I forgot to be baptized

[RedeemedGift]

So are you telling me I cannot be saved if I am not baptized with water? I'm sorry but that is not biblical.

The criminal, hanging on the cross next to Jesus, was he baptized? I don't think he could have been baptized, at least not with water. Yet Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Yes. I have never been baptised in water. At the moment of belief we are baptised by Jesus into the Holy Spirit, into His death. Paul even said he was glad he didn't baptise most of the believers in Corinth besides two of them, which would make no sense if simply getting wet had anything to do with salvation, or was a command. The Jerusalem council in Acts 15 certainly didn't bring it up either.

Can you imagine having to force an elderly person on their deathbed to be thrown under a cold pool of water after confessing their new belief in Jesus so that they can be saved? Wouldn't that make salvation partly about works, besides being completely impractical? Tough for those seeking God who are in the middle of a desert right now.

 

[Grace777x70]

Yes. I have never been baptised in water. At the moment of belief we are baptised by Jesus into the Holy Spirit, into His death. Paul even said he was glad he didn't baptise most of the believers in Corinth besides two of them, which would make no sense if simply getting wet had anything to do with salvation, or was a command. The Jerusalem council in Acts 15 certainly didn't bring it up either.

Can you imagine having to force an elderly person on their deathbed to be thrown under a cold pool of water after confessing their new belief in Jesus so that they can be saved? Wouldn't that make salvation partly about works, besides being completely impractical? Tough for those seeking God who are in the middle of a desert right now.

I agree with you 100% but I also encourage you to be water baptized as it will be a great blessing to you. It does serve a good purpose for our minds and consciences. We have died with Christ on the cross and we rose with Him to newness of life!

Water baptism is a representation of all this that has happened when we believed the gospel message of our forgiveness of sins that is in Christ as seen in the account of Peter and Cornelius.

 

[Bogadile]

I got baptized when I was born in the Lutheran church.
Later on I got baptized as an adult by immersion, around a year after I got saved.

 

[hornetguy]

So are you telling me I cannot be saved if I am not baptized with water? I'm sorry but that is not biblical.

The criminal, hanging on the cross next to Jesus, was he baptized? I don't think he could have been baptized, at least not with water. Yet Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Actually, it is more Biblical than not. Most of the scriptural stories of conversion and salvation include as a matter of fact, baptism.
There are scriptures that talk about believers that don't mention baptism, but those are usually not stories of their conversion and acceptance of salvation, they are simply mentioned in scripture as believers... their conversion and baptism had already occurred, so why mention it?

Jesus himself was baptized. The thousands at Pentecost were baptized, and added to the church, Paul's FIRST act upon regaining his sight from his dramatic conversion was to be baptized. Cornelius' family were all baptized upon conversion. The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized upon his conversion....

I suggest you read those scriptures with an open mind, and heart, and see what scripture is teaching us.... there are too many scriptural references that tell us it is necessary to simply sweep it under the rug...

The tired old "what about the thief on the cross?" question is simple... it was a "one-off" event, performed by Jesus... who is the only one authorized and able to give salvation. They could not very well climb down from the cross, go get baptized, then resume the crucifixion. It was a teaching moment of Jesus... THE exception to the rule, if you will.

 

[hornetguy]

Paul even said he was glad he didn't baptise most of the believers in Corinth besides two of them, which would make no sense if simply getting wet had anything to do with salvation, or was a command.

You missed the point of why he said that.... he never downplayed the importance of baptism. There were believers there who were arguing about who was the "better Christian" because of who had baptized them...(oh yeah? Well I was baptized by PAUL.. so THERE!) it was creating a toxic situation among all the believers. Paul simply said 'I'm glad I didn't baptize more of you, so you couldn't claim to be special because the great Paul baptized you'

 

[hornetguy]

Can you imagine having to force an elderly person on their deathbed to be thrown under a cold pool of water after confessing their new belief in Jesus so that they can be saved? Wouldn't that make salvation partly about works, besides being completely impractical? Tough for those seeking God who are in the middle of a desert right now.

actually, I got to help my father baptize my great aunt, who decided to be baptized well up into her 70's, if not early 80's... she was pretty much bedridden, but could get into a wheel chair. We took her to the YWCA, where there was a lift set up at their pool for elderly people who wanted to swim, or do water exercises. We used the lift, and lowered her into the pool, which was pretty warm as I recall, and my dad baptized her.

