As we have already mentioned, the term “salvation” is a comprehensive one. It describes the entire package of reconciliation between man and God, the whole process from justification to glorification. The Greek word, you recall, included restoration of the whole person and every form of deliverance from sin and its effects. In the past few lessons, we have gone into detail regarding water baptism as a deliverance or cutting off of the power of original sin, the “old man.” This circumcision is an essential part of salvation, but it is by no means the whole package. All through the New Testament we find that initiation into Christ required four basic experiences with the risen Christ: repentance from dead works, faith toward God, water baptism, and receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. These are all closely related. Together they form a basis for the ongoing process of salvation in each believer.
Water baptism results in a good, clean conscience toward God.
Our identification with Christ through the obedience of faith in water baptism allows us to be released both from the continued source of sin and from constant condemnation. We know we have buried it to walk in newness of life in Christ. We know we have come in through the door, into Christ our ark of safety.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth, also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21).
Faith for salvation always expresses itself in commitment through obedience.
It is never enough merely to say that we believe; we must act upon that faith. The gospel is not only to be believed but obeyed. It is, remember, the offer of a new kingdom. We enter this kingdom by submitting to the king himself; by doing what He requires us to do. One of the requirements Jesus stipulated was baptism.
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know notGod, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:16).