts 10. It probably was an honest
mistake and so I’ll put it here so you can see it:
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
Wow! After teaching Cornelius about faith, Peter COMMANDS him to be BAPTIZED. I
wonder why! Remember, Jesus said keep all of His commandments; not some of them
(John 14:15).
Middletown Church
I) In John 1:12-13 we learn that a person is born of God (is regenerated) and becomes a
child of God when he receives Jesus Christ and believes on His Name. “But as many as
received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name: which were born (regenerated), not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13). Nothing is here said about baptismal
regeneration. It does not say that water brings about this new birth, but it does say that these
wonderful things happen when a person believes on Him.
Tony Edwards
It is amazing how the same Jesus that said these people were not born of blood, flesh, or of
the will of man, also said in the same book,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
If we ONLY need faith,then we don’t need the water and Spirit and therefore Jesus did not tell
the truth.
Middletown Church
J) How does a person become adopted by the Father and entitled to all the privileges and
benefits of being God’s son? “For ye are all the children [literally “sons”] of God by faith in
Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Once again we see that simple faith in Christ is the key.
Tony Edwards
Another honest mistake; they forgot to mention a verse. Galatians 3:27 says,
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
The only reason the Galatians were children of God by faith is because they were baptized
into Christ and had put on Christ in Baptism. Undoubtedly, Paul believed what Jesus said in
Mark 16:16, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Middletown Church
K) How is a person purified and made fit for God’s kingdom? “And put no difference
between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). Notice that is does not say
that their hearts were purified by faith and water baptism. Keep in mind that some people
claim to believe in Christ when they really don’t believe in Him at all. They profess Him but
they don’t actually possess Him (1 John 5:12). Some of these false professors (mere
pretenders) are even baptized in water, but this does nothing to purify their hearts. Only true
faith in Jesus Christ can do this. The person must have his heart purified by faith before he or
she ever gets into the water, or else water baptism is nothing but a meaningless ritual.
Tony Edwards
Watch this. The word purifying in Acts 15:9 comes from the Greek word katharizo. This
same Greek term is translated as cleansed in the New Testament. Notice the verses below
that use the same word:
“That He might sanctify and cleanse [katharizo] her with the washing of water by the
word” (Ephesians 5:26, Sounds like baptism cleanses to me)
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the
living God?” (Hebrews 9:14, sounds like the Blood of Jesus cleanses to me)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, sounds like confession cleanses to me)
But if the Middletown church believes in FAITH ALONE, they can not possibly believe the
above verses.
Middletown Church
L) We have already seen that people are saved by faith and forgiven by faith and justified
by faith and regenerated by faith, and in Acts 26:18 we learn that people are also
SANCTIFIED (set apart unto God) by faith—“To open their eyes, and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).
In 1 Corinthians 6:11 we learn of those who are washed, justified and sanctified, and all of
these blessings are conditioned on simple faith in Christ. It is impossible to find a true
believer in Christ who is un-washed, un-justified and un-sanctified. Such a thought would be
Biblically absurd! But according to those who believe in baptismal regeneration, there is a
period of time, albeit short, where a person is a believer in Christ and yet is not yet saved and
not yet forgiven and not yet cleansed. In their view, this would be the time between when the
person believed in Christ and when the person was baptized in water. Remember, no one is
baptized immediately after putting faith in Christ. Some amount of time elapses between the
two events, whether it be very short or long.
Thought question: What happens if the person dies after he believes in Christ but before he
is baptized in water? If this person is safe with God and among the redeemed, then it is very
clear that it was not the water baptism that saved him. [The thief on the cross is often used
as an example of this. Here was a man who trusted Jesus Christ and had no opportunity to
be baptized in water (even though we recognize that Christian baptism did not begin
historically until the Day of Pentecost, about 53 days later). If any additional requirements for
salvation had been laid on this man, apart from simple faith in Christ, he would have been in
trouble].
