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NASB | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. [Ezek 36:25-27] |
Subject: What does Scripture mean by no works? |
Bible Note: Tim, I've not had time to get to your question. I hope to do so by Wednesday. I haven't drawn any firm conclusion on the matter of baptism and its relation to salvation. There are usages in the NT (Titus 3.5, for ex.) which indicate that baptism may simply be emblematic of a regeneration, a "washing" that has already taken place when we first repent and believe, in essence a ritual more cermonial than effectual (the salvation of the thief on the cross is a commonly cited case in point). On the other hand, I'm equally unconviced that baptism is optional as Jesus Christ Himself performed it on others and also linked it to salvation in Mark 16.16. Baptism may not be categorically mandatory (thief on the cross), but obligatory when we are able to receive it. I think we can agree that Faith itself is a work in progress (Rom 1.17), so we must therefore also perform (work) those things which bring about the "obedience of faith". (Rom 1.5; 16.26). In order to reconcile these opposing postions, the debate must lead to apparently irreconcileable differences between the Roman Catholic and Protestant views of salvation. I'm not sure, however, that these are so far apart as they are made out to be: the Holy Sprit is working mightily in in both camps, as far as I can tell. It would help me a lot if you could tell me how you interpret these verses: "...when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1Pe 3:20-21) Do you think Peter is referring here specifically to physical baptism, or to a Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Colin |