Saved by Water

[Wansvic]

.



I have to agree with 2ndTD because if ritual baptism were so all-fired
essential in the plan of salvation, then I really think that Paul-- duly
authorized to speak for Christ and act for Christ --would've given it a very
high priority in his ministry.

• 1Cor 1:17 . .Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
_

My comment to the outlandish statement made by @2ndTimothyGroup in post #34

Paul's specific comment of being glad that he did not baptize many in that congregation was because they were esteeming the minister and not Jesus Christ who was crucified for them. He did not want anyone looking at him as someone special. Their focus should have been on the one that deserved it; Jesus!

Keep in mind that the person performing one's baptism is of no consequence. It is God that brings about the spiritual reality associated with it.

Also, Paul's ministry was primarily to preach the word that included water baptism. Performing water baptisms was the ministry of others.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

.



I have to agree with 2ndTD because if ritual baptism were so all-fired
essential in the plan of salvation, then I really think that Paul-- duly
authorized to speak for Christ and act for Christ --would've given it a very
high priority in his ministry.

• 1Cor 1:17 . .Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
_

100% makes sense to me. Only a lunatic would say the things that Paul said about water baptism if it were required for Salvation. It show such disregard to a "step" that is responsible for Salvation would be a very dangerous thing to do. And considering that Paul Knew God's Power, there is no . . . possible . . . way that Paul would ever discredit the Plan of Salvation. More than this, he would have been removed by Peter the Great, would he not? Oh wait . . . no, he wouldn't. Peter already knew that water baptism doesn't save, because Salvation and the reception of the Holy Spirit comes BEFORE water baptism. Why? It is a Living Symbol of what has taken place on the inside . . . the Spiritual Circumcision of Jesus Christ.

Acts 10:45-47 NLT - "The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"

How, if water is responsible for Salvation, would Peter ever allow for someone to say, "No! They shouldn't be baptized!" If water saved, and if someone blocked another from being water baptized, it would be equivalent to human's controlling whether or not another person is granted Salvation. If that is the case, then Salvation comes by the hands of men, and not by the Holy Hand of Christ.

So how does the Lord save? How about if we begin to recognize the answer to that question. Who will begin to acknowledge Colossians 2:9-15? Are "you" afraid of the reality that perhaps your Sinful Nature has not been cut away? Are "you" afraid of the implications behind this Gospel? And what are those implications? Ahh . . . how do we explain our out-of-control, sin filled life? If we recognize Colossians 2:9-15, we are confronted with the fact that our Sinful Nature has not been cut out by Christ and replaced with the Divine Nature of Christ. Well . . . we'd better face this fact right now so that we know what to pray for. If we acknowledge Colossians 2:9-15, will will know what is expected to happen in our Lives. Here it is in the NLT (and if you don't like it, compare the NLT to your favorite Translation . . . you'll be blown away):

Colossians 2:9-15 NLT - "For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision--the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross."

 

[Webers.Home]

.
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.

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 away sins 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.

The best, and most effective, washing for the purpose of entering Heaven,
isn't done by means of water, but by means of regeneration.

• Titus 3:4-6 . . He saved us . . .by the washing of regeneration and renewing
by the Holy Spirit

The thing is: even if people's sins were thoroughly washed away, they would
not qualify for Heaven because they would still be sinners capable of more
and more sins. So, in order to make them suitable for Heaven, it's necessary
for them to undergo the Spirit birth that Jesus spoke of in John 3:3-8. That
way, they'll leave their natural selves behind when they pass on; and enter
the afterlife with 100% sinless perfection; never to sin again.
_

 

[Justified]

And what do they say about Paul, when he said that he was glad that he didn't baptize "many"?

1 Corinthians 1:14 NIV - 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius . . .

What a weird thing to say, huh? I mean, if water baptism saves a person, then this is equivalent to Paul saying that he's glad that "you" did not receive Holy Salvation. That's insane.

Just to be clear as you seem to have misunderstood what I wrote. Baptism does not save anyone. Baptism is what is to be done because you are saved. Jesus did not say repent & believe the gospel then get baptized did He.