Tony Edwards
Thought question: What would have happened to Abraham if his faith would not have been
made perfect according to James 2:21-22. What if Abraham would have said I have faith but I
not going to sacrifice my son and then he died. What happens to a person if he dies
BEFORE he believes in Christ? What happens to a person who has faith but is ashamed to
confess Christ and then dies without confessing Him (Matthew 10:32-33)?
What if, what if, what if. I have learned that people ask what-if questions to try to pull on the
emotional strings of the heart. This, however, can be done from any view point but it proves
absolutely nothing. Biblical interpretation is not determined by what-if situations; it is
determined by what the Bible teaches and the bible DOES NOT TEACH FAITH ALONE.
Middletown Church
P) In the early church there were legalistic false teachers who were saying, “Except ye be
circumcised, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). This teaching was strongly condemned by the
apostles and the Jerusalem council. Today there are those who teach this: “Except ye be
baptized in water, ye cannot be saved.” Should this teaching be likewise condemned?
Tony Edwards
The difference was that circumcision was a part of the Law of Moses. The apostles
condemned the binding of the Law of Moses. Why would they condemn something they not
only believed in but taught—Faith plus Baptism equals salvation. Baptism is not a part of the
Law of Moses but is a part of the Law of Christ. Jesus said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
Middletown Church
6. Is water baptism essential? The answer is both NO and YES. It is not essential for
salvation, as we have already studied. God’s single requirement for salvation is FAITH in the
Lord Jesus Christ. “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling!” On the other
hand, water baptism is essential for OBEDIENCE once a person is saved. How can we not
obey the Lord who died to save us? Water baptism is one of the first things that God tells a
believer to do after he is saved. It is Lesson Number 1 in God’s School of Obedience. It is
something that God has commanded that his believers should do (Acts 10:48; Acts 2:38;
Matthew 28:19-20). We should gladly obey our Lord and not be ashamed to publicly identify
ourselves with Jesus Christ our Saviour and with other believers who love and honor Him.
Tony Edwards
After I answer this statement, I will proceed no further because this statement show the
absurdity and confusion in what many teach concerning FAITH ALONE. Notice, they say that
baptism “Is” and “Is Not” essential. How confused can you get. They say that baptism is
NOT essential to salvation but it IS essential to OBEDIENCE. Well!!! I believe it was God,
through the writer of Hebrews, that said,
“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And
having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”
(5:8-9)
This verse unequivocally links SALVATION with OBEDIENCE. How can baptism be essential
to obedience but not to salvation when salvation and obedience are interconnected? If
baptism is essential to obedience, then it is essential to salvation.
Tony Edwards’ Conclusion
I have always wondered what so many people have against baptism. Out of all of the things
that Jesus commanded, baptism is the only thing that people seek to prove nonessential.
While they spin their wheels harping on phrases like “Church of Christ Theology” their efforts
still fall short of proving what they are saying.
The truth of the matter is this. To be saved you must do everything our Lord said to do. This
includes:
• Understanding God’s Grace and Mercy (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
• Having Faith In Jesus and His Blood (John 8:24; 1 John 1:7)
• Repenting of Sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30-31)
• Confessing Christ (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10)
• Being Baptized So that Your Sins Can Be WASHED AWAY (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38;
22:16; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)
I close with the words of our Lord,
“Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who
does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
“But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Let’s live our lives doing ALL OF THE WILL OF GOD and not SOME OF HIS WILL.
Let me begin by saying that I regret that religious division exists. Even our Lord, before He
walked the road to Calvary, prayed for unity and oneness among His followers (John 17:20-
21). The apostle Paul also address the problem of division when he wrote to the church at
Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10). Nonetheless, when men teach things that are contrary to God’s
will we must be prepared to defend the true with all of the kindness, patience, and Christian
character that we can muster.
Such is the case with this article. I am writing in response to something that was written
about baptism. I did not by any means set out to search for something to write about. A very
concerned child of God called me and told me about their conversation with a certain
preacher on baptism. The preacher was saying that baptism was not essential to salvation.
After several correspondences between them, the preacher told them that their theology was
unsound and directed them to the Middletown Bible Church Website for any further questions
and answers.
Well, I went to the site and read the article that talked about baptism. It was an article entitled
“Does Water Baptism Save? A Biblical Refutation of Baptismal Regeneration.” This is my
response. I will list their exact words from the article and respond to each section. Their
words will begin with Middletown Church and will be in Red. My response will begin with Tony
Edwards and will be in black.
Middletown Church
1. The Bible teaches that to be saved a person must “BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS
CHRIST.”
In Acts 16:30 the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas this crucial question: “What must I do
to be saved?” What answer did these men give to this needy jailer? Did they say, “Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ and be baptized and thou shalt be saved”? If baptism is necessary for
salvation, then why is nothing said about baptism in Acts 16:31? It’s true that this man was
baptized (verse 33), and yet this does not change the fact that Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” If water baptism was a condition of salvation,
then this would have been the perfect place for Paul to have said so.
Tony Edwards
The problem with the above thinking is that it is illogical. If I used the Middletown church’s
reasoning then I would come to the conclusion that grace, mercy, Jesus’ blood, repentance,
and confession are not necessary either. Did Paul and Silas say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ and His grace, mercy, blood, repent, and confess?” If grace mercy, Jesus’ blood,
repentance, and confession are necessary for salvation, then why is nothing said about them
in Acts 16:31?
The truth of the matter is this. Many times the apostles used one concept to stand for other
parts. In Biblical language this is called a Synecdoche. A synecdoche is a figure of speech in
which a part is used to represent the whole, the whole for a part, the specific for the general,
the general for the specific, or the material for the thing made from it. For instance, when a
farmer says that he has one “head” of cattle, he does not mean that all he has are heads and
no body. The term head represents the whole of the cattle. Also, when a captain on a ship
says “all hands of deck,” he does not mean that he only wants hands and no bodies. No, all
hands on deck is representative of the whole person.
In Acts 16:31, the reason Paul did not have to mention anything but faith is because the word
faith represents everything else required by the Lord. How else do we explain the soldier’s
repentance and baptism mentioned in verse 33. The fact that the soldier repented and was
baptized implies that Paul conveyed that part of the gospel to him.
Another example of the Bible’s use of belief representing baptism is found in Acts 19:1-4.
Paul came to Ephesus and found some disciples. The question that he asked them was,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (2)
They responded by telling Paul they had not even heard of the Holy Ghost. Now watch what
kind of question the apostle follows up with:
“Into what then were you baptized?” (3)
Notice how Paul connected faith with baptism. The apostle knew that receiving the Holy Spirit
came with believing and baptism (Acts 2:38), yet he did not mention baptism when he
mentioned belief the first time. When Paul realized their faith in the Holy Spirit was misplace,
he automatically assumed the purpose of their baptism was misplaced as well because the
two go hand in hand (Mark 16:16).
Middletown Church
2. The Bible teaches throughout the New Testament that FAITH and FAITH ALONE is
necessary for salvation.
I would urge you to read carefully and prayerfully the following verses of Scripture:
John 1:12-13
John 3:15
John 3:16
John 3:18
John 3:36
John 5:24
John 6:35
John 6:40
John 6:47
John 7:38-39
John 11:25-26
John 20:31
In all of these passages FAITH is mentioned as being essential for salvation. In none of these
passages is water baptism mentioned. If baptism is a necessary part or an essential part of
salvation, then why is nothing said about baptism in these passages? If a man must be
baptized to be saved, then why do all these verses fail to say so? For example, in Acts 10:43
why didn’t Peter say, “whosoever believeth in Him and is baptized shall receive remission
(forgiveness) of sins”?
Tony Edwards
FAITH and FAITH ALONE is necessary for salvation. Yet, in three of the verses they listed in
FAITH and FAITH ALONE is necessary for salvation. Yet, in three of the verses they listed in
their chart mention three other requirements that are essential to salvation. In Acts 20:21,
repentance is mentioned. In Romans 10:9, confession is mentioned. And in Ephesians 2:8-9,
grace is mentioned.
grace is mentioned.
Are we to assume that since the Middletown church says FAITH and FAITH ALONE that they
are excluding repentance, confession, and grace. However, if they do believe that
repentance, confession, and grace are necessary for salvation, then this would by no means
be FAITH and FAITH ALONE.
Lastly, it is interesting that the word ALONE and ONLY are mentioned in the same chapter in
the NEW TESTAMENT that the Middletown church claims to follow. That book is James and
pay close attention to what James says,
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (2:17)
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (2:24)
Enough said!
Middletown Church
3. EPHESIANS 2:8-9 is a passage which God has given to answer this key question: HOW
IS A PERSON SAVED? This important doctrinal verse says nothing about water baptism.
How is a person saved? “For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH, and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Why is there no
mention made of baptism? Why didn’t Paul say, “For by grace are ye saved THROUGH
FAITH AND BAPTISM . . .”?
Tony Edwards
It is amazing that the Middletown church can not see its own inconsistencies. In Ephesians 2:
8-9, Paul also does not mention Jesus’ blood; nor does he mention repentance. Now, is the
Middletown church telling everyone that they don’t have to repent? Are they telling everyone
that they don’t have to confess Christ? Is Middletown telling everyone that the church is not
essential? What about the Holy Spirit; is it not essential? If the Middletown church has come
to the conclusion that the only thing essential to salvation are only the things mentioned in
this verse, then you have excluded everything I previously mentioned.
Middletown Church
4. Water baptism is a WORK (something that man does to please God), and yet the Bible
teaches again and again that a person is not saved by works.
Here are some examples:
Titus 3:5—“Not by WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS which WE HAVE DONE, but according
to His mercy He saved us.”
2 Timothy 1:9—“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, NOT ACCORDING
TO OUR WORKS.”
Ephesians 2:8-9—“For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH and that not of yourselves, it
is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 3:28—“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith WITHOUT THE
DEEDS OF THE LAW.”
Romans 4:5—“But to him that WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH on him that justifieth the
ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
In other words, salvation is not DOING something; it is KNOWING someone (John 17:3).
Salvation is not based on what we might do; it is based on what Christ has ALREADY DONE
(John 19:30). Salvation is not TRYING; it is TRUSTING (John 6:47). If salvation could be
earned by anything we do, then Christ’s death was a waste (Galatians 2:21). Salvation is not
WORKING; it is RESTING on the WORK of Another (Romans 4:5). Good works are not what
a man DOES in order to be SAVED; good works are what a SAVED MAN DOES (Ephesians
2:8-10; Titus 3:5-8). God’s holiness utterly condemns the best man (Romans 3:10-23); God’s
grace freely justifies the worst (1 Timothy 1:15)!
Tony Edwards
In John 6:28, Jesus’ followers asked Him,
“What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus responded to them by saying,
“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
If the Middletown church believes that you cannot be saved by works, then they must admit
that you cannot be saved by faith because our Lord said that faith was a work. What a
dilemma!
What the Middletown church fails to realize is that there are three kinds of works discussed
in the Bible. Those three kinds of works are 1)The works of men, 2)The works of God and 3)
The works of the Law of Moses.
What the Bible condemns is man crediting himself for salvation because of what he does
rather than giving credit to God for what Jesus has done (Ephesian 2:8-10). The Bible does
not’t condemn works. James said,
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (2:24)
Anything that God commands us to do is a work of God and not man. That’s why Jesus told
His disciples that faith was a work of God (John 6:28). When God commands something and
we respond in faith by doing what He commanded, we are then working the work of God;
yes, this includes repentance, confession, and baptism.
