Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?

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Wansvic

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Nov 27, 2018
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Let me ask you this.....if the rite is administered by an unbeliever, does that make it of no effect?
Haven't seriously considered it. However, my first impulse is the person administering the baptism is not relevant. Whereas the person being baptized has put their trust in Jesus by believing and obeying the command in accordance with God's word.
 

CS1

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Haven't seriously considered it. However, my first impulse is the person administering the baptism is not relevant. Whereas the person being baptized has put their trust in Jesus by believing and obeying the command in accordance with God's word.
baptism in the act of obedience. Jesus was baptized. Are we greater than our Lord? all the Apostles were baptized. The idea is that one who professes to be saved and won't be baptized is a rebel and seriously need to look at their life.

I hear many hypotheticals that most who ask them do not even have for themselves as an issue, just like those who speak about abortion and say what about in the case of rape or the mother's life. FYI over 61 million abortions, not even a percentage, were done for those reasons.

You were saved? Now get baptized. Why is it so difficult for one to do it?
 

Wansvic

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Are Roman Catholic church baptisms 100% salvific?
No. Their baptism of babies is not biblical. In addition, they instituted a tradition that most Protestant churches unknowingly use today. They do not water baptize people in the NAME of the Lord Jesus as the apostles did in obedience to Jesus' command. Again, the apostles did not repeat Jesus' command they obeyed it. (Matt. 28:19-20) They knew the NAME of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost was Jesus, as all detailed water baptism scriptures reveal. (Acts 2:36-42, 8:12-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)
 

Wansvic

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Why cannot one baptize oneself in a pinch? No bueno?
Interesting thought. Why not? Surely God would honor it if no one was present to administer it.
 

Wansvic

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Below is a popular proof text.

Acts 22:16 . . And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and
wash away your sins, calling on His name.


I'm told there is no punctuation in the Greek manuscripts. All punctuation
that translators place in English translations is placed arbitrarily, i.e. placed
where the translators think some punctuation ought to be.


For example: the last comma in the passage above is not in the Greek. So, if
we remove it; here's how that verse would read:


"And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your
sins calling on His name."


You see; when that arbitrary comma is removed, it becomes readily
apparent that washing is obtained by means of prayer rather than by a
ritual.


1John 1:9 . . If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
_
And when all commas are removed it says: Why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized and wash away thy sin calling on the name of the Lord? Clearly indicating that water baptism is to be done in the name of the Lord.
 

Wansvic

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well make up your mind cause the last time you we had this go round, you told me that you were not saved, even speaking in tongues, until you were water baptized

I can find that post if I have to, but I'm not making it up

and how about that Oneness business?

there is an age of accountability and I am pretty sure we are both past it
Both are necessary and achieve different purposes. The relevance of water baptism is what is being discussed.
 

Webers.Home

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Why cannot one baptize oneself in a pinch?

I appreciate your curiosity because it provokes me question who today
qualifies as a baptizer? And how do people today become qualified to
baptize? Do they have to be ordained and/or licensed? Or maybe there's
a board exam; like for lawyers?
_
 
P

Polar

Guest
Both are necessary and achieve different purposes. The relevance of water baptism is what is being discussed.
well excuuusssseeee me :rolleyes:

relevant away

I'm born again, water and Spirit baptized so I guess I am relevant

however, water washes away dirt but I think when you get baptized in church (in the baptismal thing they have) most people are not looking for a washing. you are desiring to declare your old nature is buried with Christ and you are risen with Him

we believe our sins have already been washed away by the blood Jesus shed on our behalf. at least that is what scripture claims

oh yes of course both are relevant; but only one removes our sin

perhaps you might consider, as I have expressed, that I have had this discussion with you many times and recall them quite well

I think you know the things you have said before and the order you think they should be enacted and I certainly do not agree a person is not saved until they are immersed in water

perhaps it would be better if you just responded to others and then I will have nothing to say to you ;)
 

hornetguy

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Jan 18, 2016
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Eph 4:5 . . There is one faith, one baptism

Let's say, hypothetically; that a number of coal miners were trapped hundreds
of feet below ground by an impassible cave-in and they all died before help
arrived.


Let's say one of those miners was a Christian guy who hurriedly explained the
gospel to all involved.


Well; like it's said: there are no atheists in a fox hole. They all to a man
were overjoyed by the Christian's gospel-- the virgin birth, the crucifixion,
and the resurrection, i.e. the whole ball of wax --until he got to this point:


Mark 16:16 . .Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever
does not believe will be condemned.


