What is the relationship between faith and works in baptism?

In the context of baptism, it is crucial to understand the relationship between faith and works. Baptism is not a work that earns grace; rather, it is a public declaration of faith in Christ. According to Romans 6, we are not saved by our works but through faith in Christ's finished work on our behalf. The act of being baptized signifies a community acknowledgment of one's faith in Jesus. Genuine faith will naturally result in a life of obedience—not as a means of establishing salvation, but as a response to the salvation already received through grace. This understanding protects believers from the pitfall of relying on ritualistic elements for their standing before God.