Gal_3:27

Galatians 3:27
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." This is one of the 'Sugar Stick" verses used by the proponents of endorsing salvation by water baptism. All one has to do is read Chapter 3 completely, as the entire chapter is presenting "salvation by faith, alone," as contrasted to the "works of the law." Baptism is a work—defined as such—because they are trusting in that human effort of righteousness to be saved. In examining the surrounding verses, it becomes evident that Galatians 3:27 is speaking of spiritual baptism, and not water baptism. When we place our faith in Christ, we are spiritually baptized into His Body.

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 Notice that Paul used the same language in Galatians in reference to spiritual baptism as he does in 1 Corinthians...

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (i.e., the Body of Christ)." - Galatians 3:27-28

If this was water baptism that placed us into the Body of Christ in Galatians 3:27; then it would also have to be water baptism in 1 Corinthians 12:13; which it is not, as the verse clearly states! Paul would have contradicted himself in 1 Corinthians 12:27, if this is water baptism for salvation.  In 1 Corinthians 12:24, Paul said we are justified by FAITH, alone.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED BY FAITH." (See also Romans 5:1) In Galatians 3:26, Paul says we become a child of God by faith, not baptism...

"...For ye are all the children of God by FAITH in Christ Jesus." (See also John 1:12) Then in Galatians 3:29, Paul asserts that we are heirs according to God's promise—not man's baptism!

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE (not baptism)."

Since all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), then Scripture cannot contradict itself.  Paul would not have told the Ephesians they were saved "by grace through faith," and then tell the Galatians they were saved by water baptism.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 Conclusion: Galatians 3:27 is spiritual baptism, not water baptism.