Well; there was no water down there for the men to be baptized.
_
You can play games with hypotheticals all day long... bottom line is that Jesus last statement was to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...
someone that wanted to be baptized but just couldn't make it to water in time?
Whether they are saved or not is WAY above our pay grade. We don't need to try to make that call.... and trying to make that call means you are trying to usurp authority from the living God.... who happens to love mankind, and wants all to be saved.

I don't think I would play those kinds of games, but... you do YOU, and I'll do me.
 
P

Polar

Guest
I found the following as pertinent to the discussion as I think those perhaps not familiar with certain things being discussed might be confused as to the differing positions. This way, both views can be understood, Bible references given can be looked up in your Bible and a person can be persuaded by actual scripture and not a denomination practice.

Advocates of baptismal regeneration typically have a four-part formula for how salvation is received. They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved. They believe this way because there are biblical passages that seem to indicate that each of these actions is necessary for salvation. For example, Romans 10:9–10 links salvation with confession. Acts 2:38 links salvation with repentance and baptism.

Repentance, understood biblically, is required for salvation. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to acceptance of Christ. It is not a separate step from saving faith. Rather, it is an essential aspect of saving faith. One cannot receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith, without a change of mind about who He is and what He did.

Confession, understood biblically, is a demonstration of faith. If a person has truly received Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaiming that faith to others will be a result. If a person is ashamed of Christ and/or ashamed of the message of the gospel, it is highly unlikely that the person has understood the gospel or experienced the salvation that Christ provides.

Baptism, understood biblically, is an identification with Christ. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). As with confession, if a person is unwilling to be baptized—unwilling to identify his/her life as being redeemed by Jesus Christ—that person has very likely not been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who contend for baptismal regeneration and/or this four-part formula for receiving salvation do not view these actions as meritorious works that earn salvation. Repenting, confessing, etc., do not make a person worthy of salvation. Rather, the official view is that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are “works of obedience,” things a person must do before God grants salvation. While the standard Protestant understanding is that faith is the one thing God requires before salvation is granted, those of the baptismal regeneration persuasion believe that baptism—and, for some, repentance and confession—are additional things God requires before He grants salvation.

The problem with this viewpoint is that there are biblical passages that clearly and explicitly declare faith to be the only requirement for salvation. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer asks the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” If there was ever an opportunity for Paul to present a four-part formula, this was it. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). No baptism, no confession, just faith.


There are literally dozens of verses in the New Testament that attribute salvation to faith/belief with no other requirement mentioned in the context. If baptism, or anything else, is necessary for salvation, all of these verses are wrong, and the Bible contains errors and is therefore no longer worthy of our trust.

An exhaustive study of the New Testament on various requirements for salvation is not necessary. Receiving salvation is not a process or a multi-step formula. Salvation is a finished product, not a recipe. What must we do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will be saved.
source
 

GRACE_ambassador

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Feb 22, 2021
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op: baptism necessary for salvation?
Depends:

water WAS necessary in the PREVIOUS dispensation (God's Law!)
(Luk 7:29-30)

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ” (online)

ONE Baptism IS necessary in the CURRENT Dispensation (GRACE!)
(Eph 4:5; 1Co 12:13 = Spiritual !)

Thus, In The Sight Of God, and Prayerful/Careful study Of HIS
Word Of Truth, The ONE Baptism eliminates/eradicates Every
Last Vestige Of Confusion of water And Bad Math, Correct?

Grace, Peace, And JOY In The LORD JESUS CHRIST,
And His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided
(+ I and II).
 

Wansvic

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Nov 27, 2018
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well excuuusssseeee me :rolleyes:

relevant away

I'm born again, water and Spirit baptized so I guess I am relevant

however, water washes away dirt but I think when you get baptized in church (in the baptismal thing they have) most people are not looking for a washing. you are desiring to declare your old nature is buried with Christ and you are risen with Him

we believe our sins have already been washed away by the blood Jesus shed on our behalf. at least that is what scripture claims

oh yes of course both are relevant; but only one removes our sin

perhaps you might consider, as I have expressed, that I have had this discussion with you many times and recall them quite well

I think you know the things you have said before and the order you think they should be enacted and I certainly do not agree a person is not saved until they are immersed in water

perhaps it would be better if you just responded to others and then I will have nothing to say to you ;)
My comment was given in an effort to correct your misunderstanding.
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
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I found the following as pertinent to the discussion as I think those perhaps not familiar with certain things being discussed might be confused as to the differing positions. This way, both views can be understood, Bible references given can be looked up in your Bible and a person can be persuaded by actual scripture and not a denomination practice.

