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NASB | Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 6:3 Or are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? |
Subject: Do you have to be baptized to be saved? |
Bible Note: It seems we're being just a little hasty to conclude this topic when the Bible has so much more to say about the matter. Among them: 1 Pet 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. I agree with you in that some verses in the Bible SEEM to give support to your conclusion but when one does a thorough and complete search for every verse on this subject, it appears the Bible is in conflict but we all know that can't be. So rather than take a chance or gamble on those verses that seem vague in contrast to all the others that clearly state baptism is required like that above, I would recommend an attitude of "erring on the side of caution." What does that phrase mean? When we get to Heaven after being baptized into God's family, we can then ask God and if He says "No, there was no need for you to be baptized to be a christian, that's just a confirmation after the fact." as you've stated in your post. But on the other hand, IF it is correct like I'm saying that Christ does expect us to humble ourselves and get ourselves baptized in total submission to His Last Will and Testament, then all those who approach Judgment Day without that qualification are undone and unprepared. God just might say something like "I warned you that you would be judged by My Son's Words and He told you to repent and be baptized." Given these two scenarios, emphasizing it's Judgment Day and no turning back, which side would you want to make an error? Please be assured there is a tremendous multitude of folks throughout the world who believe just this way. Blessings to you. Country Girl |