(The next section is a little longer. So I will insert my response when I think it is
needed. I will not list all of the verses they mention to keep from repeating myself.
Many of their arguments are the same. To view the others verses visit their web
address at the top of this page.)
Middletown Church
5. The key question is this: When is a person saved? Is a person saved at the moment he
believes on the Lord Jesus Christ or is a person saved the moment he is baptized in water?
Is a person saved when he believes or is he saved when he is baptized in water (at a time
subsequent to initial faith)?
If a person is saved at the point of faith, then this means that faith alone is necessary for
salvation and that water baptism is something that is done after a person is saved. This
would also mean that the requirement for salvation is simple faith in Christ. It is not faith plus
baptism. The salvation formula would be this:
FAITH + NOTHING = SALVATION
Tony Edwards
If a person is saved at the point of faith, then this also means that nothing else matters.
FAITH + NOTHING (NOT EVEN GRACE, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION) = SALVATION
Middletown Church
If a person is saved at the point of water baptism, then this means that faith in Christ is not
enough for salvation. This means that faith in Christ is part of the requirement but it is not the
total requirement. To be saved a person must not only believe in Christ but he must also be
baptized in water. The requirement for salvation is faith plus water baptism. This would also
mean that it is possible for a person to be a believer in Christ and yet still be unsaved until he
is baptized. The person’s sins are not washed away until the water baptism takes place. The
salvation formula would thus be as follows:
FAITH + WATER BAPTISM = SALVATION
Tony Edwards
What Middletown church and many like them try to do is tell us what we believe. They spend
endless hours to try to prove that Faith is necessary and not baptism and we spend endless
hours to prove that GRACE, MERCY, JESUS’ BLOOD, FAITH, REPENTANCE,
CONFESSION, BAPTISM, AND FAITHFUL LIVING ARE NECESSARY TO SALVATION.
You tell me, who is denying the word of God.
Middletown Church
Let us now go to the Scriptures to determine whether a person is saved at the point of faith or
at the point of water baptism.
A) Acts 16:31—“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (this
statement was made in answer to the question of verse 30, “What must I do to be saved?”).
This is a conditional promise. God promises to do something if the sinner does something. If
the sinner does his part, God will do His part. So the meaning of Acts 16:31 is this: “If you
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall be saved.” Notice that nothing is said about water
baptism being a requirement for salvation. The clear implication is that if a person believes on
the Lord Jesus Christ, he will be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a key passage which tells us how
a person is saved: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Water baptism is not
mentioned. Salvation takes place at the point of faith. The gospel is “the power of God unto
salvation to all who believe” (Romans 1:16), clearly implying that all who believe are saved.
Tony Edwards
Once again, notice the inconsistency. They use Acts 16:31 to prove that FAITH ALONE
saves and then they list Ephesians 2:8-9 which says we are saved by GRACE as well. I
wonder does the Middletown church believe that we are saved by grace. Consequently, if
they believe in FAITH ALONE, thy can not believe that grace is necessary.
Middletown Church
B) 1 Corinthians 1:21—“It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe.” God saves those who believe! God would never fail to save someone who believes.
Tony Edwards
I believe that God saves those who believes. However, Jesus also said that “unless you
repent, you will perish” (Luke 13:3). Does the Middletown church believe that repentance is
necessary to salvation? Consequently, if they believe in FAITH ALONE, thy can not believe
that repentance is necessary.
Middletown Church
C) Luke 8:12—“Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest
they should believe and be saved.” The devil knows God’s simple plan of salvation! He does
not want people to BELIEVE AND BE SAVED! To foil the devil, the sinner simply needs to
believe. If he does that, he will be saved! The devil’s strategy has always been to add certain
requirements in order for man to somehow work for and earn God’s salvation. Here’s a
simple test to prove this: Ask any member of a religious cult this simple question: “What
must I do to be saved?” and then compare his answer with Paul’s answer found in Acts 16:
31. You will find that the two answers are not the same! The cultist will invariably add at least
one additional requirement.