I mean, come on, throw someone into a cold pool of water?

 

[Nkirah]

I got baptized when I was born in the Lutheran church.
Later on I got baptized as an adult by immersion, around a year after I got saved.

The same happened to me

 

[mailmandan]

I believe the flood analogy is that the waters of the flood washed away the filth of the earth, just as baptism washes away the filth of sin.. Noah and his family were saved from sinful earth by the washing of the flood.

Water baptism has no power to literally wash away the filth of sin (not the removal of dirt from the flesh); yet the washing away of sins is signified in baptism (but not procured). I already gave thorough explanations throughout this thread.

I think scripture is pretty clear that baptism IS the appeal... we want to have a clear conscience through Jesus death and resurrection, and the act of baptism is the appeal for that. If you simply say "I want a clear conscience", that isn't enough. Scripture says that baptism IS that appeal to God for a clear conscience.

According to Bob L Ross, the genitive in the Greek text is correctly translated as the pledge of a good conscience, not for a good conscience. It is a pledge made from a good conscience. Baptism is a pledge to God made from a good conscience. - http://jesusiscreator.org/?p=122

I still firmly reject the wrongful notion that baptism is a "work".... it is an obedience to a command from God..

So no work gets done at all when someone gets water baptized? If water baptism is not a work, then what is it? Just a nothing? Jesus was baptized and said it was to "fulfill all righteousness." Water baptism is clearly a work of righteousness and we are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5).

It is no more a "work" than physically 'praying the sinner's prayer' (wherever that came from )

Water baptism is a work that follows saving faith in Christ (Acts 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:7-9) and we are saved through faith, not works. Plain and simple.

 

[DJ2]

It's not the mechanical act of getting water baptized that saves us--not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism). This continues to keep you confused.

Your attempts at distorting 1 Peter 3:21 and teaching salvation by water baptism is not working. Baptism is a work and we are not saved by works (Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Timothy 1:9). Jesus was water baptized to fulfill all righteousness, so water baptism is a work of righteousness and we are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done.. (Titus 3:5). Simple.

What did Jesus say in John 3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26? What did Peter say in Acts 10:43? What did Paul say in Acts 16:31? *What happened to baptism? Believing is clearly not a work that merits our salvation. Through believing, we are completely trusting in "Another's work," (Christ's finished work of redemption). Baptism is a work which follows saving faith in Christ and if it's necessary for salvation, that would add merit on our part to our salvation because now we are saved through Christ's finished work plus our baptism. The pledge is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism.

Jesus did not get water baptized for the same reason that we do. Baptism would have no meaning without Christ’s death, burial and resurrection but Christ’s death, burial and resurrection would still have meaning, even if there were no baptism. In other words, Christ’s death is the substance and baptism is the shadow. Without the substance there would be no shadow.

You still just don't get it.Neither do Roman Catholics or Mormons.Just as the eight people in the ark were "saved THROUGH water" as they were IN THE ARK. They were not literally saved "by" the water. Hebrews 11:7 is clear on this point (..built an ARK for the SAVING of his household). The answer of a good conscience (just as the remission of sins) is signified, rather than procured, in the waters of baptism. The symbol and the reality are closely related and the symbol is sometimes used to refer to the reality and that seems to be what continues to confuse you. A FLOOD OF CONFUSION.

The mechanical act of getting water baptized is not the appeal and is not what saves us. Period. The "appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" is what saves us and is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism. Deal with it.

It's you who teaches salvation by works, by "water and works" to be exact.

I am not of the "faith only" - (per James 2) sect (empty profession of faith/dead faith that produces no works) but of the faith (rightly understood) in Christ alone sect - Ephesians 2:8,9. It's not about being worthy of salvation. Does saved by grace through faith, not works, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God sound like we merit salvation and are worthy of salvation to you? Your alleged Biblical evidence amounts to distorting and perverting passages of scripture in a vain effort to "patch together" your so called gospel plan.