Baptism in the NT times was a public profession of faith in Christ Jesus, it is the same today. We are saying that we have been saved.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Just to be clear as you seem to have misunderstood what I wrote. Baptism does not save anyone. Baptism is what is to be done because you are saved. Jesus did not say repent & believe the gospel then get baptized did He.

Baptism in the NT times was a public profession of faith in Christ Jesus, it is the same today. We are saying that we have been saved.

Oh, sorry. I thought we were in agreement.

 

[Wansvic]

100% makes sense to me. Only a lunatic would say the things that Paul said about water baptism if it were required for Salvation. It show such disregard to a "step" that is responsible for Salvation would be a very dangerous thing to do. And considering that Paul Knew God's Power, there is no . . . possible . . . way that Paul would ever discredit the Plan of Salvation. More than this, he would have been removed by Peter the Great, would he not? Oh wait . . . no, he wouldn't. Peter already knew that water baptism doesn't save, because Salvation and the reception of the Holy Spirit comes BEFORE water baptism. Why? It is a Living Symbol of what has taken place on the inside . . . the Spiritual Circumcision of Jesus Christ.

Acts 10:45-47 NLT - "The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"

How, if water is responsible for Salvation, would Peter ever allow for someone to say, "No! They shouldn't be baptized!" If water saved, and if someone blocked another from being water baptized, it would be equivalent to human's controlling whether or not another person is granted Salvation. If that is the case, then Salvation comes by the hands of men, and not by the Holy Hand of Christ.

So how does the Lord save? How about if we begin to recognize the answer to that question. Who will begin to acknowledge Colossians 2:9-15? Are "you" afraid of the reality that perhaps your Sinful Nature has not been cut away? Are "you" afraid of the implications behind this Gospel? And what are those implications? Ahh . . . how do we explain our out-of-control, sin filled life? If we recognize Colossians 2:9-15, we are confronted with the fact that our Sinful Nature has not been cut out by Christ and replaced with the Divine Nature of Christ. Well . . . we'd better face this fact right now so that we know what to pray for. If we acknowledge Colossians 2:9-15, will will know what is expected to happen in our Lives. Here it is in the NLT (and if you don't like it, compare the NLT to your favorite Translation . . . you'll be blown away):

Colossians 2:9-15 NLT - "For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision--the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross."

Deflect if you must but nothing you have posted contradicts the actual truth of what is found in the word.

Hopefully people will see your assessments of what is meant by Paul's and Peter's statements for what they are; distortions.

 

[Wansvic]

Acts 10:45-47 NLT - "The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"

How, if water is responsible for Salvation, would Peter ever allow for someone to say, "No! They shouldn't be baptized!" If water saved, and if someone blocked another from being water baptized, it would be equivalent to human's controlling whether or not another person is granted Salvation.

Peter asked a rhetorical question. Thus the answer was obvious. If you'll notice he did not wait for a show of hands. He gave the command to be baptized in the name of the Lord. It was not a suggestion.

Acts 10:47-48
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

[SophieT]

And what do they say about Paul, when he said that he was glad that he didn't baptize "many"?

1 Corinthians 1:14 NIV - 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius . . .

What a weird thing to say, huh? I mean, if water baptism saves a person, then this is equivalent to Paul saying that he's glad that "you" did not receive Holy Salvation. That's insane.

you know, I don't believe water baptism is a part of regeneration or salvation. I do believe that we should be baptized as scripture states.

your statement above illustrates the fact you might have a problem with comprehension. the comparison you are making has nothing to do with what Paul is saying and it does not underscore your personal beliefs in the least

 

[SophieT]

.



I have to agree with 2ndTD because if ritual baptism were so all-fired
essential in the plan of salvation, then I really think that Paul-- duly
authorized to speak for Christ and act for Christ --would've given it a very
high priority in his ministry.

