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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]. |
Bible Question:
May I ask a question... (I guess I may since I'm asking :) ) 'What commandments do we need to obey? Just those which seem right or all of them? Does not a person obtain his reward by obeying ALL His commandments; baptism included?' When you say 'obtain his reward', is that reward salvation? When I say salavation, I mean being born again (born from above). Thanks |
Bible Answer: Greetings Mbooker! Actually, you asked four questions! :-) Concerning your questions my friend, Scripture is quite clear that salvation is a gift. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Eph. 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith?and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God? 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." This is an essential part of the Gospel which we must understand. We cannot earn salvation by doing anything, nor can we keep salvation by doing anything. If we could, salvation would no longer be a gift but a wage. This is exactly the point which Paul makes about Abraham in Rom. 4. Consider the following passage: "What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about?but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? ??Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.? 4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." So, Paul is very clear that any attempt to earn salvation by works would turn the gift of God into a wage earned, not a gift offered and received. Does this mean that we do not have to obey the commands of Christ? No! We are commanded to do certain things as Christians. These things include, but are not limited to: 1) Loving one another. 2) Praying for one another. 3) Being witnesses. 4) Studying God's Word. 5) Fellowshipping together. 6) Being baptized. However, these 'works' are to be done because we are saved, not to get saved (nor to keep salvation). Salvation is entirely by grace through faith. This is an important distinction because Paul made it clear in Galatians that any attempt to add 'works' to salvation makes the Gospel another gospel - a false gospel. He said: ********************************************** Galatians 2:15-3:12 ??We who are Jews by birth and not ?Gentile sinners? 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. 17 ??If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!? Faith or Observance of the Law 3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so much for nothing?if it really was for nothing? 5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? 6 Consider Abraham: ??He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.? 7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ??All nations will be blessed through you.? 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: ??Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.? 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, ??The righteous will live by faith.? 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, ??The man who does these things will live by them.? " ********************************************* This is why so many on this forum so faithfully oppose any attempt to add 'works' as a requirement for salvation, because Scripture is quite clear that we cannot earn it or deserve it. I hope this answers your questions my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |