Traditionally, the Churches of Christ have denied the "doctrines of grace" and "Justification by Faith Alone" that so many denominations teach. Many preachers throughout the years have said something similar to this: "Nothing in our salvation is alone." Yet, those exact same individuals might emphasize baptism more fully and regularly than grace, repentance, or faith--this is a great tragedy. A tragedy that I, myself, have been guilty of. Please understand something, I am NOT ARGUING AGAINST baptism. I am also NOT ARGUING for anything to be alone. I AM ARGUING for consistency. Christians must teach the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) and not emphasize a specific doctrine of salvation by itself or even over another.
Most members of the Lord's church are confused at how so many religious institutions teach an "alone" salvation, while almost being found guilty of the same problem with baptism. Recently, I have heard several preachers offer an invitation at the end of a sermon without mentioning faith, confession, repentance, or even steadfast faith until death. One preacher specifically asked, "Do you want to become a Christian? Be baptized for the remission of your sins and the Lord will add you to His Church today." Do you see what was missing? Nothing was said about the blood of Jesus. Accepting Jesus as Lord by belief was missing. Repenting of past mistakes was absent. If all we have to do is be immersed, we are missing vital parts of salvation that the Bibles makes emphatic.
Making any one of the steps of salvation more important than another begins to produce problems for the sinner. What happens if baptism is emphasized, but faith is minimized? One will not truly "know God" before being immersed (1 Jn. 4:7) and without faith, that person is unable to be approved by God (Heb. 11:2) even if he is baptized. Now, consider if we made Grace most important, but repentance was minimized. A sinner might understand God to be all loving and accepting of practices that are sinful. If repentance in minimized, one cannot be found in God's matchless grace (Lk. 13:3). What happens if faith were to be highlighted, while baptism is overlooked? One would not have contacted the blood of Christ which is able to take away our sins (Acts 2:38, Gal. 3:27) and would be lost eternally.
If we aren't careful, we can begin selling a form of salvation that is just as powerless and ineffective as so many others promote. Baptism alone, won't save anyone. Grace Alone, won't save anyone. Faith alone, won't save anyone. Repentance alone won't save anyone. The Bible teaches a very simple and saving truth--God is gracious, so we can have a relationship with Him (Eph. 2:8-9). Faith is able to draw us near to God and keep us in His favor (Jn. 1:12). Repentance helps us correct our past mistakes and look forward (Acts 3:19). Confession announces a recognition of Christ as savior and a desire to serve Him (Rom. 10:10). Baptism connects us with the saving power of Christs death, making us a new person (Rom. 6:1-3). If one of these things is missing, the saving power of God is annulled. God provides plan, we must obey. Obey the gospel today!