Tony Edwards
If you were to ask me what to do to be saved, I would say just what our Lord and the apostles
said.
Jesus’ Words “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not
believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not
believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:
3)
Apostles Words “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away
your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your
heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with
the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
Remember, Jesus said keep all of His commandments not some of them (John 14:15).
Middletown Church
D) Hebrews 7:25—“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come
unto God by him.” He saves all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ. In John 6:35
we learn that COMING TO GOD is synonymous with BELIEVING ON HIM. Thus, God saves
to the uttermost all who believe (compare also John 6:37).
Tony Edwards
I guess they learned that coming to God is synonymous with believing on Him just like we
learned that believing is synonymous with baptism (Acts 19:2-3). Looks like a Synechdoche
to me.
Middletown Church
E) John 3:16; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:47; John 11:25-26 and other passages clearly
teach that those who believe on Christ HAVE eternal LIFE as a present possession
(compare also 1 John 5:12). If a person has eternal life the moment he believes on Christ,
then this person is saved. It’s unthinkable to speak of a person who has eternal life and yet
who is unsaved! All those who receive Jesus Christ by faith have received God’s free gift of
eternal life (Romans 6:23), and this free gift becomes theirs at the moment of faith, not at the
moment of water baptism.
Tony Edwards
They have not listed one verse that shows that God saves a person at the point of faith. All of
the verses they site only state the promise of salvation by faith, not a time. This does not
prove anything. Speaking of the patriarchal Abraham, James records,
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the
altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was
made perfect?” (2:21-22)
Notice, Abraham had faith but he was not justified at the moment he had faith. James says
that Abraham’s faith was not made perfect until he ACTED upon what God told him to do.
That simply means this. Abraham could have had all of the faith he wanted, but if he would
have never went up on that mountain to sacrifice his son like GOD TOLD HIM, then his faith
ALONE would not have meant anything.
And just like Abraham, if our faith is not accompanied by the other things that God has told us
like repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living, then our faith me nothing. Please
understand; our faith is made perfect when we DO like Abraham and ACT upon
EVERYTHING that God has said and not PART of what He has said.
Middletown Church
F) Acts 10:43—“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission (forgiveness) of sins.” If a person believes on Christ
and does not receive forgiveness of sins, then God is a liar! There is no such thing as a true
believer whose sins are not forgiven. Those who refuse to believe on Christ will die in their
sins (John 8:24), but those who believe in Him will not. Complete forgiveness of all my sins
becomes a reality the moment I believe on Christ, not the moment I am baptized in water. If
your sins have not been forgiven prior to being baptized in water, then you should not be
baptized (because this would mean you are an unbeliever and hence unsaved).
Tony Edwards
The Middletown church forgot to mention verse 48 of Acts 10. It probably was an honest
mistake and so I’ll put it here so you can see it:
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
Wow! After teaching Cornelius about faith, Peter COMMANDS him to be BAPTIZED. I
wonder why! Remember, Jesus said keep all of His commandments; not some of them
(John 14:15).
Middletown Church
I) In John 1:12-13 we learn that a person is born of God (is regenerated) and becomes a
child of God when he receives Jesus Christ and believes on His Name. “But as many as
received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name: which were born (regenerated), not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13). Nothing is here said about baptismal
regeneration. It does not say that water brings about this new birth, but it does say that these
wonderful things happen when a person believes on Him.
Tony Edwards
It is amazing how the same Jesus that said these people were not born of blood, flesh, or of
the will of man, also said in the same book,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
If we ONLY need faith,then we don’t need the water and Spirit and therefore Jesus did not tell
the truth.
Middletown Church
J) How does a person become adopted by the Father and entitled to all the privileges and
benefits of being God’s son? “For ye are all the children [literally “sons”] of God by faith in
Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Once again we see that simple faith in Christ is the key.
