Subject: Teacher, when were the 11 rebaptized? |
Bible Note: Greetings One! I knew that was where you were going! :-) I understand your position my friend! I really do. The problem though is that the analogy doesn't carry over. There wasn't any Old Testament passage which said, "You are healed by grace, through faith, not by works". :-) As I've tried to stress time and again, if one says that: "I must believe and be baptized then I am saved." Then baptism becomes a work which I must do to be saved. This directly contradicts Eph. 2:8-9. If one says: "I believe and I am saved and then I must be baptized" I would have no problem with this statement. Baptism is commanded, but it does not save. The evidence for baptismal regeneration is scanty at best. I would summarize it as: 1) Mark 16:16: Which probably was not in the original text anyway, but if it was, has been misinterpreted by failing to take into consideration simple logic (as previously discussed). 2) Acts 2:38: I have demonstrated over and over again that the command to be baptized is parenthetical to this verse and cannot be associated with the plural phrases 'for the forgiveness of sins' and 'you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'. This is simply Greek grammar, but the point is consistently ignored. 3) 1 Peter 3:21: This verse is loaded with translation difficulties, but one thing is clear: Whatever baptims does, Peter hastens to point out that it doesn't actually cleanse us. At least we have all had the opportunity to lay out our case. :-) In closing, my position is that there is not any action, deed, ritual, or work, which we must do to be saved. Scripture consistently calls for us to make a volitional response to His offer of salvation, but nothing more. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |