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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | WHY? | Acts 2:38 | srbaegon | 50412 | ||
Hello Grace and Truth To borrow from Makarios' post quoting John MacArthur: "Mark 16:16, a verse often quoted to prove baptism is necessary for salvation, is actually a proof of the opposite. Notice that the basis for condemnation in that verse is not the failure to be baptized, but only the failure to believe. Baptism is mentioned in the first part of the verse because it was the outward symbol that always accompanied the inward belief." As for 1 Peter 3:20-21, how was Noah saved? By faith (Heb 11:7). What was the evidence of his faith? Building the ark (Heb 11:7). What was the outcome? Escape from judgement. How is a believer saved? By faith. What is the evidence of his faith? Baptism. What is the outcome? Escape from judgement. Steve |
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2 | WHY? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50452 | ||
Those who don’t believe are condemned “You frequently cite Mark 16:16, in which Jesus states that ‘he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved . . . .’ However, the second clause in that sentence, ‘but he that believeth not shall be damned’ states unequivocally that belief (faith) is the key element to salvation.” 1. While faith may be described as “a key element,” in the salvation process, because it is the motive out of which additional acts of obedience arise, it is not correct to suggest that it is the only element in salvation. Again we stress, such reasoning would exclude repentance. May one be saved without sorrow for sin and a corresponding reformation of life? Surely our friend will not so contend. 2. When Christ affirmed that one who disbelieves will be condemned, it was entirely unnecessary to add further acts of rebellion in order to make the case. The unbeliever is condemned at that point. It is superfluous to extrapolate the disobedience. Suppose we say: “He who eats and digests his food shall live, but he who eats not shall die.” Would it be sensible to say: “He who eats and digests his food shall live, but he who eats not, and does not digest, shall die.”? Can one digest what he does not eat? Is it even necessary to discuss baptism with one who is in a state of disbelief? 1. The plain truth of the matter is this: Jesus “unequivocally” stated that “he who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” The terms “believes” and “is baptized” are, in the Greek Testament, compound participles in the aorist tense. In Greek grammar this reflects a format which indicates an action that takes place prior to that of the leading verb (Machen, 116-117), which, in this case, is “shall be saved.” This means that both actions occur before that suggested by the verb. In other words, salvation does not occur until the believer has been baptized. This is as plain as language can be. 2. J.W. Willmarth, a noted Baptist editor and writer, once conceded: “. . . our Saviour said, just before he ascended the heavens: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. We shall hardly dare to tamper with his royal word and make it run, He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized (306). |
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3 | WHY? | Acts 2:38 | srbaegon | 50472 | ||
Hello Grace and Truth I can quote people as well: 1. Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." The negative proposition in this declaration is the clue to its interpretation. Christ, in these words, expresses succinctly and with amazing accuracy the exact relation that baptism bears to saving faith. The outward symbol is enjoined with no equivocation, and yet no saving value is placed upon it, for the negative proposition conditions damnation solely upon the failure to believe. The failure to be baptized does not condemn, according to the divine estimate. Now, if baptism were essential to salvation the statement would be incomplete. William Kelly expresses the correct view in his commentary: "Baptism outwardly sets forth the truth of Christ. Thus baptism has a decided value as a testimony before God and men…. Peter insists upon baptism, though he expressly guards them from thinking too much about the outward act; but the grand point is the demand of a good conscience towards God by Christ’s resurrection…. This makes baptism simply consequent on believing; but when we hear of condemnation, it is on the ground of not believing. Alas! millions will be condemned who have been baptized, yet so much the worse because they do not believe." --William Walden Howard Steve |
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