Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | If He came today would He turn away fro | OT general | RoseS | 23876 | ||
Have you ever read, "The Poisonwood Bible"? I believe in walking in Jesus' footprints and not trying to make our own just look like His. Follow where He leads. Live like He wanted us to live. Remember that this is 2001. If He came today would He turn away from a little unbaptised child if it dies? No, He is the savior for us all. He will judge the living and the dead by how they lived and by their inocense. Do you believe that... Love is forgiving? Hugs from California Rose |
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2 | If He came today would He turn away fro | OT general | Bob Y. | 23882 | ||
Rose, I know that their is a lot of disagreement about the weight that baptism has. The closest thing that can be compared to baptism in my understanding is the circumsision of the Old Testament. It is an outward sign of an inward covenant. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ plus nothing. Although I don't see any harm in it, I know of nothing in the Bible that supports infant baptism because a little child may not understand what a decision of faith in Jesus is, so he couldn't make an outward sign of his decision. Jesus did say that the children are protected. I think one thing that all of us have to be sure of is that God is much more just than we could ever imagine. His judgements will be perfect for the children, the rebelious, the innocent, the ignorant the wicked or what have you. Rom 8:1 says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is no judgement for those whose faith is in Jesus. Jesus took our condemnation upon Himself. All those who do not place their faith in Jesus in this life will be judged by how they lived and the Bible says all have sinned. With the exception of those who do not have the ability to decide (children, mentally handicapped, etc.)anyone who does not receive Jesus will not be found innocent. God is love, but He is also a rightious judge who is forgiving only to a humble and repentant heart. |
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3 | If He came today would He turn away fro | OT general | stjones | 23895 | ||
Explanation of infant baptism [LONG] Hi, Bob. You said "The closest thing that can be compared to baptism in my understanding is the circumsision of the Old Testament. It is an outward sign of an inward covenant. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ plus nothing". This is the view of the Presbyterian church - baptism does not save, faith does. Baptism is the sign of a covenetal relationship between God and his chosen people. The Sacrament of Baptism is practiced according to the theology that guides the Presbyterian church. Therefore, Presbyterians only baptize members' children and only during a worship service. When presenting an infant or child for baptism, the parents make a public profession of faith in Christ. As part of the sacrament, the congregation affirms its intention to welcome the child and help grow the child in the faith. As good Calvinists, Presbyterians focus on God's sovereign act of choosing. 'Just as Jesus had said to his disciples, "You did not choose me but I chose you . . . .", one can see in the Sacrament of Baptism God's act of choosing. Whatever the age of the person being baptized, it's God's choosing that is the crucial action. Adults, as well as infants, will have to decide many times after their baptism whether or not to choose God back!'* 'When the parents make a profession of faith, they do so not on behalf of their child, but as a statement of their identity as members of the covenanted community, and their intention to form the child's faith as best they can within that community. Under those circumstances, there is at least a reasonable prospect that a baptized person will grow into her baptism in due time, making a profession of faith and choosing back the God who first chose her.' 'Infant baptism [is] about the status of the children of believers - members of the covenant community - and not about children in general! Baptism [is] meant neither to save the child from some peril in this world or the next, nor as a sentimental blessing upon newborns, nor as a way for the parents to profess the child's supposed "implicit" faith by proxy. It [is] an act which incorporate[s] into the body of Christ the children of persons who [are] already a part of that body.' This is consistent with 1 Corinthians 7. There is no assumption that the act of baptizing with prevent the child from later deciding to leave the covenant community by choosing not to accept Christ for herself. *All quotes are from an article in the Office of Theology and Worship section of the Presbyterian Church (USA) web site. I don't intend to start a dispute over baptism, infant or otherwise; I'm posting this purely as information. Peace and grace, Steve "Indy" Jones |
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4 | If He came today would He turn away fro | OT general | Bob Y. | 23926 | ||
Hi Indy, I appreciate you taking the time to clearify your view of infant baptism for me. Your letter has helped me to understand this better. I believe this is an area of much misunderstanding to many Christians. When I choose to trust Jesus as my savior I also choose to be baptised, publicly proclaiming my faith and new life in Him. When I told my mother she became a little upset because she said that I was already baptised as a baby. I think she felt that I was belittling what she and my father had done in good faith. I explained to her that what she did was more of a christening which publically committed her and Dad to raise me as a Christian, which they did (very much in line with your explaination)and that the baptism I chose was the result of a free will decision on my part to trust Jesus. Some may say that this is being baptised twice which is counter to Ephesians 4:5. I believe what this verse is talking about is the only one meaningful baptism which is a decision for Jesus. It is not putting down other kinds of baptisms which may help lead a person to that meaningful one. I support this with Acts 19:4-5. Unfortunatly we use the word "baptism" for all these acts which leads to some confusion. Thank you, again and God bless you. Bob |
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5 | If He came today would He turn away fro | OT general | stjones | 23936 | ||
Hi, Bob; Glad you found the informtation useful. I should add that when they are 14, kids in our church are given the opportunity to join after a pretty vigorous Communicants' Class. At that time, they make a public profession of faith. If they were not baptized previously (i.e. as infants), they are baptized at the same time. I would not be offended if either of my daughters chose to be baptized again. If they came to believe that the Presbyterian understanding of baptism was incorrect and their infant baptism "didn't count", I would hope they would do as you did. After all, God knows our hearts; I don't suppose he is offended at a sincere desire to discern and do his will. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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