It's Campbellites and other works-salvationists who are puffed up by their "works based" false gospels and will not humble themselves in order to repent and believe the gospel.

I don't teach salvation by works, as you do. I'm not the one who is trying to "shoe horn" works "into" salvation through faith.

The faith (rightly understood) in Christ alone emperor is fully clothed in Christ. Works salvation is NO SALVATION AT ALL. It's time for you to wake up and smell the coffee.

The few in the boat - eight in all - were saved by the water, which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing away of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1st Peter 3:21 GNB

It is clear you are but defending a notion based not on scripture but men. Your repeated usage of your "experts" is a telling sign of a flawed premise. The above verse is so simple even a youngster could understand its obvious meaning. This verse among many others leads to a conclusion that you do not wish to explore. It is a path that follows the flow and form of the entire Bible. The simple truth that God has mandated certain acts to be obeyed to receive His favor. Not acts of merit but acts of obedience to His words.

You but talk in circles, call names and drag out obviously bias "experts" to support your weak notion that mankind has no part in his salvation other then trusting that it will happen. This is foolhardy. God has always required man to obey Him. From Adam and Eve to the churches in Rev. 2. We may differ on what is needed to be obeyed but not the need to obey.

Did the walls of Jericho collapse without obedience? Did Peter find the coin without obedience?

Waiting at the door afraid to knock, fearful that the knocking might be a "work of merit" will spell doom for many.

 

[mailmandan]

The few in the boat - eight in all - were saved by the water, which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing away of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1st Peter 3:21 GNB

Unfortunately, certain teachers have taken parts of these verses out of context and therefore misled their listeners. The words, "saved by water," are an example. The context reveals that the subjects, the eight souls "saved," were those in NOAH'S ARK. Also, other reputable translations (NIV, Amplified, NASB, etc.) read "saved THROUGH water," since the Greek work (di) translated "by" in the KJV also means "THROUGH." The eight people in the ark were "saved THROUGH water" as they were IN THE ARK (a type of Christ). THEY WERE NOT LITERALLY SAVED BY THE WATER, AS THE CONTEXT REVEALS. Heb. 11:7 is very clear on this point (...built an ark for the SAVING of his household).

*The context reveals that ONLY the righteous (Noah and his family) were DRY and therefore SAFE in the ARK. In contrast, ONLY THE WICKED IN NOAH'S DAY CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE WATER AND THEY ALL PERISHED! So once again, Peter said that baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism).

We could paraphrase Peter's statement by saying, "Baptism now saves you--not the outward physical ceremony of baptism but the inward spiritual reality which baptism represents." By saying, "not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience -through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony itself.

It is clear you are but defending a notion based not on scripture but men. Your repeated usage of your "experts" is a telling sign of a flawed premise.

These experts obviously understand more than you do. Roman Catholic scholars and Mormon scholars would agree with your interpretation because both groups teach the false doctrine of salvation by water baptism. Do you consider Roman Catholics and Mormons experts on the subject?

The above verse is so simple even a youngster could understand its obvious meaning. This verse among many others leads to a conclusion that you do not wish to explore. It is a path that follows the flow and form of the entire Bible. The simple truth that God has mandated certain acts to be obeyed to receive His favor.

Your so called obvious meaning contradicts a multitude of scriptures which make it crystal clear that we are saved through belief/faith "apart from additions or modifications" (Genesis 15:6; Luke 8:12; John 1:12; 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 11:17; 13:39; 16:31; Romans 1:16; 3:22-28; 4:5-6; 10:4; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8,9 1 John 5:13 etc..).

These verses above are so simple that even a child could understand their obvious meaning. If Peter mean to say that we are literally saved by getting water baptized, then why the explanation in 1 Peter 3:21 and why didn't he mention baptism in Acts 10:43?

Not acts of merit but acts of obedience to His words.

That is sugar coated double talk for your false gospel of salvation through faith (your version of faith) + your check list of works.

You but talk in circles, call names and drag out obviously bias "experts" to support your weak notion that mankind has no part in his salvation other then trusting that it will happen. This is foolhardy.

