Jesus told us to go and teach the gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Peter told the folks at Pentecost to repent, and be baptized.
Paul immediately went out and was baptized, after regaining his sight.
Cornelius' family were all baptized upon acceptance of Jesus.
Lydia and her household were baptized.
The eunuch was baptized.
The believers in Ephesus, who had only been baptized in John's name, were baptized again in Jesus' name.
Peter talked quite a bit about baptism, even showing the comparison to Noah being saved "through water".
If there had been only ONE mention of water baptism being a part of the salvation plan, that would be enough. It was not necessary for the writers of the NT to mention the whole, step by step process every time they talked about believers being saved. It was taken for granted that the readers knew the process, because it is what the apostles had taught and practiced since Jesus ascended.
To attempt to pass off all those scriptures as being about "spirit baptism" is just wrong. The people of those times had no concept of what a "spiritual baptism" was, and would not have understood what was being taught. The apostles would have known that, and would have clearly stated "the baptism I'm talking about here, is NOT the normal water baptism, but is a baptism in spirit only"
To pick a random scripture that mentions "those that believe will be saved", and try to make it binding as the only necessary requirement for salvation, is eisigesis at its worst. That practice is picking and choosing only the scriptures that fit an incorrect belief system.
I will not do that. I will read ALL the scriptures, and read them with understanding, and help from the Holy Spirit of God.
Scripture is pretty plain on this topic. Twisting scriptures around to fit your "faith only" belief system is wrong.
You will notice, however, that I have not, and will not, question your salvation, or your "understanding" ..... that sort of behavior is beneath me.... and you.
Peter told the folks at Pentecost to repent, and be baptized.
Paul immediately went out and was baptized, after regaining his sight.
Cornelius' family were all baptized upon acceptance of Jesus.
Lydia and her household were baptized.
The eunuch was baptized.
The believers in Ephesus, who had only been baptized in John's name, were baptized again in Jesus' name.
Peter talked quite a bit about baptism, even showing the comparison to Noah being saved "through water".
If there had been only ONE mention of water baptism being a part of the salvation plan, that would be enough. It was not necessary for the writers of the NT to mention the whole, step by step process every time they talked about believers being saved. It was taken for granted that the readers knew the process, because it is what the apostles had taught and practiced since Jesus ascended.
To attempt to pass off all those scriptures as being about "spirit baptism" is just wrong. The people of those times had no concept of what a "spiritual baptism" was, and would not have understood what was being taught. The apostles would have known that, and would have clearly stated "the baptism I'm talking about here, is NOT the normal water baptism, but is a baptism in spirit only"
To pick a random scripture that mentions "those that believe will be saved", and try to make it binding as the only necessary requirement for salvation, is eisigesis at its worst. That practice is picking and choosing only the scriptures that fit an incorrect belief system.
I will not do that. I will read ALL the scriptures, and read them with understanding, and help from the Holy Spirit of God.
Scripture is pretty plain on this topic. Twisting scriptures around to fit your "faith only" belief system is wrong.
You will notice, however, that I have not, and will not, question your salvation, or your "understanding" ..... that sort of behavior is beneath me.... and you.
Ro 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Saved by grace period. Water baptism is a work therefore not of grace.
For the cause of Christ
Roger