This expression, with an obvious military origin, is often used in everyday life to express an absolute willingness to make a strong defense and hold a position (in a particular argument), with no intent to ever consider compromising or backing down (even if presented with information that makes one’s position indefensible). It is being unmovably committed.
In a surprising and very unfortunate conversation a while ago, someone used that expression about the particular position that they held. I am not writing this for that person’s benefit but for yours.
In the conversation we were having, one of the main topics of discussion was the relationship of baptism to one’s salvation from sin. The individual with whom I was conversing was adamant that baptism, while a good and appropriate action, has no connection at all to the forgiveness of sins. What was interesting, but not unusual, is that no attempt was made in their responses to ever answer the verses in the New Testament that clearly connect baptism with being “saved” from sins (Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21), obtaining “the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38), washing “away” sins (Acts 22:16), getting “into Christ” (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27) and “into His kingdom” (John 3:5). Their position was that salvation occurs at faith and baptism is not essential.
When it was apparent that the truth was not moving this person, I asked the individual a question that I have asked many others over the years. It is not designed as a “gotcha” question, but as an eye-opening, finally-make-the-connection question. Question: “Which one of these statements do you believe is correct? (1) The Bible teaches that baptism does not save us. (2) The Bible teaches that baptism does now save us.”
Here is the answer that I received: “I will answer your question with #1, that baptism does not save, and I will die on that hill. We will all find out at the judgment.”
Here’s the problem. In 1 Peter 3:21, God says plainly, “Baptism does now save us.” This person dismissed that Bible teaching and answered, “Baptism does not save us.” In a daring response, the individual picked a manmade doctrine over a God-given doctrine, and did not just pick it, but laid down the “I will die on that hill” pledge.
Friends, the Bible says plainly that we are saved through faith (Eph. 2:8) and plainly that baptism saves (1 Pet. 3:21). Those statements are not contradictory, nor are they designed for individuals to take sides. “The sum of [God’s] word is truth” (Psa. 119:160), which means BOTH are truth—faith PLUS baptism saves (Mark 16:16). God expects us to obey the sum of His word before we die and before judgment.