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Salvation for the Remission of Sins is by
Faith
by J. C. McQuiddy
It will not be denied that the doctrine of baptism "for the remission of sins" is a Bible doctrine and is very clearly taught in the New Testament (Acts 2:38). It is impossible to use language that more clearly teaches that baptism is unto the remission of sins than does the New Testament….
In the light of so many scriptures which teach forcefully and unequivocally the doctrine of baptism unto the remission of sins (1 Pet. 3:21, Acts 22:16, Col. 2:12, Mk. 16:16), it is very puzzling to understand why so many Protestants oppose this doctrine and undertake to prove that it not true in the face of the clear and positive teaching of the word of God. This they are not able to do satisfactorily to themselves.
It is not so much that they want to oppose the word of God, but more because they desire to uphold the doctrine of “justification by faith,” and are at a loss to see how baptism can be “for the remission of sins” if “justification is by faith.” They lose sight of the truth that “baptism for the remission of sins” is “justification by faith.” There is no conflict between “justification by faith” and “baptism for the remission of sins.” As the key fits into the lock, so “baptism for the remission of sins” fits into “justification by faith.” But some, losing sight of the fact that baptism is not a work of righteousness (Tit. 3:5), classify it as a work of righteousness, and on that ground deny that it has any part in the plan of salvation, since we are not saved by works of righteousness. There can be no justification by law…. Salvation is not of the works of the law, but of faith in Christ Jesus: “For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace…” (Rom. 4:16.)
Faith is a work of the mind. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29.) It is not a work of merit. It simply appropriates the salvation that grace provides and offers. It is in no sense a work of righteousness. While baptism saves us, it is in no sense a work of righteousness. Baptism is faith actualized; it is the expression of faith. The faith that justifies expresses itself in baptism. Hence, baptism for remission of sins is justification by faith.
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