To be clear, i fully believe that all new Christians should, if at all possible, be water baptized. Simply because Christ Himself told us to be water baptized. I also believe, and am convinced that water baptism IS NOT the one baptism spoken of in Scripture, and IS NOT necessary for salvation.
Why?
Christ gave us the example when He was water baptized by John. This example was for a specific reason. That reason being that the "one baptism" that is the baptism unto salvation is the baptism of the Holy Spirit when the precious blood of Christ is applied to our hearts, and cleanses us of all our sins. This baptism unto salvation can not be seen with the human eye, and, thus, neither the Church, nor the world can see that a person has become a believer in and disciple of Jesus Christ.
Water baptism serves as the "witness" for the new believer that they have become a believer in and disciple of Christ. The Church and the world can see for themselves that the new believer has given their life to Christ through their baptism in water.
Now, if toes are stepped on, well, maybe they need to be, but water baptism can not be the baptism unto salvation, for water baptism is a work! There is no other way to describe/define water baptism than a work, and no work by man is worthy enough to gain salvation/eternal life!
The act of water baptism requires, at a minimum, two people to complete. The baptisor, and the baptisee. In some instances, and not trying to be funny, it may require more than two people. Depending on the physical size of the baptisee, more than one baptisor may be required to complete the act safely. We have a wonderful Christian in our church that is well north of 300 pounds. And when they were baptized, it took three persons to safely immerse that person and lift them up again safely.
Every example in Scripture speaking of water baptism speaks of two people being involved! Any act that requires two people to accomplish can ONLY be defined as a work. Now, to be sure, water baptism is a GOOD work, but a work non-the-less.
Any person, church group that teaches water baptism is required for salvation is teaching "works salvation." There is no other way to define their teaching! Now, if this is what they believe, that's fine with me, but they have to admit what they are teaching, and not pretend they don't teach "works salvation."
I see some here who are all about Grace salvation (and why not?), yet they still teach water baptism necessary for salvation! Can't have it both ways. Either we are saved by grace through faith, AND THAT A GIFT FROM GOD, and not by works........OR works can save us.........
Water baptism is a work! That is Biblical Truth. That is simple truth!
It's ok to speak of Acts 2:38, but if one is truthful, they should also include:
Ephesians 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Water baptism is a good work. I, and others, believe it is the first act of obedience for a new believer. Being water baptized because Christ told us to be!
The precious blood of Jesus Christ is what saves us, cleanses us, and makes us worthy to be called children of God and heirs to the Promise! This occurs with the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
Water baptism is important! It IS NOT necessary for salvation!
Why?
Christ gave us the example when He was water baptized by John. This example was for a specific reason. That reason being that the "one baptism" that is the baptism unto salvation is the baptism of the Holy Spirit when the precious blood of Christ is applied to our hearts, and cleanses us of all our sins. This baptism unto salvation can not be seen with the human eye, and, thus, neither the Church, nor the world can see that a person has become a believer in and disciple of Jesus Christ.
Water baptism serves as the "witness" for the new believer that they have become a believer in and disciple of Christ. The Church and the world can see for themselves that the new believer has given their life to Christ through their baptism in water.
Now, if toes are stepped on, well, maybe they need to be, but water baptism can not be the baptism unto salvation, for water baptism is a work! There is no other way to describe/define water baptism than a work, and no work by man is worthy enough to gain salvation/eternal life!
The act of water baptism requires, at a minimum, two people to complete. The baptisor, and the baptisee. In some instances, and not trying to be funny, it may require more than two people. Depending on the physical size of the baptisee, more than one baptisor may be required to complete the act safely. We have a wonderful Christian in our church that is well north of 300 pounds. And when they were baptized, it took three persons to safely immerse that person and lift them up again safely.
Every example in Scripture speaking of water baptism speaks of two people being involved! Any act that requires two people to accomplish can ONLY be defined as a work. Now, to be sure, water baptism is a GOOD work, but a work non-the-less.
Any person, church group that teaches water baptism is required for salvation is teaching "works salvation." There is no other way to define their teaching! Now, if this is what they believe, that's fine with me, but they have to admit what they are teaching, and not pretend they don't teach "works salvation."
I see some here who are all about Grace salvation (and why not?), yet they still teach water baptism necessary for salvation! Can't have it both ways. Either we are saved by grace through faith, AND THAT A GIFT FROM GOD, and not by works........OR works can save us.........
Water baptism is a work! That is Biblical Truth. That is simple truth!
It's ok to speak of Acts 2:38, but if one is truthful, they should also include:
Ephesians 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Water baptism is a good work. I, and others, believe it is the first act of obedience for a new believer. Being water baptized because Christ told us to be!
The precious blood of Jesus Christ is what saves us, cleanses us, and makes us worthy to be called children of God and heirs to the Promise! This occurs with the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
Water baptism is important! It IS NOT necessary for salvation!
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