Advocates of baptismal regeneration typically have a four-part formula for how salvation is received. They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved. They believe this way because there are biblical passages that seem to indicate that each of these actions is necessary for salvation. For example, Romans 10:9–10 links salvation with confession. Acts 2:38 links salvation with repentance and baptism.

Repentance, understood biblically, is required for salvation. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to acceptance of Christ. It is not a separate step from saving faith. Rather, it is an essential aspect of saving faith. One cannot receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith, without a change of mind about who He is and what He did.

Confession, understood biblically, is a demonstration of faith. If a person has truly received Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaiming that faith to others will be a result. If a person is ashamed of Christ and/or ashamed of the message of the gospel, it is highly unlikely that the person has understood the gospel or experienced the salvation that Christ provides.

Baptism, understood biblically, is an identification with Christ. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). As with confession, if a person is unwilling to be baptized—unwilling to identify his/her life as being redeemed by Jesus Christ—that person has very likely not been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who contend for baptismal regeneration and/or this four-part formula for receiving salvation do not view these actions as meritorious works that earn salvation. Repenting, confessing, etc., do not make a person worthy of salvation. Rather, the official view is that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are “works of obedience,” things a person must do before God grants salvation. While the standard Protestant understanding is that faith is the one thing God requires before salvation is granted, those of the baptismal regeneration persuasion believe that baptism—and, for some, repentance and confession—are additional things God requires before He grants salvation.

The problem with this viewpoint is that there are biblical passages that clearly and explicitly declare faith to be the only requirement for salvation. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer asks the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” If there was ever an opportunity for Paul to present a four-part formula, this was it. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). No baptism, no confession, just faith.


There are literally dozens of verses in the New Testament that attribute salvation to faith/belief with no other requirement mentioned in the context. If baptism, or anything else, is necessary for salvation, all of these verses are wrong, and the Bible contains errors and is therefore no longer worthy of our trust.

An exhaustive study of the New Testament on various requirements for salvation is not necessary. Receiving salvation is not a process or a multi-step formula. Salvation is a finished product, not a recipe. What must we do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will be saved.
source
So, you are taking a few verses that don't go into detail, and are making them the blueprint for salvation? Just tossing out the multitude of other verses, and examples, that show the importance/necessity of baptism?

So all a person needs to do is say "Jesus I believe in you" and that's it? All those other verses and examples just go out the window... that's your position?
 

Pilgrimshope

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I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, Whose
sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Matthew 3:11


I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8

John answered all of them: "I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of
Whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Luke 3:16


:)
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I baptize you with water,

but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“one baptism, “

after Jesus died and rose the apostle Peter filled with the holy spirit having received the baptism of the spirit

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:36-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the one baptism now for remission of sins promises to give the gift of the holt spirit which is the baptism of the spirit done by Jesus upon the believer who does this and partakes of the one baptism for remission of sins because they believe this part is true they get baptized in faith believing this part too

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-7, 11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

this means we died with Jesus according to Gods operation of faith we get buried in the water because we believe Jesus died to wash away my sins , we believe it’s why he died was to pay for our sins

it’s an act of faith that God promises to remit our sins and give us the holy spirit from heaven himself sending Jesus into our hearts because we believed and stepped forward in faith into the death of Christ for sins , and receiving the life by his promise of the spirit

Baptism for remission the one baptism as Paul continues explaining means this in the doctrine remember oil hasn’t yet changed from baptism he’s just explaining what it means to be o clouded in the death and resurrection by submersion he continues the explaination of what it means for a believer learning from an apostle

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬


See when we hear and believe Jesus saying this and we then act on That belief we are obeying him because Jesus said

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it’s faith that makes baptism have its value and to have faith we need to hear the preachers in the pages of the Bible teachings what it means to a believer we are the believer this is why Paul explains so very much about baptism for remission of sins the water baptism is the only baptism ever commanded for the church to do it’s the one baptism the spirit is given only by Jesus the lord from heaven to those who act in faith believing as they learn what it means


There’s so much in scripture about it we know there’s just one baptism we are commanded to do and partake of as the body of Christ the other baptism people always being up is the result of Gods promise to believers they received the spirit because Jesus promised and they believed and obeyed and waited in Jerusalem until he came on pentocost

believers also receive the spirit because Jesus said we will thorough his apostles
Like Peter it’s all faith everything

