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NASB | Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 6:4 We have therefore been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory and power of the Father, we too might walk habitually in newness of life [abandoning our old ways]. |
Subject: Isn't this verse saying that we rise to |
Bible Note: Greetings Referg! Thanks for the response my friend! You never did specify which version of the Bible you are reading! May I ask which one? 1) Concerning John 3:5, the word baptism does not appear anywhere in the Greek text. No form of the word occurs until v. 22, which is outside of the discoure and is found in a narrative passage describing the fact that both Jesus and John did some baptizing in the countryside. So, the question revolves around what does 'born of water' mean. To say that it refers to baptism means that one must bring in a word which is not found in the text neither is there any other verse which says that one must be baptized to be saved. However, physical birth and spiritual birth are contrasted and compared in this passage. The words themselves are actually in the text. So, to say that John 3:5 refers to physical birth and spiritual birth makes more sense in the context and does not require one to bring in concepts or words which are simply not found in the passage. 2) Finally, you said: "Without baptism we don't recieve the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the life giver, the Spirit of Truth. Can the Holy Spirit live in a body that has not died to sin, certainly not." Yet, Acts 10:44 says: " While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 ‘‘Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days." Here we see individuals who receive the gift of the Holy Spirit before they have been baptized in water. In fact, the reason Peter gives for baptizing them is that they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, according to Scripture, one can receive the Holy Spirit without being baptized in water. Further, this also demonstrates that Acts 2:38 has been misinterpreted by those who want to add baptism as a requirement for salvation. If Acts 2:38 is teaching that one must be baptism to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, then Peter lied because in Acts 10:45 they received the gift of the Holy Spirit prior to water baptism. Fortunately for us, Peter did not lie. We simply haven't properly understood the grammar of Acts 2:38. The command to repent is plural. The phrase 'for the forgivess of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit' is plural. Thus, these two are connected grammatically. However, the command to 'be baptized' is singular and cannot be connected grammatically to the plural phrases which follow it. Rather, it is a parenthetical statement which interrupts the flow of the sentence. The Scriptures are clear that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works. There is only one 'work' which God requires and that is that we believe in Him. All other works come as a result of salvation and are in no way requirements for salvation. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |