Baptism: A Means of Grace, Not a Source

When we talk about sacraments—practices like baptism or the Eucharist—we’re entering into sacred spaces where our tangible lives meet the mystery of God’s grace. In some Christian traditions there are more sacraments, but across nearly all of them, baptism remains central. It’s rich in symbolism, layered in meaning, and full of history that stretches deep into both Jewish and Christian memory.

But what is baptism really?

More Than Symbol: A Thin Place for Grace

In the language of theology, we often say that sacraments are a means of grace, not a source of grace. That distinction matters.

Grace—the love of God extended toward us freely—is not something we create or control. It doesn’t originate in us. Instead, sacraments like baptism are means by which that grace becomes near, physical, and experienced. A sacrament is a liminal space—a thin place—where the boundary between divine and human grows beautifully close. Bread and cup. Water and skin. Moments when eternity reaches out and touches time.

And in those moments, we don’t just remember something sacred. We receive something sacred.

In the Water: What Happens at Baptism?

So what is happening when we are baptized?

We are making a commitment.

We are turning from sin.

We are resting in God’s welcome.

We are following the path of Jesus.

We are identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection.

And—perhaps most profoundly—we are trusting that grace will meet us somewhere in the water.

In this light, baptism is not merely a public declaration. It is an invitation into the mystery of divine presence. It’s not that grace is manufactured in the water. But the water becomes the place where we see and feel what grace is like.

But What About Salvation?

A question often arises: “Does baptism save you?” Or, “Do you have to be baptized to be saved?”

For many of us, these questions are familiar. But the truth is, Christians across the centuries have resisted thinking in such rigid categories. Most agree that baptism alone doesn’t “save” anyone. Yet almost all Christian traditions affirm that baptism is an important part of a faithful response to Jesus.

It’s a “yes” to his invitation. A step toward the way of love. A physical echo of the divine welcome already given.

How Soon Is Too Soon?

In the early church, there were varied answers to when someone should be baptized. One third-century teacher, Hippolytus, even suggested waiting three years after coming to faith! Why? Because saying “yes” to Jesus had real consequences—social, political, even legal. So the church sought to protect people from making impulsive decisions.

And yet, Scripture also offers another view.

In Acts 8, Philip meets an Ethiopian official, shares the story of Jesus, and almost immediately the man says, “Look! Here’s water. What’s stopping me from being baptized?” Nothing, Philip replies. And they go for it.

Or in Acts 16, a jailer in Philippi is so moved by the kindness of Paul and Silas that he asks about their faith. That same night, he and his entire household are baptized.

The early church, it seems, was both cautious and open-hearted. Careful with faith. And generous with grace.

A Wide Welcome

This is why, at Commons, we embrace both infant baptism and adult baptism. We trust that grace is not just something we choose—but something that often finds us through others, especially those who love us well.

Maybe you were baptized as a child and are rediscovering the beauty of that moment. Maybe you’re considering baptism for the first time as an adult. Or maybe you’re not sure what to believe about it yet.

Wherever you are, we believe this: All of it is grace.

And maybe, like all of our sacraments, a little open-handed mystery is good for us.

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Want to explore baptism at Commons?

Visit commons.church/commons-life for more information or to connect with a pastor.

You are welcome here. And so is your story.