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NASB | Luke 23:43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 23:43 Jesus said to him, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." [2 Cor 12:4; Rev 2:7] |
Subject: Do i have to get baptized? |
Bible Note: Hello again, For the most part I agree with you. Certainly that it's very important and for just an added thought I know that the apostle Paul warned that eventually there would come a time “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:3, The New American Bible) After the apostles died and were no longer able to ‘act as a restraint,’ unscriptural practices began to creep into Christian worship. (2 Thessalonians 2:6) Among them was infant baptism. But infant baptism did not become the rule until the fifth century. Thus a fierce debate took place in history. Christ of course, left us a model to follow closely. 1 Pet. 2:21 In fact, “whoever is not . . . coming after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 9:23; 14:27) One should disown oneself, which means one would give up the ownership of oneself and, instead, give oneself to God as his slave, taking up the doing of God’s will. Down to the very end that is what Jesus did, as he expressed it again and again during that last night on the Mount of Olives: “Not as I will, but as you will.” “Not what I want, but what you want.” “Not my will, but yours take place.” Matt. 26:39, 42; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42 Baptism in Jesus’ case though, was not to symbolize his repentance of sins against the law covenant as he had no sin, and neither is it such in our case. Baptism of Jesus was not for remission of Adamic sins and neither is it such with us. With both Jesus and his followers since Pentecost baptism in water is a symbol of dedication, a confirmatory sign visible to others that testifies to them that the one being baptized has given himself to Almighty God and Jesus to do their will, cost what it may. Today, as in times past, infants many times die before being baptized but they wouldn't be condemned for not being baptized. In fact, I believe that practically everyone that's died, eventhough they were never baptized will be given a chance to choose to serve God or not. “he who has died has been acquitted from his sin.” (Rom. 6:7) And Acts 24:15, says: “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." And these unrighteous doesn't mean willfully wicked, already judged such. John 5:28,29 affirms saying,"Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment." They will then be judged on what they learn and choose. Most don't believe this way since they believe that salvation is only a heavenly salvation. But the Bible clearly shows us that the earth was made for man to live on forever. 2 Peter 3:13 tell us that there will be a "new earth" or a new righteous human society. Tara1 |