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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: Are we saying the same thing? |
Bible Note: A necessary work is not the same as something exchanged for salvation. Jesus did it all - including baptism - "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness." Matthew 3:15 The fact that it was necessary for the spotless Son of God to be baptised - a ritual which illustrates the washing away of sin - indicates that baptism is to be performed by Christians where possible. His baptism stands in place for those who didn't know or couldn't. Just because He fulfilled the law doesn't mean we no longer have to. He set an example for us. Psalm 23:3 "He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." God's name, and our well-being are dependent upon obeying His instructions. Of course we are sinful by nature, but He provides BOTH justification AND sanctification. In His strength, we can progressively overcome. (Just ask an alcoholic who attends AA.) It is not earning salvation to accept the grace provided by God to deal with besetting sins. There is cleansing AND power. The closer we come to God, the worse we see ourselves, and we want to be good. He has said He will write the law in our hearts. So, when I am baptised because of Jesus' example, I am simply following the Shepherd, not earning anything. |