Q
Would you please explain why Jesus’ command for “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins” does not mean that baptism saves us? It is a very powerful statement. Thank you.
A
It would be a powerful statement, if Jesus had said it. But the closest thing I can find was written by Paul in Ephesians 4:4-6.
There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
He was making a plea for unity in the Church saying we’re all part of one body, united by our common faith in the same Lord as evidenced in our baptism in His name. He did not intend to say that the act of baptism saves us. It’s our faith that saves us.