1 Corinthians 1:18 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21 - For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

Your theology has originated with these non-experts, namely THOMAS CAMPBELL, ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, WALTER SCOTT, and BARTON W. STONE, who founded your church and would have been very proud of their disciple, DJ2.

God has always required man to obey Him. From Adam and Eve to the churches in Rev. 2. We may differ on what is needed to be obeyed but not the need to obey.

We are required to obey the gospel by choosing to believe the gospel (Romans 1:16; 10:16). This is accomplished by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation. It's not trusting in Christ + baptism or Christ + some other work(s).

Did the walls of Jericho collapse without obedience? Did Peter find the coin without obedience?

The obedience accomplished here did not result in receiving the gift of eternal life, which is only through faith in Christ.

Waiting at the door afraid to knock, fearful that the knocking might be a "work of merit" will spell doom for many.

Straw man argument. Trusting in works for salvation instead of trusting in CHRIST ALONE for salvation will spell doom for many. I at one time had attended the so called church of Christ and I understand how they try to "shoe horn" works "into" salvation through faith, so none of your arguments are new or enlightening or convincing. Let me know when you are ready to repent and believe the gospel.

 

[hornetguy]

Straw man argument. Trusting in works for salvation instead of trusting in CHRIST ALONE for salvation will spell doom for many. I at one time had attended the so called church of Christ and I understand how they try to "shoe horn" works "into" salvation through faith, so none of your arguments are new or enlightening or convincing. Let me know when you are ready to repent and believe the gospel.

Thank you for mentioning the gospel.... the very FIRST gospel sermon preached, at Pentecost, spelled out pretty plainly what was needed when we are "pricked to the heart" and accept the gift of salvation.... we are to "repent, and be baptized..."

You are so blinded by your fear that baptism is a "work" that you dismiss it out of hand..

Again, it is not a "work"... it is obedience to God's command. Just as circumcision was not a "work" to be a part of the old covenant.. but it was required. It was obedience to God's command.

 

[mailmandan]

Thank you for mentioning the gospel.... the very FIRST gospel sermon preached, at Pentecost, spelled out pretty plainly what was needed when we are "pricked to the heart" and accept the gift of salvation.... we are to "repent, and be baptized..."

You are so blinded by your fear that baptism is a "work" that you dismiss it out of hand..

Again, it is not a "work"... it is obedience to God's command. Just as circumcision was not a "work" to be a part of the old covenant.. but it was required. It was obedience to God's command.

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical.

This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis. *Also compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:47).

*In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47 - this is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing Scripture with Scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

 

[preacher4truth]

Thank you for mentioning the gospel.... the very FIRST gospel sermon preached, at Pentecost,

That's hardly the first time the Gospel was preached.

 

[mailmandan]

That's hardly the first time the Gospel was preached.

The Gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16).

The Gospel is not a set of rituals to perform, a code of laws to be obeyed or a check list of good works (including water baptism) to accomplish as a prerequisite for salvation. The Gospel simply sets forth Christ crucified, buried and risen as the Savior of all who believe (trust) in His finished work of redemption as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation.

It's a shame that human pride will not allow many people to receive Christ. Their hands are full of their works and they will not let go in order to take hold of Christ through FAITH.

 

[hornetguy]

That's hardly the first time the Gospel was preached.

First of all, that is not what I said. I said that was the occasion for the first gospel sermon.

But, please clarify what/when you mean, that the gospel was preached.

Or, should we agree on a definition of "gospel" before we continue?

Isn't the "gospel" the "good news" about Jesus death and resurrection?

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, the apostle Paul summarizes the most basic ingredients of the gospel message, namely, the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of the resurrected Christ.

 

[notmyown]

Genesis 3:15 <-------> Gospel

appearance #1 ?

 

[hornetguy]

The Gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16).

The Gospel is not a set of rituals to perform, a code of laws to be obeyed or a check list of good works (including water baptism) to accomplish as a prerequisite for salvation. The Gospel simply sets forth Christ crucified, buried and risen as the Savior of all who believe (trust) in His finished work of redemption as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation.

