Baptism Saves

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

One night, Jesus had a conversation with a man named Nicodemus. Jesus surprised this self-righteous Pharisee by telling him that he needed to be born again to enter God’s kingdom. Nicodemus was incredulous. How could he be born again? Jesus explained: “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).

What was Jesus talking about? Baptism. In his wisdom and grace, God has chosen to give his salvation to us in a surprising way. Through water and the Spirit—Baptism—God gives new life to human beings.

Baptism saves. There are a lot of Christians who deny that. They say that Baptism is just a symbol. That Baptism is just our way of committing our lives to Jesus. That would make sense, except that’s not what the Bible says. The Bible says that God “saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” How did God save us? Through Baptism. Baptism saves!

When a person is baptized, the Holy Spirit gives them new life in Christ (John 3:5-6). When a person is baptized, they receive the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). When a person is baptized, God clothes them with Jesus’ righteousness (Galatians 3:27). When a person is baptized, God washes them to make them holy (Ephesians 5:26). Yes, “he saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”!

Of course, none of this is our doing. Baptism isn’t our work. It’s the Holy Spirit’s work in us. Baptism isn’t our commitment to God. It’s God’s commitment to us. Baptism isn’t our acceptance of God. It’s God’s acceptance of us into his family. Through Baptism, God makes us his heirs. If we are God’s heirs, what will we most certainly inherit? Eternal life!

Have you been born again through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit? What a blessing! Baptism saves.

Dear Lord, in your grace you’ve decided to give your salvation to sinners through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Every day, help me to rejoice in the gifts you gave me at my Baptism. To you be the glory! Amen.

Pastor Nathan