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-39, 41‬ ‭

if they didn’t hear and accept that it would t have been something they ever did but they heard and believed and acted. They gladly received the word “ if I repent and get baptized in Jesus name , he will remit all my sins and freely give me the gift of his Holy Spirit saving me from my sins and giving me everlasting life “

who wouldNt gladly receive that message and get baptized for their repentance and the remission of thier sins if they believed in Jesus ?

the church baptized people for a reason in the beginning because they believed the things the Bible says God has done for us the things the lord and his apostles taught them our subjects like this

over time we always change and corrupt everything God settles at the beginning people started saying “ does it work if we baptize on a troff? A hot tub ? Or do we really need to go to a river and get submerged ? Can’t we just drop some water on a head and say it’s done ? “

And eventually we all have different concepts of what it means , and then we start saying “ do we even really
Need baptism ? And then someone argues “ John baptized for remission Jesus baptized with the holy ghost there’s two “

But the one baptism is established for repentance and remission of sins , before and also after the cross as the church began and the promise is baptism of the spirit from heaven by belief in Jesus

Notice Peter doesn’t disregard water baptism , and also note he only mentions one “baptism “ it’s water baptism for remission this also spoken to gentiles after Jesus died and rose

“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:42-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

See that’s to be born of water and spirit it’s only one action but two rewards remission of sins and then receiving his spirit
 
Oct 20, 2022
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That chapter does not tell us that. Ever.

Paul did not contradict himself.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2
 

CS1

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May 23, 2012
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Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?

How about this. Those who are saved should be baptized as obedient unto the Lord.

Yet baptism did not save you. Jesus did.
 

DJT_47

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Oct 20, 2022
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(What I have to say has likely been posted at least once already.)

If ritual water baptism were an effective means of joining with Christ in his
crucifixion and resurrection, then even Jehovah's Witnesses would be on
their way to glory.

No; in order for folks to join with Christ they have to undergo the Spirit's
baptism.

1Cor 12:13 . . For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body

The "one body" is course Jesus' crucified body; not the one he has now.
_
The more appropriate translation (see the interlinear) is "in one Spirit" not "by one Spirit".
 

DJT_47

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Oct 20, 2022
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now I will address this

I think DJT can speak for himself.

the spiritual reality? with water? as I said, we have engaged each other many times in times past and we are not going to ever agree unless you change your mind (little joke there)

if things were as you say, then from the age of 5 to 13 or 14 (when I was baptized in water), then I would have gone to hell since I was not baptized in water. nice.

listen, you are also Oneness Pentecostal and believe in Jesus only and using the name of Jesus ONLY when baptized

I betcha plenty of folks won't agree with that even though they will agree baptism is part of salvation

call me old fashioned. I just believe what scripture says:

The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

not to mention many many others scriptures that bear witness to the fact that the blood of Christ ALONE cleanses us from sin

so yeah, covered all the bases with you and you with me (according to your version of salvation) and the Holy Spirit makes it plain it is Christ and He alone that saves....but people should be water baptized AFTER to illustrate their desire to follow Him

seriously? please don't 'ring' my doorbell about this again ;)
Yes, cherry pick scriptures and they'll all conflict with each other! Pick the ones you like and ignor the ones you don't like.
 

DJT_47

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Oct 20, 2022
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Supplement to my previous posting

BAPTISM: Necessity or option?

Baptism is required in order to:

· Be saved

Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”

1st Peter 3:20/21 “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (3:21) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost”;

· Wash away/remit sins

· Contact the blood of Christ

· Be added to the Lord’s body which is the church

· Be buried/planted with Him in the likeness of his death thus enabling like resurrection

· Get “into” Him, put on Christ, and become a child of God

· Receive blessings in Him

Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”.

Acts 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”.

Acts 2:47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord”

Rom 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”?

Rom 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”.

Gal 3:26/27 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.

1st Cor 12:13 “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.

Rom 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”:

Rev 1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood”-----

Heb 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water”.

Col 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead”.

Steps to becoming a Christian

· (1) Hearing the word/gospel (Rom. 1:16, Mk. 16:15, Rom. 10: 14 thru 17, 1 Cor. 1:21 thru 24, Mat 7:24)

· (2) Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Mk. 16:16, Heb. 11:6, John 12:46)

· (3) Confessing this before men (Rom. 10:9, 10, Rom. 10:13, Acts 8:37, Mat 10:32)

· (4) Repenting of your sins (Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3, 5, 14:47)

· (5) Being baptized (immersed in water) for the remission (forgiveness) of your sins after which, you are added to the Church (above referenced). (Acts 2:38-41, 47)