• 1Cor 1:17 . .Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
_

when the actual reason for what Paul states is contained within your post and you do not seem to see it, and attempt to create the illusion that baptism is not particularly stressed by Paul, you twist what is actually being said by Paul

Paul did not see his role as an elder or permanent member of any particular body of believers so he did not baptize. He states his calling from Christ is to preach the gospel. He does not say baptism is a ritual...which it is NOT...but states it is not something he regularly does as it is not his calling

baptism is not a ritual. it is biblical and believers are expected to follow scripture in that precept

the ability to believe that the Bible is particular to whoever reads it, is not a biblical understanding

 

[reneweddaybyday]

The parallel of sin being washed away in water baptism is seen in the flood. The same water that caused the death and "burial" of sinful man carried the obedient to safety while situated in the ark.

I understand what you are saying concerning the "parallel of been being washed away" ... however, the water did not carry the obedient to safety ... the ark carried them to safety even as the world was condemned by the things not seen as yet (the rain and the fountains of the deep being broken up - Gen 7:11). Those who were in the ark were not condemned.


Read Hebrews 11:7 again:

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.


The things not seen as yet ... i.e. the rain and the fountains of the deep being broken up ... were the means by which God condemned the world.

Noah was not condemned.

Noah was safely within the ark ... the ark which by faith Noah ... prepared an ark to the saving of his house.

Noah became heir of the righteousness ... by faith.

And please note ... Gen 7:16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.


Another point ... it is not water that washes away sin ... only the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

 

[Webers.Home]

.
• Eph 4:4-5 . .There is . . . one baptism,

Which baptism is the one one baptism; ritual baptism or Spirit baptism?
_

 

[Wansvic]

I understand what you are saying concerning the "parallel of been being washed away" ... however, the water did not carry the obedient to safety ... the ark carried them to safety even as the world was condemned by the things not seen as yet (the rain and the fountains of the deep being broken up - Gen 7:11). Those who were in the ark were not condemned.


Read Hebrews 11:7 again:

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.


The things not seen as yet ... i.e. the rain and the fountains of the deep being broken up ... were the means by which God condemned the world.

Noah was not condemned.

Noah was safely within the ark ... the ark which by faith Noah ... prepared an ark to the saving of his house.

Noah became heir of the righteousness ... by faith.

And please note ... Gen 7:16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.


Another point ... it is not water that washes away sin ... only the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

It's all about obedience to God's commands.

1 John 1:7 is a reference to confession of sins committed after the spiritual rebirth that remitted the sins of our past.

 

[Webers.Home]

.
• Matt 3:13-14 . .Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized
by John. But John tried to deter him, saying: I need to be baptized by you,
and do you come to me?

I have yet to encounter a passage speaking of either Jesus or one of his
disciples baptizing John. Does that mean he left this life with none of his sins
washed away?
_

 

[Wansvic]

.
• Matt 3:13-14 . .Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized
by John. But John tried to deter him, saying: I need to be baptized by you,
and do you come to me?

I have yet to encounter a passage speaking of either Jesus or one of his
disciples baptizing John. Does that mean he left this life with none of his sins
washed away?
_

I answered this comment and question you posted in another thread as follows:
John was beheaded before Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Therefore John was under the OT mandate. Notice what Jesus said concerning the NT mandate in Luke 24:47. Repentance and remission of sin (connected with water baptism) would be preached in His name beginning in Jerusalem.

Peter preached that message for the first time on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The message presented was for everyone to repent, and be baptized. How were they to be baptized? In the name of the Lord Jesus. For what? For the remission of one's sin. (Acts 2:38)

Lastly, Notice what Jesus told John about water baptism. He said it must be done in order to fulfill all righteousness. (Matt. 3:15)

 

[Wansvic]

Obedience is key in both Old and New Testaments. God changes not. (Mal. 3:6)

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, (declared or made righteous in the sight of God)
and not by faith only." (James 2:24)

By works (obedience) faith is made perfect. (James 2:22)

 

[reneweddaybyday]

It's all about obedience to God's commands.

Here is your claim from the OP:

1 Peter 3:20-21​

“...God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.​

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:”​

​

I believe the water mentioned in 1 Peter 3:20-21 pertains to water baptism​

​

Your claim is that the flood was a type of baptism. You have been shown that the flood was judgment against the wicked of that time.

