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Where In The Bible Will I Find...
That Salvation Comes After Baptism?

Gary Colley

September 2007


Though every religion known today commands some form of baptism to enter their fellowship, still some teach the purpose of baptism is not to save. The purpose of baptism is confused by some to mean "an outward sign of an inward grace," instead of for salvation from sin. It is clear to the right thinking Bible student that the Lord's promised salvation comes after baptism and not before. False teaching about this matter is upheld by many in denominationalism, giving to some a sense of false security. They tell us that baptism in Acts 2:38 is not "in order to," but "because of" remission of sins. Every reputable Greek scholar agrees that "eis" in Acts 2:38 means for or in order to remission of sins.

You can compare these three Scriptures for yourself:
  1. Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.."

  2. Mark 1:4, "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

  3. Matthew 26:28, "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
In each of these references the word for is rendered from the preposition "eis" which shows from the original language a statement of purpose, not one of cause. For what reasons did the murderers of Jesus render their obedience in baptism? (Acts 2:41). Why did those from Judea and Jerusalem submit to John's baptism? Their sins needed to be forgiven. They were not already forgiven, since this was the condition announced by John in order to forgiveness. Did Jesus shed His blood on Calvary's tree because sins were already forgiven, or in order that sin might be forgiven? As one man used to say, "Honor bright now!" All honest people, who do not have a theory to uphold, will agree that all of these references express a looking forward, not looking back. It was for the purpose of remitting sins, not "because of" sins already being forgiven.

The 148 Greek scholars and translators of the King James and American Standard versions were correct when they translated "eis" in the passages above to mean "for" or "unto" the remission of sins.

What was the purpose of your baptism? Were you baptized "unto" or "in order to" the remission of your sins as the Bible teaches? Or were you baptized "because of" the remission of your sins?

All will stand in the Judgment and answer for our own actions. Will we stand "saved" or "damned" in the sight of the eternal Judge? Saul was commanded, "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Have you done what Saul did?

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