Results 1 - 8 of 8
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Results from: Notes Author: formereverything Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why do some denominations Baptise babies | Acts 16:33 | formereverything | 122223 | ||
A very early Christian teacher, Irenaeus (120-202 A.D.), wrote the following: "He came to save all through Himself - all I say, who through Him are reborn in God-infants, and children, and youth, and old men. Therefore He passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age, and at the same time becoming for them an example of piety, of righteousness, and of submission; a young man for youths, becoming an example for youths and sanctifying them for the Lord." Here we read that Jesus Christ came that all might be reborn in God. "How can an infant be reborn if he cannot believe?" a person may ask. I ask in return, "How can an infant be reborn if his Christian parents have refrained from baptizing him?" Is a child who has not reached the "age of accountability/reason" not reborn until he reaches the age of thirteen when he then needs to be reborn? Origen's (185-254 A.D.) view of baptism is direct and transparent: "For what is sin? Could a child who has only just been born commit a sin? And yet he has sin for which it is commanded to offer a sacrifice, as Job 14:4ff and Psalm 51:5-7 show. For this reason the Church received from the Apostles the tradition to administer baptism to the children also. For the men to whom the secrets of divine mysteries had been entrusted knew that in everyone there were genuine sinful defilements, which had to be washed away with water and the Spirit." In his Homily on Luke he again states his beliefs on infant baptism: "Infants are baptized for the remission of sins. What sins? Whenever have they sinned? In fact, of course, never. And yet: 'No one is free from defilement.' (Job 14:4) But defilement is only put away by the mystery of baptism. That is the reason why infants too are baptized. " Hippolytus' (170-236 A.D.) perception of infant baptism is clear and straightforward as well: "And first baptize the little ones; and if they can speak for themselves, they shall do so; if not, their parents or other relatives shall speak for them." There is not one Church Father who denies or even questions the validity of infant baptism. It was in no locality and at no time viewed as something that was created after New Testament times. |
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2 | Why do some denominations Baptise babies | Acts 16:33 | formereverything | 122222 | ||
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself " (Acts 2:38,39). "... the promise is for you and children," but "for you and your children," makes it clear that the children mentioned here were young enough to still be considered under the protection and authority of their parents. This is underscored when one understands that it was common for women and men to marry at the very young ages of twelve and thirteen, respectively. From this it becomes reasonable to assume that these children to whom Peter refers were young juveniles or, at the very least, in their preadolescence. Although this is only indirect Scriptural evidence, the fact that the Bible mentions that entire "households" were baptized does make it seem probable that children and infants were included. "Now I did baptize the household of Stephanas . . . " (1 Corinthians 1:16) (An angel spoke to Cornelius saying) "Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, and all your household " (Later, when Peter arrived at (Cornelius' household) "... he ordered them to be baptized."(Acts 11:13b, 14; Acts 10:48a) "And when she (Lydia of Thyatira) and her household had been baptized . . . " (Acts 16:15a) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household . . . and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. " (Acts 16:31, 33b) We know that the Greek word oikos, translated "house" or "household," has traditionally included infants and children in its meaning for several reasons. There is no evidence of this word being used either in secular Greek, Biblical Greek,or in the writing of Hellenistic Judaism in a way which would restrict its meaning only to adults. The Old Testament parallel for "house" carries the sense of the entire family. The Greek translation of the original Hebrew manuscripts (completed in 250 B.C.) uses this word when translating the Hebrew. The Old Testament Symbols of Salvation and Baptism Include Infants: Circumcision, the sign of God's covenant between the people of Abraham and Himself, was performed on every male child who was eight days old (Genesis 17:12). Many see a direct parallel between circumcision and Christian baptism in Scriptural passages such as Colossians 2:11,12: "And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism ..." If baptism is the "New Testament circumcision" there can definitely be no objection to "sealing" the infant of a consecrated Christian family in Christ's New Covenant. |
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3 | Salvation by compulsion-Romans 5 | Rom 5:1 | formereverything | 121898 | ||
