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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: Faith plus Baptism or Faith alone? |
Bible Note: Hi Tim, How I wish there wasn't this difference between us. I believe that you have not yet grasped what I or the Bible are saying about the necessity of works. It's not that works 'earn' you anything: you can never do enough works to attain the state of righteousness. BUT works are 'in keeping' with Biblical, saving faith. John had people coming to him for baptism: immersion for the remission of sins. But he refused to baptized the 'brood of vipers'. "Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" He then said, "bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance." Hence, a working repentance, not just being sorry for past sins, was required before he would baptize them. Many people started asking what they needed to do and he told them. But Herod, in contrast, threw John into prison. Herod did not repent by putting away the unlaw marriage. I venture to say that none on this forum - save the infant baptizers - believe that baptism, in and of itself, can save. But the Bible clearly shows that Baptism is the place where God's grace saves. That is why there was such urgency to baptize in the early church (and still is today by those like myself). I'm glad that you teach the necessity of baptism. But baptism is commanded for a specific purpose and should be received with that purpose in mind. Thanks, Disciplerami |