Is the “Sinner’s Prayer” in the Bible?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,097
6,479
113
#42
Seems that much of what passes for Christian life and faith these days has been dumbed down to praise and worship
no sound doctrine no standing on the word of God

If water baptism is required for salvation, and that is your idea of sound doctrine.........I'll pass...........I'll stick with what His Word teaches, not some groups ideology... thanks anyhoo
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,097
6,479
113
#43
the need for water baptism for salvation is nothing more than works salvation. for water baptism is surely a work. it is a physical act performed by at least two people...........ergo........ works salvation

ya can't do enough works to gain salvation, but, hey, keep trying :)
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#44
Show me in Scripture where the Apostles (excluding Paul) were ever water baptized
Since Peter preached that that’s what you must do to have remission of sins in Act2:38 and since all the apostles were there at the preaching of that sermon and then 3000 people were baptized that day, I believe they were among the 3000 being baptized. It makes no sense to argue that Peter and the rest of the apostles would not do what Peter was saying they must do to have remission of sins. Besides, God said he is no respecter of persons. So why would he require Paul to be baptized and not the other apostles? God does not require one thing from me to be saved and something different for you to be saved. His plan of salvation is the same for everyone.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#45
Since Peter preached that that’s what you must do to have remission of sins in Act2:38 and since all the apostles were there at the preaching of that sermon and then 3000 people were baptized that day, I believe they were among the 3000 being baptized. It makes no sense to argue that Peter and the rest of the apostles would not do what Peter was saying they must do to have remission of sins. Besides, God said he is no respecter of persons. So why would he require Paul to be baptized and not the other apostles? God does not require one thing from me to be saved and something different for you to be saved. His plan of salvation is the same for everyone.
Philip certainly preached baptism to the Ethiopian Eunuch because the Eunuch said “Here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#46
the need for water baptism for salvation is nothing more than works salvation. for water baptism is surely a work. it is a physical act performed by at least two people...........ergo........ works salvation

ya can't do enough works to gain salvation, but, hey, keep trying :)
Sorry, but I think I will go with what the Bible says in Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12&13, Acts 22:16, Acts 10: Acts 10:47&48, Acts 16:15&33, and 1 Peter 3:21. If God was trying to teach that baptism is essential to salvation, I don’t know how he could have been any plainer.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#47
If water baptism is required for salvation, and that is your idea of sound doctrine.........I'll pass...........I'll stick with what His Word teaches, not some groups ideology... thanks anyhoo
WOW! Do you really not know what the Bible teaches about baptism?? How do you get around such passages as Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21? Just to name a few. Do you attempt to “explain them away” or just cut them out of your Bible?
 
Jun 10, 2019
4,304
1,659
113
#48
Since Peter preached that that’s what you must do to have remission of sins in Act2:38 and since all the apostles were there at the preaching of that sermon and then 3000 people were baptized that day, I believe they were among the 3000 being baptized. It makes no sense to argue that Peter and the rest of the apostles would not do what Peter was saying they must do to have remission of sins. Besides, God said he is no respecter of persons. So why would he require Paul to be baptized and not the other apostles? God does not require one thing from me to be saved and something different for you to be saved. His plan of salvation is the same for everyone.
hey Beckworth wondering if you know this question,, can a person not baptized preform a baptism?
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#49
hey beckworth wondering if you know this question,, can a person not baptized preform a baptism?
I believe that he can. the emphasis is not on the one doing the baptizing but the one being baptized.
 
Jun 10, 2019
4,304
1,659
113
#50
I believe that he can. the emphasis is not on the one doing the baptizing but the one being baptized.
thanks for the response, I was pondering on that.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#51
I believe that he can. the emphasis is not on the one doing the baptizing but the one being baptized.
I will say this though. It makes all the difference as to WHY or for what purpose you are being baptized. If you were baptized just to become a member of some denomination or because you believed you were already saved then that is not the “ONE” baptism talked about in Ephesians 4. In Acts 20 The apostle Paul re-baptized some people because they needed the right baptism.

thanks for the response, I was pondering on that.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,716
113
#52
that where there is a Testament, there must also be the death of the testator for a Testament (will) is of no force while the testator lives. Therefore, the law or will of Christ (baptism for remission of sins in the name of Jesus) was in force ONLY. AFTER. He was dead. Best I can read, Jesus was still alive when he saved the thief on the cross.
Jesus is alive and well :)
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,716
113
#54
Sorry, but I think I will go with what the Bible says in Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12&13, Acts 22:16, Acts 10: Acts 10:47&48, Acts 16:15&33, and 1 Peter 3:21. If God was trying to teach that baptism is essential to salvation, I don’t know how he could have been any plainer.
As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches through careful consideration of the language and context of the verse. We also filter it through what we know the Bible teaches elsewhere on the subject. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation is a faulty interpretation.

Regarding Mark 16:16, it is important to remember that there are some textual problems with Mark chapter 16, verses 9-20. There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.

Assuming that verse 16 is original to Mark, does it teach that baptism is required for salvation? The short answer is, no, it does not. In order to make it teach that baptism is required for salvation, one must go beyond what the verse actually says. What this verse does teach is that belief is necessary for salvation, which is consistent with the countless verses where only belief is mentioned (e.g., John 3:18; John 5:24; John 12:44; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13).