It's a shame that human pride will not allow many people to receive Christ. Their hands are full of their works and they will not let go in order to take hold of Christ through FAITH.

Brother, you know I love you.... I'm not trying to sound harsh in any of my part of this discussion, so if I do, please forgive...

I don't think that most people are trying to be saved by works... (some, perhaps... the ones that don't understand the free gift)

I think most people that believe water baptism is essential are doing their best to obey God.. God did not speak through the apostles and say "you all repent and be baptized.... but, baptism is really not necessary, it's just a show, so do it if it's convenient for you, but if you don't want to, don't worry about it".....

The command, and all the examples SHOW us that it is a necessary part of our "entering into the new covenant", for lack of a better term. Jews entered into the old covenant by believing in God, wanting to be a part of the "saved" group, and being circumcised. Circumcision was not an option. It was obedience to God's command. It was not what saved them, if you circumcised a heathen gentile who wanted no part of God's covenant, all you did was make him extremely uncomfortable, and likely VERY angry.

Same thing with baptism... if you dunk someone who has no understanding, or desire to accept the free gift of salvation, all you have accomplished is getting them wet.

It's the person that has accepted the gift of salvation that is to be baptized... in water...showing their acceptance of, and their "birth" into the new covenant. This act is also a spiritual birth... a baptism of the Spirit. A spiritual washing away of sins...

 

[mailmandan]

Brother, you know I love you.... I'm not trying to sound harsh in any of my part of this discussion, so if I do, please forgive...

You don't sound harsh and I appreciate your kind words.

I don't think that most people are trying to be saved by works... (some, perhaps... the ones that don't understand the free gift)

Unfortunately, there are many who think they must accomplish certain works in order to be saved.

I think most people that believe water baptism is essential are doing their best to obey God.. God did not speak through the apostles and say "you all repent and be baptized.... but, baptism is really not necessary, it's just a show, so do it if it's convenient for you, but if you don't want to, don't worry about it".....

The Bible is clear that all Christians are expected to be baptized in water (Matthew 28:19,20). On the other hand, the New Testament makes it equally clear that man is saved through faith prior to receiving water baptism. Cornelius’s family received the Holy Spirit and were manifesting the gifts of the Holy Spirit after believing the gospel (believing in Him - Acts 10:43) but before receiving water baptism (Acts 10:44-47). This observation needs to be balanced by the fact that baptism was not considered an "optional extra" for these Gentiles in Acts 10. It was a command that they were expected to obey. However, it was not obedience to this command that saved them, but believing in Christ brought remission of sins (Acts 10:43).

There are a number of alleged proof texts which are often cited to try and prove that the Bible makes baptism absolutely mandatory for salvation. Some of the most common such prooftexts are Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21 etc.. A careful examination of each of these texts in context will show that none of them prove that baptism is absolutely required for salvation, though they do prove that baptism is an assumed initiatory response to the gospel of salvation.

*In other words, these texts prove that baptism is regularly associated with conversion and salvation, rather than absolutely required for salvation.

The command, and all the examples SHOW us that it is a necessary part of our "entering into the new covenant", for lack of a better term. Jews entered into the old covenant by believing in God, wanting to be a part of the "saved" group, and being circumcised. Circumcision was not an option. It was obedience to God's command. It was not what saved them, if you circumcised a heathen gentile who wanted no part of God's covenant, all you did was make him extremely uncomfortable, and likely VERY angry.

I noticed that you said circumcision is not what saved the Jews under the Old Covenant. Amen! Romans 2:29 - but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Speaking of Abraham in Romans 4:11 - And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also. It's the same with water baptism. Sign and seal, but not the means of our salvation.

Same thing with baptism... if you dunk someone who has no understanding, or desire to accept the free gift of salvation, all you have accomplished is getting them wet.

Unfortunately, many unbelievers end up getting water baptized because they believe that's what saves them. Such people may believe "mental assent" in the existence and historical facts about Christ, but they do not believe/entrust their spiritual well being to Him; have faith/reliance upon Christ for salvation.

It's the person that has accepted the gift of salvation that is to be baptized... in water...showing their acceptance of, and their "birth" into the new covenant.

