Unfortunately, reactions to old rituals still cause many to reject baptism, including the grace-filled baptism of the New Testament. If given the chance to define “one faith,” their version might minimize baptism. How much less would they feature “one baptism” among unity’s seven pillars! As it is, the Spirit does inspire and include “one baptism.” In Ephesians, there is no contradiction between salvation “by grace … through faith” (Ephesians 2:8) and the vital place of “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5).
In Romans, justification by “faith apart from works” (Romans 3:28) is fully compatible with baptism into Christ (Romans 6:3-4). In Galatians, which contrasts faith with works, baptism is clearly on the side of faith.
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
All of us were baptized into Christ Jesus.
Here, again, is that pivotal phrase: “into Christ.” “Into” shows that before biblical baptism, we are outside Christ. If “all of us … were baptized into His death” (Romans 6:3), what of others? Without Christ’s death, who can be saved? That is why, after amazing experiences with the living Jesus, Saul still receives the command, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). Before baptism, sin’s dark stain remains on Saul. He needs spiritual cleansing. His days of fasting and calling in prayer are sincere. His faith is real. But he still needs baptism to enter Christ’s saving death. So, in faith, Saul humbly responds, and the blood of Christ’s death washes his sins away. Saul goes on to become Paul, used by the Spirit to remind Gentiles and Jews that they all are united by one baptism.