perhaps I should have stated that you come across harsh in your postings rather than attempt to label you. I apologize for this. I must be truthful though, having read many of your responses, I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes there was an ignore button on this forum | ||||||
4 | Salvation by compulsion-Romans 5 | Rom 5:1 | formereverything | 121856 | ||
I referred to the NRSV of the Bible but here is the amplified: Even here note the terms reigned, unmerited,putting them, made acceptable, superabounded. "17For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 18Well then, as one man's trespass [one man's false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man's act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men. 19For just as by one man's disobedience (failing to hear, [1] heedlessness, and carelessness) the many were constituted sinners, so by one Man's obedience the many will be constituted righteous (made acceptable to God, brought into right standing with Him). 20But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded, 21So that, [just] as sin has reigned in death, [so] grace (His unearned and undeserved favor) might reign also through righteousness (right standing with God) which issues in eternal life through Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) our Lord." - Amplified Bible My point is that I am trying to understand why paul felt the need to use such forceful language when discussing grace. Even the author of the message sees the agression in these verses: "18Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! 19One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right. 20All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down."- The Message It seems that in my reveiew of many translations, that the general understanding is, that apart from us, salvation is general or universal in one aspect. That being that everyone will be ressurected whether they like it or not.Because eternal life is a direct result of grace and not of personal merit. Eternal Life doesn't imply Heaven, but rather Immortality. P.S. Hank don't get so emotional. |
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5 | Hebrews 6:4 -Am I a useless cause? | John 11:25 | formereverything | 120957 | ||
That sounds easier said than done. Please don't dismiss my struggle so easily. I am married with a 3yo son. IT is EXTREMELY difficult to find a church that: 1)Supports the family unit 2)Has a ministry for women 3)ministry for men 4)ministry for couples 5) has a bible-based children's ministry. I don't think I would be much of a Christian Husband or Father if I did not take these points into consideration. The truth of the matter is this, Since leaving Mormonism I have not found a church that has all of these principles. My thinking is this: I don't NEED a church to learn the truth, that is only found with the Bible and a personal relationship with Christ. But I and my family do need FELLOWSHIP with bible-beleiving Christians. This is true especially since we are so prone to slip into cults. My wife and I are far from "Sunday Christians". We firmly beleive that to be part of a community, we must do our share. Another words, we will not commit to giving our time, tithe and talent to a church that doesn't support family values through ministry. When we find a bible based church there are usually either no small groups, no children's program or in many cases are dominated by DINKS(Double Income No Kids), with Word Of Faith doctrines prevelant. OR If there is a support system of ministries in place it seems that they are supporting a false gospel of works and ritual.. WE have earnestly prayed for a home to be led to. However in the meantime we have found it in three places. This is not the ideal but for now it is a temporary solution. |
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6 | Hebrews 6:4 -Am I a useless cause? | John 11:25 | formereverything | 120944 | ||
I actually have joined afew churches. I can't seem to decide between the three for a certainty. | ||||||
7 | Hebrews 6:4 -Am I a useless cause? | John 11:25 | formereverything | 120931 | ||
Thank You Angel, You must have been following me around.LOL Musical pews is more like it. I can't seem to find a church that isn't into some form of deception. I got close once with the United Pentecostal Church but dioscovered that they are Modalists and deny the trinity. |
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8 | World Peace | Ps 2:1 | formereverything | 120925 | ||
I have thought about Psalm 2 in light of current events and hope I can share my reflections with this forum. "the people devising a vain thing" recalls for me the contiuousb attempts at peace in the mideast. I think everyone would be happy to see peace but Psalm 2 gives us ahint as to why it will not happen. Verse 10-12 encourages world leaders to turn to the Son.."Kiss the Son" was refering to giving the Son Homage, respect, honor. Without Him their attempts at peace are futile and vain. A promise of blessing is given to these leaders if they will but remember the Son. THe Scriptures promise us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Apart from him as head, there can be no peace. Just my Opinions, FormerEverything |
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