Here is another verse which states this truth:

2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly


Noah was saved ... he was safely within the ark.

the "like figure" referred to in 1 Peter 3:21 would be the ark ... not the water.

Noah went through God's judgment upon the world of the ungodly being shut in the ark by God.

In our day and time, the born again ones are safe in the Lord Jesus Christ as we sojourn in the world of the ungodly.

And God have mercy on the believer who goes through the tribulation ...

1 John 1:7 is a reference to confession of sins committed after the spiritual rebirth that remitted the sins of our past.

You need to study Scripture concerning this issue. It is the blood that washes away the sins ... and specifically the blood of Messiah ... the Lord Jesus Christ.


Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.


Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.


Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace


Matthew 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ


Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins


Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether hey be] things in earth, or things in heaven


Hebrews 9:12-14 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?


Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.


Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.


1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you


Revelation 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


Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation

 

[OneOfHis]

Here is your claim from the OP:

1 Peter 3:20-21​

“...God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.​

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:”​

​

I believe the water mentioned in 1 Peter 3:20-21 pertains to water baptism​

​

Your claim is that the flood was a type of baptism. You have been shown that the flood was judgment against the wicked of that time.

Here is another verse which states this truth:

2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly


Noah was saved ... he was safely within the ark.

the "like figure" referred to in 1 Peter 3:21 would be the ark ... not the water.

Noah went through God's judgment upon the world of the ungodly being shut in the ark by God.

In our day and time, the born again ones are safe in the Lord Jesus Christ as we sojourn in the world of the ungodly.

And God have mercy on the believer who goes through the tribulation ...





You need to study Scripture concerning this issue. It is the blood that washes away the sins ... and specifically the blood of Messiah ... the Lord Jesus Christ.


Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.


Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.


Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace


Matthew 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ


Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins


Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether hey be] things in earth, or things in heaven


Hebrews 9:12-14 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?


Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.


Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.


1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you


Revelation 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


Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation

Well said by you and a few others giving glory to Jesus our Savior, and not giving it to the actions of men even if the acts were done out of love for Him who loved us first.

 

[Wansvic]

Here is your claim from the OP:

1 Peter 3:20-21​

“...God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.​

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:”​

​

I believe the water mentioned in 1 Peter 3:20-21 pertains to water baptism​

​

Your claim is that the flood was a type of baptism. You have been shown that the flood was judgment against the wicked of that time.

Here is another verse which states this truth:

2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly


Noah was saved ... he was safely within the ark.

the "like figure" referred to in 1 Peter 3:21 would be the ark ... not the water.

Noah went through God's judgment upon the world of the ungodly being shut in the ark by God.

In our day and time, the born again ones are safe in the Lord Jesus Christ as we sojourn in the world of the ungodly.

And God have mercy on the believer who goes through the tribulation ...





You need to study Scripture concerning this issue. It is the blood that washes away the sins ... and specifically the blood of Messiah ... the Lord Jesus Christ.


Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.


Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.


Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace


Matthew 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ


Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins


Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether hey be] things in earth, or things in heaven


Hebrews 9:12-14 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?


Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.


Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.


1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you


Revelation 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


Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation

You are right without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. God designed the NT mandate that includes the need to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin. Therefore, I believe what the word of God says in regard to the NT spiritual rebirth process. Saving faith is accepting Jesus' sacrifice as the sole means of salvation. That is applied to our lives by repentance, (death to sin) water baptism (burial) and being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. (new life in Christ)

 

[Wansvic]

Well said by you and a few others giving glory to Jesus our Savior, and not giving it to the actions of men even if the acts were done out of love for Him who loved us first.

Stepping out in obedience to what God established in no way takes glory away from Him.

Some people feel somewhat silly about being immersed in water in accordance with the command. However, Jesus said it is necessary, so they believe Him, and do it anyway in an act of faith. Afterward they understand exactly why they were told to do it; their spiritual eyes open.

People probably thought Noah was crazy for building a "boat" when it had never, ever rained. But Noah didn't care. He did it because God told him to, and he and his family were saved.

 

[Webers.Home]

.
Was John the Baptist a Christian?
_