Key word here "showing" their acceptance of.. The new birth is signified, yet not procured in water baptism.

This act is also a spiritual birth... a baptism of the Spirit. A spiritual washing away of sins...

Water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit are TWO DISTINCT baptisms (Matthew 3:11; Acts 10:45-47; 11:16-17). The washing away of sins is accomplished in Spirit baptism, not water baptism. Plain, ordinary H20 has no power to wash away sins. As Greek scholar AT Robertson points out - "a symbol is not the reality, but the picture of the reality."

I had mentioned before in other posts that I had temporarily attended the church of Christ several years ago and they taught me that ONLY "their" church is the "true" church and they quoted Romans 16:16 in an effort to support their claim. They also taught salvation by works, with a heavy emphasis on water baptism. It was a friend who invited me to attend there. His Aunt was a very devout member of the church of Christ. I'll never forget around 10 years later running into my friend's Aunt at my friend's daughter's birthday party.

Since then, I had received Christ through faith and was now a born again Christian. I shared this good news with his Aunt and the only question that she had for me was, "where do you attend church?" When my answer was not "the church of Christ," she bowed her head in sadness as if to imply that I was still lost because I didn't say the church of Christ. Her husband approached me and I shared the good news with him about how I received Christ through faith as well and he had the same question, "where do you attend church," and when I told him and the answer was not the church of Christ, his eyes glazed over followed by a cheesy legalistic grin on his face and he simply walked away from me and neither of them would speak with me for the rest of the night.

I knew that something was terribly wrong! I could hear them both over in the corner going on and on about water baptism and they mentioned that only "their" church is the "true" church and the rest of us will not be saved apart from "their" church. After my friend received Christ through faith, he called his Aunt on the phone, excited to share the good news with her, but all she cared about was he no longer attended the church of Christ, was now attending a Baptist church, she yelled at him, telling him that she taught him better and she slammed the phone down while hanging up on him.

In regards to getting water baptized, I could not wait to get water baptized AFTER I received Christ through faith on a Saturday night, but had to wait until Sunday morning to get water baptized. I knew without a doubt that I had become born again on that Saturday night when I placed my faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Christ alone for salvation, prior to receiving water baptism on Sunday morning. It really amazed me how everyone in my past who tried to explain the gospel to me (and it went right over my head prior to my conversion) had all come back to me! That's what he meant! That's what she meant! That's what they meant! Praise God! I felt like I had just woke up. The Bible even began to make much more sense to me as a believer. All I can say is PRAISE THE LORD!

 

[Enow]

Baptized as a child by the greek orthodox church, I was told I ran across the table and jumped into the baptismal font. I was 2 years old and said "I want to be baptized"

Weird

Anyway, many seasons later when I was grown up the Mormons bewitched me with their spirit of false love. I was baptized with them, but after many years of biblical study I left them.

So what do I do now, what is the right church to get involved with. Most churches have gone into new age monstrosity. I've been to most churches in my area but they are so dilapidated.

You do not have to be water baptized. You are saved by simply believing in Him and thus you have been baptized with the promise of the Holy Ghost at your salvation.

If you find a church that you like....and you still want to be water baptized as a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ... go ahead, but you are saved without it as you are all children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:14,26

And regardless of not being a member of a church, you are a member of the body of Christ. If you are interested in growing in your relationship with the Lord, then g to Him in prayer.. read the King James Version.. and trust Jesus Christ to be your personal Good Shepherd and you will find yourself following Him by the grace of God and His help.

 

[Bladerunner]

Baptized as a child by the greek orthodox church, I was told I ran across the table and jumped into the baptismal font. I was 2 years old and said "I want to be baptized"

Weird

Anyway, many seasons later when I was grown up the Mormons bewitched me with their spirit of false love. I was baptized with them, but after many years of biblical study I left them.

So what do I do now, what is the right church to get involved with. Most churches have gone into new age monstrosity. I've been to most churches in my area but they are so dilapidated.

sit down in your living room and earnestly talk to Jesus? You need no one else there except you and Him. Water Baptism is not necessary to be saved. Grace by Faith alone.

Good Luck?