Baptism and Faith

Baptism is part of the faith (Romans 6:17-18; Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; 16:26) . The Bible presents both obedience (including baptism) and knowledge (knowing who Jesus is etc.) as parts of the faith. Paul praised the Thessalonians for their “work of faith” (1 Thess. 1:3). Faith demands action (James 2:24).

This is manifested in the way the word “faithful” is used. 1 Timothy 3:11, for example, says the wives of elders must be “faithful in all things.” In other words, their lives must correspond to their beliefs. They are faithful because of their faith. They would not be counted faithful without believing and obeying the truth. Faithfulness requires appropriate knowledge and appropriate actions.

So what is the relationship between faith and baptism in salvation? Are we saved immediately when we know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? Or, are we…