Tony Edwards
Another honest mistake; they forgot to mention a verse. Galatians 3:27 says,
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
The only reason the Galatians were children of God by faith is because they were baptized
into Christ and had put on Christ in Baptism. Undoubtedly, Paul believed what Jesus said in
Mark 16:16, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Middletown Church
K) How is a person purified and made fit for God’s kingdom? “And put no difference
between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). Notice that is does not say
that their hearts were purified by faith and water baptism. Keep in mind that some people
claim to believe in Christ when they really don’t believe in Him at all. They profess Him but
they don’t actually possess Him (1 John 5:12). Some of these false professors (mere
pretenders) are even baptized in water, but this does nothing to purify their hearts. Only true
faith in Jesus Christ can do this. The person must have his heart purified by faith before he or
she ever gets into the water, or else water baptism is nothing but a meaningless ritual.
Tony Edwards
Watch this. The word purifying in Acts 15:9 comes from the Greek word katharizo. This
same Greek term is translated as cleansed in the New Testament. Notice the verses below
that use the same word:
“That He might sanctify and cleanse [katharizo] her with the washing of water by the
word” (Ephesians 5:26, Sounds like baptism cleanses to me)
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the
living God?” (Hebrews 9:14, sounds like the Blood of Jesus cleanses to me)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, sounds like confession cleanses to me)
But if the Middletown church believes in FAITH ALONE, they can not possibly believe the
above verses.
Middletown Church
L) We have already seen that people are saved by faith and forgiven by faith and justified
by faith and regenerated by faith, and in Acts 26:18 we learn that people are also
SANCTIFIED (set apart unto God) by faith—“To open their eyes, and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).
In 1 Corinthians 6:11 we learn of those who are washed, justified and sanctified, and all of
these blessings are conditioned on simple faith in Christ. It is impossible to find a true
believer in Christ who is un-washed, un-justified and un-sanctified. Such a thought would be
Biblically absurd! But according to those who believe in baptismal regeneration, there is a
period of time, albeit short, where a person is a believer in Christ and yet is not yet saved and
not yet forgiven and not yet cleansed. In their view, this would be the time between when the
person believed in Christ and when the person was baptized in water. Remember, no one is
baptized immediately after putting faith in Christ. Some amount of time elapses between the
two events, whether it be very short or long.
Thought question: What happens if the person dies after he believes in Christ but before he
is baptized in water? If this person is safe with God and among the redeemed, then it is very
clear that it was not the water baptism that saved him. [The thief on the cross is often used
as an example of this. Here was a man who trusted Jesus Christ and had no opportunity to
be baptized in water (even though we recognize that Christian baptism did not begin
historically until the Day of Pentecost, about 53 days later). If any additional requirements for
salvation had been laid on this man, apart from simple faith in Christ, he would have been in
trouble].
Tony Edwards
Thought question: What would have happened to Abraham if his faith would not have been
made perfect according to James 2:21-22. What if Abraham would have said I have faith but I
not going to sacrifice my son and then he died. What happens to a person if he dies
BEFORE he believes in Christ? What happens to a person who has faith but is ashamed to
confess Christ and then dies without confessing Him (Matthew 10:32-33)?
What if, what if, what if. I have learned that people ask what-if questions to try to pull on the
emotional strings of the heart. This, however, can be done from any view point but it proves
absolutely nothing. Biblical interpretation is not determined by what-if situations; it is
determined by what the Bible teaches and the bible DOES NOT TEACH FAITH ALONE.
Middletown Church
P) In the early church there were legalistic false teachers who were saying, “Except ye be
circumcised, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). This teaching was strongly condemned by the
apostles and the Jerusalem council. Today there are those who teach this: “Except ye be
baptized in water, ye cannot be saved.” Should this teaching be likewise condemned?
