Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 10:9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. |
Subject: Who can Baptize you? Does it matter? |
Bible Note: VenturesFan1, you wrote, "True Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship" - and rightly so. However, you also wrote: "I wonder if by religion, you mean Christian denominations or do you mean another religion such as Islam, Judaism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc?" Don't forget that Christianity is NOT the only "religion" which refers to theirs as "a relationship". Judaism, for one example, also makes that claim. And, like Christianity, Judaism also ISN"T a religion (at least to the Jews) – it is, as many Moslems will declare about their faith, a way of life. And speaking of baptism - Judaism's "mikvah" (ritual bath), is used to convert Goys (gentiles)to Judaism. Their "baptism" is perhaps the most like John the Baptist's. It, as an outward expression of a spiritual commitment, began in Exodus 19:10. Thousands of years later, for a man or woman to convert to Judaism, they first must become "born again" through their mikvah. With the eyes and lips as though they were in the womb (neither closed tight, nor opened wide) the "new convert" is immerged naked to allow all of the body to "benefit" from the water touching every part. Note: modesty is not compromised, as an aide of the same sex will shield the congregation’s view of the participant. The fingers and toes are spread. No fingernail polish, lipstick, or done-up hair is allowed. The feet are not allowed to touch the bottom, in order to position the body into a “fetal” posture. Unlike the Christian's one baptism, the Jews often partake of mikvah, e.g. before a wedding, Shabbat, Yom Kippur, etc. My point? Please, be careful not to conclude that "our way" is unique. While, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ IS unique - EVERY “religion” can "prove" that theirs is the "only one". Just ask any of my strict, by-the-book-Mormon cousins. ;-) Seeing I still have some mishpachah (family) who call themselves Jewish … Judaism, for example, DOES NOT believe that salvation is "earned" through good works. “Good works” is merely the “result” of their faith. The sad part is each one can, with Scripture, prove their dogma. Maybe that’s why it’s more important how we live than what we say. Shalom aleichem, Taleb |