Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Jesus' name baptism? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 48265 | ||
Dear Mommapbs, Greetings in Jesus' name! I do not believe, as the quote from your 'denominational web site' seems to state, that we are forgiven because we are water baptized. Instead, I would say that water baptism pleases God, and that He desires that we submit ourselves to this physical act of obedience. The result is a reward of strength to overcome sin in our lives, a real spiritual impartation that we can stand upon as Biblical. (I do NOT believe that water baptism is just an "outward expression of an inner work") The blood of Christ cleanses us of the sin of Adam, but we participate in the ongoing work of sanctification through repentance and obedience. I believe that water baptism accomplishes the "circumcision of heart." "Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live." Deuteronomy 30:6 NASB. This 'love' is more than faith, but includes faithful actions in accord with the Bible. "...and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:11,12 NASB. I believe that water baptism should be administered in the name of the Lord Jesus, in keeping with the Scriptural pattern set forth in the book of Acts, and in keeping with the Scriptural mandate in Colossians 3:17: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (NASB) Full-immersion water baptism is NOT for salvation, but for sanctification, a 'cooperative' work of the Holy Spirit that takes our whole life. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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2 | Jesus' name baptism? | Acts 2:38 | Mommapbs | 48293 | ||
Greetings in Jesus' name Charis - thanks for your reply. I negelected to add that the web site also stated that only those baptized could be members of the church. I agree with your position. Is the baptism of Col 2:11,12 literal or physical? Also you wrote: "Full-immersion water baptism is NOT for salvation, but for sanctification, a 'cooperative' work of the Holy Spirit that takes our whole life." Does this mean that if a believer has not entered the waters of baptism they have not been sanctified? If we receive the Holy Spirit upon confession of faith in Jesus, is not the circumcision of the heart begun at this moment? In advance, thanks for the dialog!(If I don't follow up right away, its because I'm off to a "ladies retreat" in Co. Springs!) Blessings on you and yours! Mommapbs |
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3 | Jesus' name baptism? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 48408 | ||
Dear Mommapbs, Blessings to you in the name of the Lord Jesus! In my sometimes not so humble opinion, Colossians is speaking of real, physical baptism by immersion in water. This would satisfy the entirety of Scripture, rather than the agenda of some fringe group. I do not see this as controversial in any way, and it makes so much SENSE! :-) You asked me, "Does this mean that if a believer has not entered the waters of baptism they have not been sanctified?" My answer is that the word sanctify means cleanse, and all three Biblical baptisms are for cleansing us from sin. If sin were to stop upon our being apprehended by the Lord (the gift of faith poured into our lives), then indeed we would be totally sanctified at that moment. However, I have yet to know any Christian that meets this criteria, therefore I conclude that we are not 'completely' sanctified until we meet the Lord face to face. You were correct to use the word 'begun' in your following question. Indeed, we are cleansed from the sin of Adam and justified by faith the moment the Lord touches our heart. But even if we 'decide' to receive Christ as Savior, we must still deal with the sin that can easily overcome us. This is not to say we can lose our salvation! May it never be! But we can forfeit reward in the eternal kingdom of God by disobedience and irresponsibility. "Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NASB. To me, gold, silver and precious stones signify faith, obedience, prayer in the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. (not necessarily in that order, and including other acts of faithfulness). Wood, hay and straw are the human 'false' equivalents of the former, including the traditions of men, religious institution, and worldly philosophy. The pretenders will be toast, but the true will always save us! Praise God! (note: there are those who claim that there are many 'false brethren' with no 'real' faith, therefore unworthy of salvation. I am of the opinion that there are but a few that fall [pun intended] into this category. Instead, I wonder about these claimant's grasp of the concept of grace, and pray that THEIR reward is 'satisfactory' on that day!) Have a nice retreat! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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