Tony Edwards
The difference was that circumcision was a part of the Law of Moses. The apostles
condemned the binding of the Law of Moses. Why would they condemn something they not
only believed in but taught—Faith plus Baptism equals salvation. Baptism is not a part of the
Law of Moses but is a part of the Law of Christ. Jesus said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
Middletown Church
6. Is water baptism essential? The answer is both NO and YES. It is not essential for
salvation, as we have already studied. God’s single requirement for salvation is FAITH in the
Lord Jesus Christ. “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling!” On the other
hand, water baptism is essential for OBEDIENCE once a person is saved. How can we not
obey the Lord who died to save us? Water baptism is one of the first things that God tells a
believer to do after he is saved. It is Lesson Number 1 in God’s School of Obedience. It is
something that God has commanded that his believers should do (Acts 10:48; Acts 2:38;
Matthew 28:19-20). We should gladly obey our Lord and not be ashamed to publicly identify
ourselves with Jesus Christ our Saviour and with other believers who love and honor Him.
Tony Edwards
After I answer this statement, I will proceed no further because this statement show the
absurdity and confusion in what many teach concerning FAITH ALONE. Notice, they say that
baptism “Is” and “Is Not” essential. How confused can you get. They say that baptism is
NOT essential to salvation but it IS essential to OBEDIENCE. Well!!! I believe it was God,
through the writer of Hebrews, that said,
“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And
having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”
(5:8-9)
This verse unequivocally links SALVATION with OBEDIENCE. How can baptism be essential
to obedience but not to salvation when salvation and obedience are interconnected? If
baptism is essential to obedience, then it is essential to salvation.
Tony Edwards’ Conclusion
I have always wondered what so many people have against baptism. Out of all of the things
that Jesus commanded, baptism is the only thing that people seek to prove nonessential.
While they spin their wheels harping on phrases like “Church of Christ Theology” their efforts
still fall short of proving what they are saying.
The truth of the matter is this. To be saved you must do everything our Lord said to do. This
includes:
• Understanding God’s Grace and Mercy (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
• Having Faith In Jesus and His Blood (John 8:24; 1 John 1:7)
• Repenting of Sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30-31)
• Confessing Christ (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10)
• Being Baptized So that Your Sins Can Be WASHED AWAY (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38;
22:16; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)
I close with the words of our Lord,
“Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who
does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
“But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Let’s live our lives doing ALL OF THE WILL OF GOD and not SOME OF HIS WILL.
| My Response to the Middletown Bible Church |
| (http://middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/baptsave.htm) Their Article Is Entitled “Does Water Baptism Save? A Biblical Refutation of Baptismal Regeneration” by Tony Edwards |
Acts 2:21
Acts 10:43
Acts 11:17
Acts 13:38-39
Acts 15:11
Acts 16:31
Acts 20:21
Romans 1:16
Romans 3:22
Romans 3:26
Romans 3:28
Romans 3:30
Romans 5:1
Romans 10:9
Romans 10:11
Romans 10:13
Acts 10:43
Acts 11:17
Acts 13:38-39
Acts 15:11
Acts 16:31
Acts 20:21
Romans 1:16
Romans 3:22
Romans 3:26
Romans 3:28
Romans 3:30
Romans 5:1
Romans 10:9
Romans 10:11
Romans 10:13
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Galatians 2:16
Galatians 3:2-9
Galatians 3:14
Galatians 3:24
Galatians 3:26
Ephesians 2:8-9
2 Thessalonians
2:10
2 Thessalonians
2:12
1 Timothy 4:10
2 Timothy 3:15
Titus 3:8
1 John 5:1
1 John 5:11-13
Galatians 2:16
Galatians 3:2-9
Galatians 3:14
Galatians 3:24
Galatians 3:26
Ephesians 2:8-9
2 Thessalonians
2:10
2 Thessalonians
2:12
1 Timothy 4:10
2 Timothy 3:15
Titus 3:8
1 John 5:1
1 John 5:11-13
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