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NASB | Matthew 7:13 ¶ "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:13 ¶ "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. |
Subject: Why do so few Scriptures mention baptism |
Bible Note: Greetings Sharp! I'm really not trying to be a wise guy, but would you clarify what you were trying to say in your last post? The only part I really followed was your first paragraph. You said: "I never said baptism produces repentance, it follows repentance. Maybe we should take a step back. Is repentance essential to salvation?" I never said that you thought baptism produced repentance. What you seem to be saying, based on Acts 2:38, is that repentance plus baptism produces salvation! But, I like your idea of taking a step back, so let me summarize where I stand on this issue. When someone repents, they are saved - Rom. 10:13. This salvation is not earned in any way. It is based entirely upon the completed work of Christ at Calvary. If we stopped at this point, that person would still be completely and totally saved. This is what I mean when I say that baptism is not essential to salvation. I don't mean that baptism is unimportant or unnecessary. I simply mean that baptism does not in any way contribute to our salvation. After a person is saved, that person has an obligation to obey Christ and Scripture. That person should be baptized. That person should read their Bible. That person should attend church. That person should pray. That person should share their faith with others. However, none of these activities make them a Christian. This is the point that I have been trying to get a clear answer about. Do you believe that baptism is essential to salvation? If a person is not baptized, are they still saved? To say that baptism is essential to salvation makes Eph. 2:8-9 false. If you will clarify the point of your last post, I will try to respond better. Thanks for the discussion and your sweet spirit! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |