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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | Teacher | 66312 | ||
I hear so much debate about baptism. Is it a work? Is it a requirement for salvation? Are we saved before baptism? On, and on, and on... My question is, with so much that is said about baptism in the bible, the examples of conversion, the answers Peter and Paul give to the questions, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" and "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37, 16:30 respectively) can someone explain to me scripturally whether baptism is necessary or not for salvation? If it is, why? If it is not, why? | ||||||
2 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66374 | ||
Dear Teacher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! With fear and trepidation I wander yet again into the quagmire of this topic. I pray that I can simplify the issue, not muddy it up! :-) The Bible speaks of three baptisms in the New Testament. All three are for our cleansing (washing), so it seems to me that they all are for our sanctification while we walk the 'pilgrim path.' This path starts when we are apprehended by the Lord and given the gift of faith to believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The path ends when we meet God after our death or 'in the air.' First let me outline my thoughts on salvation and sanctification. I personally believe that we are saved (in time-limited human terms) from the moment recognize His Lordship. However, the Lord knew us from before our birth, and knows the outcome of our life in eternity. So, from God's vantage, our salvation is secured and complete. But from our lowly viewpoint, limited by time and situation, we make (feeble) attempts to explain eternal things. This is where our earthly sanctification 'process' enters the picture. Upon recognition of our favor in God's sight, we are called to please Him. God rejoices when we continue in the path of repentance from our ways into His. This is called by many names, but is in effect a washing away of the old man of sin and death, and becomeing the new creation He longs to see. True, we are already 'clean' at the moment of salvation (even before!), but I have yet to meet a Christian who is complete in man's eyes. The tools we have at our disposal are the washings (baptisms) that God provides. These are 'available,' but not really at our 'beck and call.' In fact, only water baptism allows us any real, physical choice. Baptism in the Spirit and baptism of fire seem to be wholly according to God's will. But is even water baptism just a ritual or tradition? I don't think so. I think that water baptism is connected with the 'circumcision of heart' prophesied in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4), and confirmed in the New Testament (Colossians 2:11,12). The Lord gives opportunity, and rejoices when we are obedient to submit to water baptism. It is not a 'requirement' for salvation, but acceptable and pleasing in God's sight. In the same manner, recognizing the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit, being sensitive to His immediate presence in our life gives God pleasure. Finally, when the cleansing fire of the Lord is applied to our lives for reproof, we must submit in humility and repentance, and this further sanctification is granted us. I understand fully that my 'model' gives complete authority for our salvation and sanctification to the Lord. It does not make a place for man to 'choose' his fate. I believe that God chose me, not I chose Him. But now, after knowing of His plan for me, I make every attempt to gain His approval. I long to hear His words, "Well done, faithful servant. Enter into My joy!" (Matthew 25:21) I entrust my 'reward' unto Him! (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) Simple, huh? :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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3 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | Cyclist | 66381 | ||
charis, I will glorify the King of Kings and Lord of lords who is Christ Jesus, our Savior! I will praise the name of Jesus Christ in my heart and with my voice the day long! I will rise up in the morning praising Him! I will go to sleep praising Him! I haven't had the pleasure of exchanging posts with you before. I think that your post is excellent! I often wonder why baptism is considered a "work" when it comes up on the forum. There are so many posts on this subject that it takes a good hour or two for someone like myself to absorb all of the different views and opinions. However, I never grow weary of reading the scriptures on the subject. Please bear with me charis and forum members as I give my own opinion on baptism. I never have considered baptism a "work" or as a requirement for salvation. When I was an infant in Christ I was excited about and eager to be baptised! For two reasons. Number one, my Lord and Savior was baptised and I was, and still am, eager and longing to follow as closely in His footsteps as possible! Of course I know I will never ever be equal to Him but I desire to be like Him. Second, because of this passage in Romans. Rom 6:3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Rom 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, WOW! To me this is exciting! To be buried with my Savior and to be risen into newness of life! How could baptism be view as a "work" to anyone? As I have written before on this forum I was baptised in a small lake. It was an experience I shall never forget! The excitement of following in my Lord's footsteps! He was baptised and so was I! The excitement of being buried with Him and raised into newness of life! Oh well, I've averaged about three to four hours of sleep each night this week so maybe this sounds a little "corny", but, I love Jesus Christ my Savior and I would invite anyone to experience baptism the same way that I have. I was so full of joy that I came out of the water praising Him! In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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4 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | inmyheart | 66384 | ||
Cyclist, Just a note to say it's good to see you back at work here on the forum. I enjoyed your post. I thank God that He is fulfilling your purpose and that He is leading you to your destiny. Thanks for being a blessing, here on the forum. Your best days and your blessed days are still ahead of you God bless |
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