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). This verse is composed of two basic statements. 1—He who believes and is baptized will be saved. 2—He who does not believe will be condemned.

While this verse tells us something about believers who have been baptized (they are saved), it does not say anything about believers who have not been baptized. In order for this verse to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, a third statement would be necessary, viz., “He who believes and is not baptized will be condemned” or “He who is not baptized will be condemned.” But, of course, neither of these statements is found in the verse. More on Mark 16:16 here.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#55
Jesus is alive and well :)
Absolutely!! Praise God for that!! I did not mean to imply that he is still dead but He DID DIE once physically. And with his “ physical” death his “will”, the New Testament was in complete effect or force. Read Hebrews 9. It’s a true parallel to what happens to any person who has a will. My point was to show that Christ’s New Testament Will ( that included baptism for remission of sins) was not in effect at the time Jesus saved the thief on the cross. So there was nothing extraordinary about his being saved without baptism.

If you had a million dollars and you left instructions in your will as to where your money should go after your death, then while you are alive you can spend that money any way and anytime you please. It’s your money. And your will has no effect as long as you are alive. But after your death. The recipients of that money have to abide by the terms of the will. If not then they won’t get the money. Exact parallel to Jesus Christ and his will or testament. While Jesus was here on earth he could give salvation to whomsoever he pleased. It was his to give. This is when the thief on the cross was saved. After his death the terms of his will were effective and now everyone, you and me included must abide by the terms of his will if we want his salvation. That’s why it’s ridiculous to say “I want to be saved like the thief on the cross”. Do you want to be saved without the blood of Jesus? With out the death of a savior? That’s how the thief was saved. Is Jesus here today to grant you salvation in person? If not, then you better find out what are the terms of his will and obey them or you may miss out.
 
Jun 10, 2019
4,304
1,659
113
#56
Of the apostles, only the apostle Paul's baptism is explicitly recorded in Scripture :)
that is interesting Paul seems to be given instructions go get baptized, there’s two more that come to mind that are not explicitly mentioned to do so but the two disciples from John the Baptist that became Jesus disciples seems would have been baptized by John while being his disciples.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#57
As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches through careful consideration of the language and context of the verse. We also filter it through what we know the Bible teaches elsewhere on the subject. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation is a faulty interpretation.

Regarding Mark 16:16, it is important to remember that there are some textual problems with Mark chapter 16, verses 9-20. There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.

Assuming that verse 16 is original to Mark, does it teach that baptism is required for salvation? The short answer is, no, it does not. In order to make it teach that baptism is required for salvation, one must go beyond what the verse actually says. What this verse does teach is that belief is necessary for salvation, which is consistent with the countless verses where only belief is mentioned (e.g., John 3:18; John 5:24; John 12:44; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13).

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). This verse is composed of two basic statements. 1—He who believes and is baptized will be saved. 2—He who does not believe will be condemned.

While this verse tells us something about believers who have been baptized (they are saved), it does not say anything about believers who have not been baptized. In order for this verse to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, a third statement would be necessary, viz., “He who believes and is not baptized will be condemned” or “He who is not baptized will be condemned.” But, of course, neither of these statements is found in the verse. More on Mark 16:16 here.
He who puts food in his mouth and swallows will live. But he who doesn’t put food into his mouth will die. Do I really need to say “ and doesn’t swallow “? Do you honestly believe that a person who doesn’t believe would be baptized anyway?? Why would he.? The only reason for being baptized if if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. That’s ridiculous. Thankfully God credited us with having some sense.
 
Jun 10, 2019
4,304
1,659
113
#58
it would almost be comical to say John the Baptist had disciples not baptized
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
146
30
28
#59
He who puts food in his mouth and swallows will live. But he who doesn’t put food into his mouth will die. Do I really need to say “ and doesn’t swallow “? Do you honestly believe that a person who doesn’t believe would be baptized anyway?? Why would he.? The only reason for being baptized if if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. That’s ridiculous. Thankfully God credited us with having some sense.
I find it very interesting that every time a specific Bible verse does damage to a false doctrine, like James 2:24 destroys the doctrine of “faith only” and Mark 16:16 plainly puts baptism BEFORE salvation, then the passage itself and its credibility comes under attack. I guess the idea is, if you can’t refute what it says then just say it’s not inspired and shouldn’t be there.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,716
113
#60
He who puts food in his mouth and swallows will live. But he who doesn’t put food into his mouth will die. Do I really need to say “ and doesn’t swallow “? Do you honestly believe that a person who doesn’t believe would be baptized anyway?? Why would he.? The only reason for being baptized if if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. That’s ridiculous. Thankfully God credited us with having some sense.
Your focus is on the physical, whereas Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. We must be born again, and that is a Spiritual rebirth. Hmmm, much of your post seems contradictory since you earlier mentioned people being baptized for reasons other than belief.
I will say this though. It makes all the difference as to WHY or for what purpose you are being baptized. If you were baptized just to become a member of some denomination or because you believed you were already saved then that is not the “ONE” baptism talked about in Ephesians 4. In Acts 20 The apostle Paul re-baptized some people because they needed the right baptism.