Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Just what is the purpose of baptism? | Heb 11:7 | JCrichton | 129896 | ||
"One last comparison and I'll conclude this post. It does seem that there is some similarity between circumcision and the act of baptism as they both are ritual type acts and seem to be the main focal point (threshhold) for people in their respective dispensations to get close to God. " HI, Rowdy! Excellent post! We, "Christians" keep wanting to reinvent the wheel (it is round and it makes things go!)... however we cannot reinvent Creation nor God's Divine Plan! While both the circumcision and baptism are public proclamation of our obedience to God, they are not, in themselves, the means to salvation... but this was never God's intention! His commandment is that we obey! A public symbol of obedience and adherence to God (circumcision and baptism) unites God's people (both then and now) to a commonality: servants of God! How some "Christians" want to eradicate Jesus' own command: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) ...it is beyon my understanding! This effort is almost as constructive as the farce perpetrated by those who hold a claim to being Christian while rejecting Christ's Divinity! For Christians to profess salvation according to our own personal doctrine is akin to nonbelievers professing salvation outside of Christ!: Unity in the Body of Christ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (Ephesians 4:1-5) How can any Christian fail to understand verse 5? Our baptism in Christ is nothing short of a public demonstrantion of our humble obedience to God! God Bless! Angel |
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2 | Just what is the purpose of baptism? | Heb 11:7 | Rowdy | 129914 | ||
Thanks for your words of support. I'm only a vessel trying to shine the light on God's Word. Please believe me, and this is meant for everyone's reading. I'm NOT trying to say that baptism is a work or part of a system of earning something, least of all our Salvation. What I am trying to say is that baptism is the defining moment in our christianity when we start a whole new relationship of total submission to God in accordance with His Terms and Conditions. This baptism is very closely related to the "dipping" of Naaman, demonstrating the same quality of submission. Also similar to the total submission required of a grown man who wanted to become a Jew. Notice here again, God provides a demonstration to show us just how submissive and vulnerable a man really is in this scenario, just check Gen 34:24 All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor and to his son Shechem, and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city. Gen 34:25 Now it came about on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword and came upon the city unawares, and killed every male. Gen 34:26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went forth. That's the point of this whole concept to God, our submission completely and totally. And to think He's letting us off easy with a mere baptism in a tub of water. How can we refuse such a simple act? He just wants us to show the world that He truly is our Lord and King. I hope to see other posts from around the Forum. God bless. Rowdy |
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3 | Just what is the purpose of baptism? | Heb 11:7 | JCrichton | 129944 | ||
"Please believe me, and this is meant for everyone's reading. I'm NOT trying to say that baptism is a work or part of a system of earning something, least of all our Salvation." Hi, Rowdy! I understood you clearly... this is why I took the liberty in expanding on your thoughts... many times Christians end up on different sides of the table because of simple misunderstandings... We know that Christ alone is Salvation, but baptism does not take away from this; rather, baptism is commanded by Him as a public demonstration of our acceptance of God's Authority as we humbly submit to His Command to become one of His people... It is simple to say: "I believe in my heart!" But words can be as empty as a vacuum when not translated into live practice! In baptism we submit to the Father as Christ, through example, taught us to do! God Bless! Angel |
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4 | Just what is the purpose of baptism? | Heb 11:7 | Rowdy | 129994 | ||
Amen, dear friend. Amen!! I guess like I mentioned, my main motivation was to add these words for the benefit of others on the Forum. God bless. Rowdy |
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