Subject: EXPLAIM CHAPTER 3 VERSE 5 |
Bible Note: junmeskie, I cannot comment on some of the scriptures that you used for the simple fact that I have not much knowledge on them e.g. Ezek. But the other scriptures that you are using does not agree with your commentary of them. It will be probably unwise to get into a debate over baptism, but scripture speaks of one baptism (Eph.4:5), what do you suppose scripture is speaking of? Keep in mind I Cor. 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body..." Now, the water baptism of which you speak is not the cleansing agent that causes us to be acceptable. You stated that "we are adopted to His family, but before we are accepted, we must be cleansed by taking a shower to take off dirts." If that be the case, then what do we do with Hebrews 9:22? It is the blood of Jesus Christ that washed away our sins, not water baptism. Being baptised into Christ as you stated from Rom.6:3, goes along with ICor.12:13. What we do in the water is symbolic of what The Spirit had done upon our believing in the finished work of The Lord Jesus. You used 1Pet.3:21 to say that baptism now saves you, the rest of that verse disagrees with your commentary also for is says, "(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:". If we be honest with ourselves about baptism in water, we would note where that water goes. Not to the heart and conscience, but just the outward body. I believe that the washing of regeneration in Titus 5:3 you mentioned, goes with Eph.5:26. Christ gave Himself for the church "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,". I leave room junmeskie, that my observation may not be absolutly right, but this is were I stand. Yes I believe that we are born again by baptism, but not the going down into the water, but the baptism of The Spirit into Jesus Christ, thus becoming a part of His body. The water cannot do that for you. Peace to you, g3ills |