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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Acts 2:38 Repentance and Baptism? | Acts 2:38 | Rowdy | 110546 | ||
I too enjoy reading your stimulating messages and appreciate your knowledge of the Word but I'm afraid I must stand by my original statement. In support of that, I can only say there are just as many scholars with PhDs on both sides of this controversy. The fact is that the Koine Greek is no longer spoken or written anywhere in the world. (Ironic isn't it...so our Father wants us to accept Him on His terms on faith. That means we can't know absolutely with such certain evidence that we could prove it in a court of man's law.) Anyway, the bottom line boils down to what is meant by "Better safe than sorry," just like Mommaphs and I have been discussing. In this particular scenario, I'm contrasting the two views of being saved with or without baptism. Some people think that too much emphasis is placed on this single point but it's not our emphasis, it's God's. He sent His Son to take our place on that cross and He gets to dictate the terms of His Last Will and Testament. The Holy Spirit is the executor and bestows the gift of salvation to those who qualify, those who accept the terms and obey God's commands in order to please Him. In Mark 16, Jesus Himself commissioned his disciples to teach everything He taught them to the whole world. He said he who believes and is baptized is saved...I know you're going to quote the rest of the verse back to me about the missing word "baptize" in that latter phrase. But don't you see, if a person doesn't believe there's no need to mention baptizing to him. It's illustrated as follows: If a man wants to live, he must consume nourishment and digest it into his body. If a man doesn't ingest that food or nourishment somehow, there's no need to discuss digestion, he will simply die. We see this kind of consummation of relationships throughout the world. When does a man and woman actually get married in the eyes of the world, at least here in America. It's the point they both say "I do" and not before. When does a person actually receive the gift from his dead benefactor, after he's completed ALL the requirements as provided in that will. Throughout the NT, we see many scriptures on this subject of baptism. It's done for the remission of sins, it represents the burial of Jesus as I stated earlier. There's just too much emphasis from God's Word to ignore this conclusion, at least for me. But one last item and I'll hush at least for now. Let's take the two different views to their ultimate conclusion (and utlimately Judgement Day): 1) my view as I've stated above with the conclusion that all who have been baptized are indeed in God's family. And 2) your view that one can be saved without baptism. With the latter view, one goes to God with His faith in the words, the grammar and Greek as has been discussed. But God asks "But did you obey?" like I instructed you. Remember, God's words through the phrophet Samuel, "It is better to obey God than to make sacrifice." That's what I mean with the phrase "Better safe than sorry." Please think about all this and pray about it. God bless. |
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2 | Acts 2:38 Repentance and Baptism? | Acts 2:38 | Morant61 | 110558 | ||
Greetings Rowdy! Fortunately (or unfortunately), I don't have a PhD! :-) Having read the various interpetations of these verse though, I am much more comfortable with the one which follows the rules of grammar than the one which does not simply because God's Word is written in a language. :-) As for Mark 16, you have already noted that there are a couple of ways of looking at it which do not violate the grammar. Plus, there is the whole question of whether or not the long ending was even original or not. For my part, I stake my claim on the many verses which do not include any mention of baptism as being necessary for salvation. I'm not going to list them all again, but you can search the archives for some of my old posts if you would like (if you have lots of time on your hands)! :-) But, I would simply say this: I do believe that all believers should be baptized because there is no doubt that God commands us to do so. The only point I would differ on is the relationship between salvation and baptism. I believe that Scripture is clear that baptism is a response to salvation, not the other way around. The only problem I have with the better safe than sorry approach is that it puts the burden on our works rather than God's grace. This was the same situtation that Paul faced in Galatians. He could have taken your approach for those who felt that circumcision was necessary for salvation. But, he didn't. In fact, he went so far as to say that they were preaching 'another' gospel other than what they had first heard. There are simply too many Scriptures which teach that salvation is 100 percent a gift which must only be accepted, not a wage which can or must be earned. From my perspective, when we attach some thing that we must 'do' as a condition for salvation, that thing is now a 'work'. I appreciate your gentle spirit my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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3 | Acts 2:38 Repentance and Baptism? | Acts 2:38 | Rowdy | 110622 | ||
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you have the last word. Do keep studying my friend. Hope to see you in Heaven. | ||||||
4 | Acts 2:38 Repentance and Baptism? | Acts 2:38 | Morant61 | 110630 | ||
Greetings Rowdy! Thanks my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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