Little Red Book Ministry

II. Baptism: What It Is Not
A. Water baptism is not a precondition for salvation
Some churches teach this but there is no scripture anywhere that supports this idea. In every instance in the scriptures salvation is the precondition for baptism. See for example Acts 8:36–37.

B. Water baptism is not a means of salvation
Ephesians 2:8–9 clearly states that a person is saved by grace through faith. Salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast” and baptism is clearly a ‘work’.

C. Water baptism does not wash away our sin
Revelation 1:5 and 7:14 tell us that our sins are washed away, but they are washed away by the blood of Christ rather than the waters of baptism.