The Doctrine of Grace Versus the Doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration
Chad Johnson
July 15, 2011

"Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye 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." Ephesians 2:5, 8-9 KJV

The age old battle of salvation by grace or by grace and some other work is still going on today. I will be the first to admit that there are three or four verses, that if taken out of context, could seem to justify baptismal regeneration.

The Bible, however, must be interpreted line upon line and precept upon precept. Those who believe the doctrine of baptismal regeneration are ignorant of the Bible and are strangers to the grace of God.

The book of Romans, chapter 11, and verse 6, tells us plainly that salvation is either by grace or by works, but it cannot be by both.

This is also taught in Romans 4:1-4.

So with the help of God, I will proceed to show why salvation must be by grace and not of works, including water baptism.

Our text tells us that we are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins before we experience grace. The doctrine is also known as total depravity.

Since man is dead in sins, he is unable to do any good work to save himself. The baptismal regeneration preachers teach that salvation is by grace and water and that salvation comes at baptism. A close look at scripture shows us that a dead man cannot do anything until he has been quickened by the grace of God. Until God makes us alive, we are dead.

If baptism is essential for salvation, then a dead man would have to do be able to do something in his own power, this is impossible.

Also we must look at the word grace. Grace means the unmerited favor of God, nothing that we deserved or could do in our own selves.

If there is one thing added to grace, then it is not grace. We are saved through faith.

Saving faith includes repentance and believing. A dead sinner cannot repent unless God gives it to him. It is the gift of God.

Lastly, it is not of works, lest any man should boast. Grace produces praise to God, works produces praise to ourselves.

At this time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Amen!